To expand on some of the other questions/comments and your questions.

I will apologize in advance - responding via my iPhone app...while working...so forgive any mistakes or lack of focus.


While not the biggest problem, an inconvenience that I have in troubleshooting this issue is the lack of a 'helper', and not having access to all the necessary tools/equipment to simplify the process. There are some mechanical tasks that are a pain to do alone...but they can be accomplished. This process almost demands someone else on-site to assist. Also, while I have a table lift and a couple of roll-around bike jacks, neither serves well to allow for the alignment process...as they are in the way of parts that need a line of sight.
- I am going to need to cut some wood blocks down to support the bike that better fit the lower frame rails.
- I'm also going to need to get some 'plumb bob' supplies.


As far as the way the bike feels, or to try to better describe the problem.

- The bike MOSTLY handles remarkably on side roads, when speeds are below approx 65MPH. Steering is crisp, and tracking seems to be good. Although, even in the 50-60MPH range I can feel a bit of 'waggle' in (what feels like) the rear-end over severely rutted/grooved pavement.

Once I get up to highway speeds (65MPH or so) the game kinda changes. The bike rides fine over smooth pavement in a straight line. But, when crossing uneven lanes, encountering grooved pavement or riding on 'rutted'/'wavy' road it gets squirly.

To define:
- Uneven lanes: Parallel lanes that were poured/laid at different time and have slightly differing elevation.
- Grooved pavement: any subtle markings from roadwork/maintenance.
- Rutted/Wavy lanes: when the center of a lane is higher than the 'tire tracks' from heavy traffic.

When, mostly at speed, I encounter these type of road conditions the bike has an odd combination of feedback.

From rider input...any small amount of movement applied to the bars seems to get the bike unsettled. A quick (very slight) left/right knock to the bars makes the bike feel top-heavy and exaggerated.

Rider feedback (from bike): this is really odd...the rear can feel loose and seems to take longer than necessary to cross any of the type of pavement described above. It's unsettled and throws a wobble into the bars. Again, it just feels exaggerated.

I really don't expect the bike to handle like the CBR or YZF-R sportbikes I've had...but I think that when encountering these type of roads, the transition should be more 'crisp', and should not give a feeling of instability.

 

Jumpman, a passing thought - what pressures are you using in your Avon tyres? They should be a bit higher than in the owners manual. They should be 38F/44R for your Cobras. If you are using stock pressures that may explain some of your problems.

 

I run about 42PSI in both...and have checked it regularly.

Low pressure would totally explain it, and would be SO much easier.

But, that said, a close (not exact) comparison of current handling characteristics would be to a low-pressure rear tire.

 

You're a bit high up front and a little low at the rear. If you are heavy that could be a contributing factor. It's worth trying pressures corrected to those I quoted (direct from Avon's website). If you are heavy add an extra couple of psi to the rear, say 46psi.

When touring, loaded up with Mrs B and the kitchen sink, I use 42F/50R.

 

I will try it sir.

From my riding experience though, the slight variance from spec would not result in the type of handling issue I'm dealing with. This is more like if I were running like 15PSI in the rear. Quite sloppy.

 

Noticed that you are running air ride shocks with no pressure in them right now, yes?

Not sure if these are stock Harley units or not, but even if they aren't, having a spongy rear suspension is not helping the situation.

If they are stock Harley air shocks, throw them in the trash bin. Now. Their stock air shocks are only suitable for keeping the fender off the rear tire, IMHO.

With the amount of suspension work you've done to the front, I'm guessing you've not forgotten about the rear though...

*Still scratching head...*

Shane

 

Sorry if my original post was confusing...the reference to the shocks having 'no pressure' was meant at the time of the photos showing the difference between frame & swingarm.

I have two different shock set-ups that I can run.

I have a set of Progressive Suspension coilover shocks (440's) and the Gabriel shocks that (currently installed) allow for full rear air-ride with my on-board compressor.

- both set-ups result in similar handling issues.

 

Just venting here...

I think my high level of frustration with this issue is that I have literally been through pretty much the entire suspension/driveline/powertrain.

I like to think (but don't we all) I am pretty savvy in regards to mechanical & technical problems...and I try to research and make educated decisions when I'm working on the bike.

This just shouldn't be happening...

I would totally take it to a dealer if I had any confidence whatsoever that they could solve the problem. But I don't feel that they could resolve it any better than I can...and I would just end-up paying for a ton of labor and end-up with the same result.

 

You've done an awful lot of upgrades to your bike to improve ride and handling, so it is likely we are chasing something small, yet significant. It will be a while before I get my ole lady back on the road, when I may just be in a similar position and can compare notes.

My ride will also include: a CCE forks kit, fabrik8r's modified Intiminators and Race Tech springs in the forks, an SG front wheel with Brembo brakes up front; at the rear a 2007 swingarm, True-Track stabiliser, Ohlins shocks, Deuce wheel and 160 tyre, plus Brembo brake. Tyres are Cobra front Storm rear.

 

Yep. I know from other threads that we are going in a similar directions regarding suspension set-up. I'm anxious to see how yours works out.

I agree that is is likely something small, yet important on mine...

Hopefully I will find that something soon.