2005 superglide with rear end wobble - Harley Forum

rangersl_99 · #1 02-23-2009, 03:07 PM

i have a 2005 superglide custom with 8000 miles on it. I recently added a 200mm wide tire kit from DM customs, 18 x 5.5 inch PM rim with avon tire, proggressive lowering springs and a 21 inch front rim. since these modifications the bike wobbles out of control once you hit 65 mph..I had the rear tire re-balanced and the problem still excists. Any help would be greatly appreciated

milindh · #2 02-23-2009, 07:05 PM

Hey Ranger

I'd be leaning towards the wide rear tire as the most likely culprit. You don't say how wide your rear rim is but if it's a wide rim that'll make the tire have a very flat contact patch. Couple that with a skinny 21"er on the front and you have the potential for some handling problems. I'd first try running the pressure up to about 45psi on the rear and 38psi on the front. See if that makes a difference. What you're doing here is trying to round out that rear tire contact patch to see if there's a difference. If you still have the original take off tire and wheel you could put that back on and see if that makes a difference.

You should also put the bike up on a lift with the front wheel off the ground and free to move. Then check to see if you have any slop in the steering head.

Also, did you put on any kind of swing arm or axle conversion parts to allow the use of the 200mm rear? If you have just moved the tire and wheel too far to the right and out of alignment with the front wheel and frame (in order to clear your belt) you might have set up the conditions for your wobble. An alignment check is definitely in order here. Your factory manual tells how to easily check this and steering head play.

Good Luck Dude

rangersl_99 · #3 02-23-2009, 07:31 PM

thanks alt. Ill have my shop check into those areas.

unclepsycho · #4 02-23-2009, 07:50 PM

Ranger
Wow...all that is good info milndh, maybe check into the swing arm bushings... make sure they are snug as well. I run a 90mm in front with a 240mm out back, and it is smooth as silk up to 125 or so.
my primary was offset to accomodate the wide tire. but the center line of the front and rear tire are on the same plane. the front and back tire alignment is critical.
also confirm the bearings were the right ones for the axle too, the axle should slip thru the bearings with a little drag, but not hammer fit.

hope this helps too good luck.