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Front wheel wobble

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by bluto, Jul 10, 2007.

  1. bluto

    bluto New Member

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    I have an 02 fatboy and just finished a 500+ mile run and have developed a wobble in the front end when I let go of the handle bars at high speeds. any ideas what I should look at to rectify this. It just seems to have started on this last trip. it has 17,000+ miles on it and I don't know the history of bike before the 14,000 mile mark.
    bluto, Jul 10, 2007
    #1
  3. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

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    I am not a mechanic.... one of the first things I would look at is wheel balance and allignment. Also, with 17K on the bike, if this is the factory stock tire, you may consider just changing it....I have right at 20K and it is getting changed this week.....it would be balanced at that time. If rubber is in good shape, you may just need to take the wheel in and have it balanced. If that is good, then I am sure someone else will have more ideas!!!
    AFNurse, Jul 10, 2007
    #2
  4. ringo912

    ringo912 Active Member

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    It's probably the tire/wheel, but you might want to check the stearing head bearing for proper adjustment also. The manual shows how to do it.
    ringo912, Jul 10, 2007
    #3
  5. Red Rider

    Red Rider Well-Known Member

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    I had a similar symptom when I screwed up and let my front fork oil pressure drop too low.
    Red Rider, Jul 10, 2007
    #4
  6. 2fastnaz

    2fastnaz Moderator

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    Aslo check your triple clamp and make sure it's tight. One side even a tiny bit shorter will give you issues.
    2fastnaz, Jul 10, 2007
    #5
  7. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    If you ask an H-D shop, they will tell you you're not supposed to let go of the bars.......problem fixed. :eek: Sorry, I've heard that too many times.....check the things mentioned by the guys here, I'm sure it will be one of those things. Good luck, and let us know how you make out.
    voodoochild, Jul 10, 2007
    #6
  8. AFNurse

    AFNurse Moderator Staff Member

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    I was actually thinking of stating that....don't let go!!! Problem solved, but figured that was being a smart a$$:roflmao:
    AFNurse, Jul 10, 2007
    #7
  9. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    Don't you know by now AF.....I AM a smart ass!! :roflmao: :D but I try to be a helpful smartass!
    voodoochild, Jul 10, 2007
    #8
  10. FlynDutchman

    FlynDutchman New Member

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    FlynDutchman, Jul 10, 2007
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  11. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    Just went through this on my daughter's bike , added about 4-5 lbs of air & good to go , new tire about 1k miles on it
    :cool:
    cowboy, Jul 10, 2007
    #10
  12. Clem

    Clem New Member

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    Do the popsicle stick test on your spokes....that is, if that '02 Fatboy has a spoked front wheel ;)

    Bill C.
    Clem, Jul 11, 2007
    #11
  13. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    I was thinking the same, don't let go.

    Front end wobbles come from different places

    If the rear tire is out of alignment or low on tread/air it can cause it.

    Same for front tire, bad tread, belts etc.

    I would check alignment and pressure of tires as well as remaining tread.

    If you didn't get a 10K service then it's time to get it looked at, if you can do the service yourself great if not get it done by a competent shop indy or HD>
    hotroadking, Jul 11, 2007
    #12
  14. voodoochild

    voodoochild New Member

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    voodoochild, Jul 11, 2007
    #13
  15. Shadows

    Shadows New Member

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    Had same problem with the Heritage - all the notes here - tyre pressures and head bolt adjustment /tightening is the way to go - process of trial and error. Happened to mine at low speeds only - under 30 mph - and yep !! - sure does it when you let go the bars to light a smoke.
    Shadows, Jul 11, 2007
    #14
  16. ironhorse

    ironhorse Active Member

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    another is is it a wobble or a hop or both, a wobble is the above items a hop is another like balance or spokes, maybe bad tire.
    ironhorse, Jul 11, 2007
    #15

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