I rode my new Roadglide 150 miles home today from the dealership. When I was slowing down to a stoplight I took both hands off the bars to adjust the helmet Nebraska made me wear & had a terrible wobble in the front end. There was a cross wind that may have had an effect on the wobble. I lifted both hands at 65 with the cruise on with absolutly no problem. I had them install a chrome front end so I thought there may have been a problem there. Any & all thoughts will be appreciated. I will be calling the dealer tomorrow. Other than the wobble I LOVED THIS BIKE, man am I happy I got the Roadglide instead of the Streetglide.
Front End Wobble on RG/Service Bulletins
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3,265 Posts
Steering Head Bolt is loose... Or your front tire aint worth a crap! Theres more of this accuring everywhere I read. Either the Factory is not adjusting something somewhere, when this part of manufactoring the bike is at that point in the assembly line, or the Dunlop is a Flop! Got to be one of the two. or maybe both! I wouldnt think it would be both, but its one or the other. Stay in touch.
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1,256 Posts
Yes please let us know what the MOC says. I noticed this on an on ramp headed to Daytona this year. Forgot to connect the strap on my helmet before taking off. So I reached up to do it and decided it was not the best thing to do. Never had this issue on other bikes.
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4,285 Posts
I talked to the MOCO today & was told to stop back in since the factory doesn't let them set the steering head until the customer complains about the flop. He said it was a 20 min job & it was safe to ride WITHOUT letting go of the handelbars. He also told me to avoid wheelies & jumping off ramps. I told him I could probably contain myself. It really sounded like it was not really a big issue. I did try to get it to flop at hwy speed with no flop at all.
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3,265 Posts
When I got mine tightened up,adjusted, whatever... mechanic xplained how they check this. They put the bike up on a rack... drop the front end... and check the swing. Swing being how many times your front end turns to the left and then back to the rite. He said this should only happen 3 times. It should go once to the left, back to the rite, then back to the left, and stop! He also xplained to me that my front end went back and forth 6 TIMES! That kinda freaked me out!
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533 Posts
Harley issued a service bulletin (M-1246): I'll copy some of the text here.
Purpose
A revised procedure has been identified for adjusting steering
head bearings on 2009 Touring model motorcycles.
Please note this change is unique to 2009 models only and
does not affect earlier model year vehicles.
Required Dealer Action
Inform service staff of this revised procedure and follow this
method when servicing these motorcycles. Replace section
1.21 STEERING HEAD BEARINGS. Place the included
pages into all 2009 Touring Models Service Manuals (Part
No. 99483-09) that are in use in dealer service departments
as well as unsold inventory.
1. See Figure 1-37. Turn handlebar to the right fork stop to
access grease fitting at the left side of the steering head.
2. Inject Special Purpose Grease, Part No. 99857-97 until
it exits from the top and bottom of the steering head.
1. Raise the motorcycle so the front and rear wheels are
lifted the same distance from the floor.
2. Verify that motorcycle is in stock configuration. Remove
all non-factory accessories, since they can influence
front end swing momentum (and lead to improper
adjustment).
3. See Figure 1-38. Turn the front wheel to the left fork stop
and then let go. The wheel should swing from side to
side, finally stopping in the swing specified in the table
shown below. If it stops in the lesser number swing, it
should be at or after the straight-forward position.
4. If the clutch cable or main harness appears to be influencing
swing momentum, proceed as follows and repeat
the previous step:
a. Clutch cable: Disconnect clutch cable from hand
lever. Release cable from P-clamp, remove from
inner fairing, or release from cable clip on instrument
nacelle depending on model. See 2.25
CLUTCH CABLE.
b. Main harness: Remove the rivet and P-clamp to
release main harness from steering head. Secure
P-clamp with a new rivet when procedure is complete.
NOTE
A steering head that is too tight can interfere with the
vehicle's ability to absorb a weave. A steering head that is
too loose can interfere with the vehicle's ability to absorb a
wobble.
5. To correct a swing pattern, see 1.21 STEERING HEAD
BEARINGS, Adjustment.
1. Disassemble motorcycle as follows:
a. FLHR/C: Remove headlamp nacelle. See 2.47
HEADLAMP NACELLE: FLHR/C.
b. FLHX, FLHT/C/U: Remove outer fairing and radio
or storage box as equipped. See 2.37 UPPER
FAIRING AND WINDSHIELD: FLHX, FLHT/C/U
and 7.33 ADVANCED AUDIO SYSTEM respectively.
c. FLTR: Remove instrument bezel. See 2.42
INSTRUMENT BEZEL: FLTR.
