Road King wobble
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 895
Likes: 27
From: Outside Dover, OH
This phenomena is inherent to all motorcycles, not just HD baggers. First happened to me back in '70 on a 650 Yamaha. The problem isn't serious............it's DEADLY! If you have the time/skill use the info on this board to troubleshoot the problem, but do it immediately. If you're unable, take it to a reputable shop or trade in the bike. Under certain conditions, this problem is completely uncontrollable has has killed the very BEST of riders.
spokes
Checked out the road king and the rear wheel spokes are all loose, some I can wiggle with my hand.What is the best way to tighten them, I have a spoke wrench.Should the wheel be removed or can this be done with it on the bike.If I put the bike up on my bike jack and then doing one at a time 1/4 turn each all the way around till they each have the same sound when tapped on or should they be done like lug nuts and tighten one then go half way around and do the next till they are all tight?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The correct way is to remove the wheel and tyre, as not only do you need to tighten the spokes, but also true the wheel, so the rim is running around in a circle and in the correct plane. Then any protruding spoke ends need to be filed off, before refitting tyre and tube. If both wheels have loose spokes, they both need the same treatment. Consider finding a local wheel builder to do it for you, or you may be messing around for a long time!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 6,191
Likes: 2,419
From: USA
You had the rear tire replaced and now the spokes are loose on the rear wheel. I would be suspicious of the coincidence.
I would be cautious about simply re tightening the spokes as I suspect they may be badly stretched and now weakened.
I would be cautious about simply re tightening the spokes as I suspect they may be badly stretched and now weakened.
Banned
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 11,232
Likes: 16
From: Socialist Republic of the USA
Now that you have concluded that the spokes are the culprit I highly recommend checking out the hub. Last time I had this issue my rear hub was shot and needed to be replaced. Hence no mo spokes for me. Glad you found it!!!
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 703
Likes: 0
From: poof
Glad you found the problem. I think you might do the dealer well by letting him know that you found loose spokes 300 mi after a tire change. Not as an accusation, just to let him know what you found. It may be a new guy that needs more training.
I will diffently let the dealer know, the service writer sold me the bike new.My problem is they are over 50 mi. away so when a issue comes up unless I can ride it there I would have to use a trailer, and if you see my bike on a trailer call a cop cuz its being stolen!
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 678
Likes: 1
From: LA
If you can accept the change of look ... and it really does not matter because the wheel is hidden by the bags ... it would actually been cheaper to resolve this issue by sticking a cast allow wheel on the back.
Think about a Fat Boy (solid) or an Airstrike (slotted).
Easier to keep clean and no maintenance.
You'll find many on Ebay and at breaker yards. You want a 3.00 x 16" with a 1" axle. You can swop 25mm bearings for 1" bearings if necessary.
Spoke wheels are worth dropping IMHO, at least on the rear, because eventually the rims will rust out too.
I doubt the previous dealer did anything to your wheel.
Think about a Fat Boy (solid) or an Airstrike (slotted).
Easier to keep clean and no maintenance.
You'll find many on Ebay and at breaker yards. You want a 3.00 x 16" with a 1" axle. You can swop 25mm bearings for 1" bearings if necessary.
Spoke wheels are worth dropping IMHO, at least on the rear, because eventually the rims will rust out too.
I doubt the previous dealer did anything to your wheel.