Front end wobble

[MSgtRick]

Had my 50K service done on my ’16 Tri-Glide in April. They changed the head bearings and fork oil as part of the routine maintenance. I’ve just gone over 55K. Recently, I’ve noticed a definite wobble in the front end that can get pretty spooky. Generally this happens when going 50 mph or greater. Thought about whether or not the steering damper has gone south. Can the stock rear shocks have anything to do with this? Anyone experienced anything similar?

 

[Papa Zook]

Had my 50K service done on my ’16 Tri-Glide in April. They changed the head bearings and fork oil as part of the routine maintenance. I’ve just gone over 55K. Recently, I’ve noticed a definite wobble in the front end that can get pretty spooky. Generally this happens when going 50 mph or greater. Thought about whether or not the steering damper has gone south. Can the stock rear shocks have anything to do with this? Anyone experienced anything similar?

Did you ever have any wobble before your dealer changed the head bearings? If not, they likely did not properly seat the new bearing races when they changed the bearings and races. After it is driven, the weight of the trike will seat the lower race and the required ft lbs of torque preload will go to zero, causing the wobble or headshake as it is called.

The shake was not there before, so the stock rear shocks have nothing to do with this issue.

 

[MSgtRick]

Did you ever have any wobble before your dealer changed the head bearings? If not, they likely did not properly seat the new bearing races when they changed the bearings and races. After it is driven, the weight of the trike will seat the lower race and the required ft lbs of torque preload will go to zero, causing the wobble or headshake as it is called.

The shake was not there before, so the stock rear shocks have nothing to do with this issue.

Thanks for the response. Didn't take the Trike to the dealer yesterday because of light rain. Didn't want to get caught with a case of the wobbles if the road was wet. Made it down this morning and we came to the conclusion the steering damper was fine. Did find out a replacement damper, PN 83808-09A, is over $600 from HD. Next step is to drop the front end and check out the fork bearings, etc.

 

[Papa Zook]

It will almost assuredly be the low torque preload setting from the race not being properly seated, then shifting when ridden. Maybe they will own up to it. There should be no further cost to you for them to re-torque it. Report back and let us know what they say it was.