2. See Figure 1-39. Loosen pinch bolts (3) on lower fork
bracket.
Purpose
A revised procedure has been identified for adjusting steering
head bearings on 2009 Touring model motorcycles.
Please note this change is unique to 2009 models only and
does not affect earlier model year vehicles.
Required Dealer Action
Inform service staff of this revised procedure and follow this
method when servicing these motorcycles. Replace section
1.21 STEERING HEAD BEARINGS. Place the included
pages into all 2009 Touring Models Service Manuals (Part
No. 99483-09) that are in use in dealer service departments
as well as unsold inventory.
1. See Figure 1-37. Turn handlebar to the right fork stop to
access grease fitting at the left side of the steering head.
2. Inject Special Purpose Grease, Part No. 99857-97 until
it exits from the top and bottom of the steering head.
1. Raise the motorcycle so the front and rear wheels are
lifted the same distance from the floor.
2. Verify that motorcycle is in stock configuration. Remove
all non-factory accessories, since they can influence
front end swing momentum (and lead to improper
adjustment).
3. See Figure 1-38. Turn the front wheel to the left fork stop
and then let go. The wheel should swing from side to
side, finally stopping in the swing specified in the table
shown below. If it stops in the lesser number swing, it
should be at or after the straight-forward position.
4. If the clutch cable or main harness appears to be influencing
swing momentum, proceed as follows and repeat
the previous step:
a. Clutch cable: Disconnect clutch cable from hand
lever. Release cable from P-clamp, remove from
inner fairing, or release from cable clip on instrument
nacelle depending on model. See 2.25
CLUTCH CABLE.
b. Main harness: Remove the rivet and P-clamp to
release main harness from steering head. Secure
P-clamp with a new rivet when procedure is complete.
NOTE
A steering head that is too tight can interfere with the
vehicle's ability to absorb a weave. A steering head that is
too loose can interfere with the vehicle's ability to absorb a
wobble.
5. To correct a swing pattern, see 1.21 STEERING HEAD
BEARINGS, Adjustment.
1. Disassemble motorcycle as follows:
a. FLHR/C: Remove headlamp nacelle. See 2.47
HEADLAMP NACELLE: FLHR/C.
b. FLHX, FLHT/C/U: Remove outer fairing and radio
or storage box as equipped. See 2.37 UPPER
FAIRING AND WINDSHIELD: FLHX, FLHT/C/U
and 7.33 ADVANCED AUDIO SYSTEM respectively.
c. FLTR: Remove instrument bezel. See 2.42
INSTRUMENT BEZEL: FLTR.
2. See Figure 1-39. Loosen pinch bolts (3) on lower fork
bracket.
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533 Posts
Here's the rest:
3. Loosen the fork stem nut (1).
4. See Figure 1-40. Fashion a bearing adjuster tool using a
drill rod 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in diameter and 16 in. (406.4
mm) long.
NOTES
● See Figure 1-39. Turning the bearing adjuster nut (2) as
little as one notch will make a noticeable difference in
the swing pattern.
● Tap forks with a rubber hammer while turning adjuster
nut to prevent forks from binding in lower bracket bores.
5. Turn bearing adjuster nut (2) as follows:
a. To decrease the number of swings, rotate nut clockwise.
b. To increase the number of swings, rotate nut counterclockwise.
NOTE
Original equipment fork stem nut has a blue dye coating. If a
replacement nut is being installed, the replacement nut will
not have the blue coating.
6. Tighten stem nut to 70-80 ft-lbs (94.9-108.4 Nm).
NOTE
Torque of the stem nut will affect the swing pattern.
7. Recheck the swing pattern and adjust as necessary.
8. Tighten pinch bolts to 53-57 ft-lbs (71.9-77.3 Nm).
9. Verify that the fork stem nut is tightened to 70-80 ft-lbs
(94.9-108.4 Nm).
10. Recheck the swing pattern and adjust if necessary.
11. Assemble motorcycle as follows:
a. FLHR/C: Install headlamp nacelle. See 2.47 HEADLAMP
NACELLE: FLHR/C.
b. FLHX, FLHT/C/U: Install radio or storage box (as
equipped) and outer fairing. See 2.37 UPPER FAIRING
AND WINDSHIELD: FLHX, FLHT/C/U and
7.33 ADVANCED AUDIO SYSTEM respectively.
c. FLTR: Install instrument bezel. See 2.42 INSTRUMENT
BEZEL: FLTR.
