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[RKUC]

I recently purchased a 2008 Screamin Eagle Softail Springer and it just doesn't seem to ride right.  It's only modifications are a Mustang seat and V&H Big Radius exhaust.  I've put a few hundred miles on it so far, and it's been somewhat unwieldy from the start.  When I come to a stop, it takes effort to keep it upright (more than I'm used to).  When I take off in a turn (right or left), it seems clumsy and awkward, something is just wrong.  It's as if it were overly top-heavy and/or somewhat off balance.  Yesterday, riding a modest curve, it understeered, placing me in the next lane over, and when I tried leaning more into it to get back on track, it felt as if it wanted to slide out from under me.  I don't know what's going on, I've ridden all my life and never felt this experience.  I have no confidence in this bikes ability to bite and manage the road, and I don't think it's the model.  I rode this exact same model, same everything except no modifications a few years back and it rode just fine, sure-footed and smooth.  I'm thinking someone sold me their problem, but what could it be?  How can I tell if the forks are the problem?  What else could cause this?  This was my dream bike but I'm starting to hate it.

Any ideas will be greatly appreciated.

[bad00serg]

My bet is new tires are in order. It should ride no differently from any other bike. 

[RKUC]

Actually, I think I have found the problem... and you are close.  I bought the bike with a new set of tires already installed.  I believe whoever replaced the tires failed to properly align the rear wheel.  This would explain ALL the issues I'm having.  I'll be checking my belt adjustment and wheel alignment this coming weekend.  I'm guessing my rear wheel is as much as 1/4" off.. or worse.  "Things I would have known to check, if this were not my first Harley." 

[gmeikle]

Good luck with the rear wheel realignment.

let us know how you go with that.

[RKUC]

Not good.  The rear wheel alignment was spot on.  This leads me to believe the trouble is with the front fork alignment.  It makes sense though.. someone once told me, "if it feels like the problem is in the rear, it's in the front, and visa versa."  I'm not sure if I want to try and tackle this myself or trust the dealer?  I have the service manual, suppliment and even the parts manual, but have never torn down and rebuilt a springer fork.  But then, has anyone at the dealership?  It could be a simple adjustment, the head bearing, the rockers, etc.  And it might be a good idea to totally disasemble and put back together, who knows if the previous owner ever serviced the forks?  If anyone knows of a serious, experienced Springer man in Texas, please let me know.  Thanks

[bad00serg]

How many miles on the bike?

[RKUC]

Just under 12,000.  I got it from up North.  As I understand it, the original owner lived in Ohio, he passed and willed it to his nephew in Kentucky.  It was then titled 02/07/23 with 11,304 miles.  The nephew then sold it to the dealer I got it from (Illinois) on 05/06/24 with 11,666 miles.  I purchased it 10/23/24 with 11,701 miles on it.  Judging from the wear on the undersides of the pegs, the original owner knew how to ride (well scraped).  I'm guessing it never had it's 10,000 mile fork checkup, and may have never had fork serviced at all?  I know this is long winded, but I'm determined to get this bike right.  I've replaced the Mustang seat with an OEM saddle and interested in OEM pipes, if I can find some in excellent condition.  Mainly though, I need to get it handling safely.  Any ideas you might have are most welcome.

[bad00serg]

I'd still put new tires on it before I let someone mess with the springer front end. 

[DarkEagle]

fact it is unsteady at a stop & taking off in a turn sounds like something is off with the fork or front wheel. Have you had the dealer you bought it from check it out, or have you tried having the bike on a stand where the front forks are hanging to see how well it turns side to side?

Considering the low mileage, either lack of or improper service to the forks might have messed up the frame fork or wheel bearings from turning smoothly & without any slack; either dry, not tightened to spec, and/or not seated correctly.

Also, make sure your fork lock is not interfering also. Of course having all moving parts of the springer fork assembly is critical also.

If it was only while rolling, I would question the tires, seem to remember issues with the OEM Dunlops, besides having revised front tire because the tread went the wrong direction some would prematurely start cupping you said yours are new. I switched to Avon Cobra’s & they ride smoother & respond better to the tar snake patches on the asphalt & other variances on the road.

Good luck… ✌️

[RKUC]

It's got a fairly new set of Metzlers, I don't think it's the tires.  My next step is to check the head bearing adjustment.  Then again, it might be best to just put her in the shop (Cowboys Harley) and have them diagnose the issue.  I spoke with a service writer today and the mentioned it might also be the bushing to the rear swing arm.  And then there's the main springs, they looked sprung to me.  I don't know if that's normal or if something is bent or otherwise out of shape.

[gmeikle]

The springs on my 2008 look kinda like yours do.

I have rebuilt my front end myself, fairly technically easy once off the bike. You need a Spring compressor tool, not too expensive.

there were good youtube videos at the time showing how. 2 guys stateside. If I can I will post the link to this thread.

I also had correspondence to Australia at the time with another guy stateside who had a bench jig to measure and straighten springer front ends.

A from home mechanic type of dude, who helped me heaps.

They do like good head bearings and well greased, with adjustment critical. I grease every 4,000 K's oil change. Grease is cheap as chips (fries to you fellows !)

It's all just labour intensive. And you have to be CAREFUL

[RKUC]

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[gmeikle]

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/general-harley-davidson-chat/1163967-straighten-a-springer.html

This is the guy I corresponded with a few years back after bending my Springer against the BMW of a newly arrived migrant to Australia ( with no insurance !!)

He was very helpful to me at the time, although me being in Australia there was no way I could post a Springer front end to him and return.

[gmeikle]

For the strip and rebuild

[RKUC]

Is this normal, or a symptom of the problem?  (part one) In the provided photo, note how the springer fork head on the left side has less than 1/2" gap between it and the rigid fork.