front wheel wobble
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
BECAUSE YOU HAVE SOMETHING WRONG SOMEWHERE ! ! !
Could be a tire, a wheel, wheel bearings, forks, shocks, head bearings. Whatever it is, you need to have it diagnosed and FIXED before you do any more riding. There's literally nothing between you and SUDDEN DEATH, but your wheels and tires. If the front end fails, you're history!
Could be a tire, a wheel, wheel bearings, forks, shocks, head bearings. Whatever it is, you need to have it diagnosed and FIXED before you do any more riding. There's literally nothing between you and SUDDEN DEATH, but your wheels and tires. If the front end fails, you're history!
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
define wobble, the better you can describe what you experience, the better the comments
first checks are tread, balance and PSI ( low psi is a common cause of complaints- most touring models take 36 F and 40 R- but check your manual) tire service life maxes at about 6 years, no matter the tread.
be aware that on a hydraglide type fork, the rake and trail change when the suspension is compressing. so there is a dynamic change as you go through a curve. Speed adjustments also cause weight to shift fore and aft.
common technique is to adjust speed ( slow) on the approach to a corner, apply power through and accelerate on the exit.
a front end that is dancing around can be settled by light brake application
2.) aerodynamics.
the ground effect and wind currents affect the batwing fairing differently. riding canyons, it is possible to have updrafts hit the fairing and make riding interesting.
when leaned over, the lower side of the fairing may get more force from the ground effect air pushed away by the fairing hits the ground, causing a 'cushion' on that side- a higher pressure zone than on the other side of the fairing
our fairings are strapped to the forks, so that becomes "steering input".
so, riding is an experience balancing dynamics- if something in your technique is not adapting to these changes- a rider course can help you think through them.
you should also get an assurance that the mechanical condition of your ride is correct.
problems with the rear and drivetrain alignment affect the front
mike
first checks are tread, balance and PSI ( low psi is a common cause of complaints- most touring models take 36 F and 40 R- but check your manual) tire service life maxes at about 6 years, no matter the tread.
be aware that on a hydraglide type fork, the rake and trail change when the suspension is compressing. so there is a dynamic change as you go through a curve. Speed adjustments also cause weight to shift fore and aft.
common technique is to adjust speed ( slow) on the approach to a corner, apply power through and accelerate on the exit.
a front end that is dancing around can be settled by light brake application
2.) aerodynamics.
the ground effect and wind currents affect the batwing fairing differently. riding canyons, it is possible to have updrafts hit the fairing and make riding interesting.
when leaned over, the lower side of the fairing may get more force from the ground effect air pushed away by the fairing hits the ground, causing a 'cushion' on that side- a higher pressure zone than on the other side of the fairing
our fairings are strapped to the forks, so that becomes "steering input".
so, riding is an experience balancing dynamics- if something in your technique is not adapting to these changes- a rider course can help you think through them.
you should also get an assurance that the mechanical condition of your ride is correct.
problems with the rear and drivetrain alignment affect the front
mike
Last edited by mkguitar; May 12, 2014 at 04:41 PM. Reason: corrected psi for F&R ooops
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,504
Likes: 12
From: DOWN SOUTH
Put it in the air and start shaking stuff! Air pressure, fall away swing test, wheel bearings and most important GET THE MANUAL!! The most important investment that you can make for your sled.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 105
Likes: 0
From: colorado
BECAUSE YOU HAVE SOMETHING WRONG SOMEWHERE ! ! !
Could be a tire, a wheel, wheel bearings, forks, shocks, head bearings. Whatever it is, you need to have it diagnosed and FIXED before you do any more riding. There's literally nothing between you and SUDDEN DEATH, but your wheels and tires. If the front end fails, you're history!
Could be a tire, a wheel, wheel bearings, forks, shocks, head bearings. Whatever it is, you need to have it diagnosed and FIXED before you do any more riding. There's literally nothing between you and SUDDEN DEATH, but your wheels and tires. If the front end fails, you're history!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 8,907
Likes: 69
From: Wesley Chapel Fl.
Absolutely....Agreed JR
Trending Topics
Banned
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 257
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, CA
-- And I check tire pressure every time I start a ride. If I'm on a multi-day tour, I check every morning, along with the pressure in the rear suspension and the oil level. Pretty much like a visual inspection of an airplane before you taxi out on the runway.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
mike
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post