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[3hawgs]

On my 04 SEEG, I get a high speed wobble from 80 mph + (especially exaggerated by grooved surfaces starting at 60mph).
I just checked my steering head bearings and steering fall away and found that they are too tight (only makes 2 swings not 3). According to the service manual, too tight will "adversely affect the bike's ability to absorb a weave". I am going to loosen the adjustment and see if this helps. The bike has 13k miles and they have never been adjusted so I was suprised to find that the adjustment was tight and not loose. If this doesn't correct it then I am switching to Metzeler ME 880's as I know the Dunlop D402 likes tracking grooves.

Has anyone else found their head bearing adjustment too tight and if so did loosening help the handling?

Thanks -
John

[DCFIREMANN]

On my 04 SEEG, I get a high speed wobble from 80 mph + (especially exaggerated by grooved surfaces starting at 60mph).
I just checked my steering head bearings and steering fall away and found that they are too tight (only makes 2 swings not 3). According to the service manual, too tight will "adversely affect the bike's ability to absorb a weave". I am going to loosen the adjustment and see if this helps. The bike has 13k miles and they have never been adjusted so I was suprised to find that the adjustment was tight and not loose. If this doesn't correct it then I am switching to Metzeler ME 880's as I know the Dunlop D402 likes tracking grooves.

Has anyone else found their head bearing adjustment too tight and if so did loosening help the handling?

Thanks -
John

After 13k miles bearings loosen up not tighten up. Per the book 1.5 to 2.5 swings. How long have you had this high speed wobble? You may have other issues IE: vehicle allignment, loose picnh bolts, bad tire wear, Broken motor mount, Loose or broken piviot shaft mount. Has the dealer addressed this problem???

Really at two swings this should not be a problem. Look very close at your front motor mount.

Be Safe

THE DAWG

[Boatman]

On my 05, the handlebars only make 1 swing.  I believe it is because the clutch, throttle, and front brake lines/cables aren't letting the front end swing free.  It is perfectly level on the stand.  Since I put the ME880's on 1,000 miles ago, they are one of the best things I have done.  They do not track grooves, can change from different road surfaces and levels of surfaces with no problem, handle better, and ride better even though they require more air pressure.  I would not loosen the head bearings if it were mine.  Make sure they are greased well, if never greased, will take a 1/2 tube of grease.

[hd-dude]

In order to properly check the fall away for the neck bearings all of the cables and wiring should be removed from the handle bars so that they do not impead travel. I agree with Dawg that they would not tighten over time but loosen. Did you remove all cable prior to doing the check?

[3hawgs]

I have not checked it with the cables disconnected. I have always checked it that way in the past on Softails and Dyna's but the Service Manual does not call for having to remove anything on the Electra unless you have aftermarket accessories installed on the bars such as GPS. The service manual seems pretty adament about 2 swings not being enough.

I am going to grease it today and recheck it and see if that helps any. I have checked rear wheel alignment and I have checked front and rear wheel and tire runout and all is OK there.

I really appreciate all you guys ideas and suggestions.

Thanks - John