21" spoke and the ride

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Apr 28, 2014 | 01:12 AM

cweiss

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,022

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From: Greensboro NC

21" spoke and the ride

OK little history on the bike. 07 FLHX that was purchased used with 3800 miles on the clock in March of 2012. Bike is at 15K now

Bike was wearing PM 18" wheels front and rear. I forget the tire size but it gave a ride like the bike was on rails. Loved it.

I since sold the PM's and went with a stock 16" rear and a 21" Ultima King spoke. I feel like something just is not right.

I have put a few hundred miles on the new bike with the metzeler 120/70/21 and I cant get comfortable on the bike...

It follows the tar snakes in the road, when I cross a stripe in the road or change lanes I get a side to side wobble, and I felt some pretty good vibration at times on my ride yesterday. (200-250 miles)

I have not changed anything as far as suspension.
The tire is balanced and tubed (had a flat after it was initially installed)

Where do I look next other than selling this off and going to a stock or non spoke wheel?

any opinions or suggestions appreciated. Thanks!

Apr 28, 2014 | 02:27 AM

bikehunter

Tourer

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 331

Likes: 9

From: Hampshire UK

You have changed the wheel sizes and they sometimes act like that. My RK has 16" rear and 18" front. Before the front wheel change, it was awful, any ruts or ridges in the road the bike would do the same as yours. I rode a Victory with 18" front and back and it was really good. Also the swing arm may have some play in the rubbers on touring machines and the wider wheel will make it seem worse.
I now a stabilizer on the bike and have yet to try it.

Apr 28, 2014 | 04:40 PM

cweiss

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,022

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From: Greensboro NC

Any other suggestions on where to start looking

Apr 28, 2014 | 05:30 PM

Hogpro

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Joined: Aug 2005

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What tire pressure are you running in the front?

Apr 28, 2014 | 05:35 PM

cweiss

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2008

Posts: 1,022

Likes: 70

From: Greensboro NC

gotta check but I think 40psi

Apr 28, 2014 | 05:46 PM

Hogpro

Former Sponsor

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Depending on which Metzeler you have (one is 42 max PSI, the other is 50 max PSI) You might not have enough air in it. What is the max PSI listed on the sidewall of the tire?

Apr 28, 2014 | 06:20 PM

bikerlaw

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2007

Posts: 9,193

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From: Richmond, VA

Maybe lower the front 1-1.5 inches and level out the bike. The 21 is going to be a lot taller than the 16 rear. I installed Progressives drop in kit. $100 and no big deal to install. And of course (as mentioned), check and TRY different tire pressures. Something that simple can make a HUGE difference.