12. Install any accessories that were removed during the
checking procedure.
For the admin, Maybe a section where we could upload service bulletins would be a good idea as a resource?
As far as that goes, maybe on the same concept, we could upload the instructions (for what they're worth) for installing accessories again as a resource?
3. Loosen the fork stem nut (1).
4. See Figure 1-40. Fashion a bearing adjuster tool using a
drill rod 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in diameter and 16 in. (406.4
mm) long.
NOTES
● See Figure 1-39. Turning the bearing adjuster nut (2) as
little as one notch will make a noticeable difference in
the swing pattern.
● Tap forks with a rubber hammer while turning adjuster
nut to prevent forks from binding in lower bracket bores.
5. Turn bearing adjuster nut (2) as follows:
a. To decrease the number of swings, rotate nut clockwise.
b. To increase the number of swings, rotate nut counterclockwise.
NOTE
Original equipment fork stem nut has a blue dye coating. If a
replacement nut is being installed, the replacement nut will
not have the blue coating.
6. Tighten stem nut to 70-80 ft-lbs (94.9-108.4 Nm).
NOTE
Torque of the stem nut will affect the swing pattern.
7. Recheck the swing pattern and adjust as necessary.
8. Tighten pinch bolts to 53-57 ft-lbs (71.9-77.3 Nm).
9. Verify that the fork stem nut is tightened to 70-80 ft-lbs
(94.9-108.4 Nm).
10. Recheck the swing pattern and adjust if necessary.
11. Assemble motorcycle as follows:
a. FLHR/C: Install headlamp nacelle. See 2.47 HEADLAMP
NACELLE: FLHR/C.
b. FLHX, FLHT/C/U: Install radio or storage box (as
equipped) and outer fairing. See 2.37 UPPER FAIRING
AND WINDSHIELD: FLHX, FLHT/C/U and
7.33 ADVANCED AUDIO SYSTEM respectively.
c. FLTR: Install instrument bezel. See 2.42 INSTRUMENT
BEZEL: FLTR.
12. Install any accessories that were removed during the
checking procedure.
For the admin, Maybe a section where we could upload service bulletins would be a good idea as a resource?
As far as that goes, maybe on the same concept, we could upload the instructions (for what they're worth) for installing accessories again as a resource?
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533 Posts
They should have, but you'll find that being well informed about possible solutions to issues with Harleys, will save you a lot of time waiting for them to figure it out.
If it was me, I'd just call and ask if the service bulletin MIGHT apply to the issue you experienced.
If it was me, I'd just call and ask if the service bulletin MIGHT apply to the issue you experienced.
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274 Posts
I'm late to the party on this one, but my 2010 has the wobble too. I called my dealer and he said it was an easy fix, that can wait till my 1000 mile service. He did confirm it is the steering head.
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3 Posts
Has the same issue on my 2009 RG, intermittant wobble at around 40 MPH with tour pack on. Took it to dealer, they test road it and coulnt duplicate it. Toke it back today and they did duplicate it. blammed it on a rough road, but also said they tightened the steering head bearing a bit . I wil let you all know when i ride it after i pick it up.
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293 Posts
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They were able to replicate the wobble, so they figured they better look into it so they had to tighted the steering head bearing. I noted on their work order that it's a safety issue and concern front end was not assembled corretly by harley. They tightened it for free
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4,024 Posts
I had it bad on my '10 too.
I asked the dealer to check it out at my 1000 mile service...
Then I noticed it wasnt on the work order, and when I went to pick my bike up near closing time, the service guys were gone so i never questioned if they did it or not, but realized right away it was still f'd up.
So I took it back in last week, they tightened up the neck bearing, and it was still there. Then they checked tire pressure, and pumped it up to 35 psi( i think), and it was better but still there. Then they re balanced the wheel.
Now it doesnt do it at all!!! Finally!
I asked the dealer to check it out at my 1000 mile service...
Then I noticed it wasnt on the work order, and when I went to pick my bike up near closing time, the service guys were gone so i never questioned if they did it or not, but realized right away it was still f'd up.
So I took it back in last week, they tightened up the neck bearing, and it was still there. Then they checked tire pressure, and pumped it up to 35 psi( i think), and it was better but still there. Then they re balanced the wheel.
Now it doesnt do it at all!!! Finally!
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