Steering Damper Freewheeler

[Johnnymear]

I just bought a 2025 Freewheeler, the steering is so stiff I find it difficult to steer. I had a Suzuki, Lehman years ago and that had no damper that I recall and steered way easier. If I remove the damper from the Freewheeler what will happen, will it be better or worse steering?

 

[Papa Zook]

Unless you add a rake kit to your Freewheeler, I would not recommend removing the steering damper, as it can cause head-shake.

 

[Old Road Dog]

I just bought a 2025 Freewheeler, the steering is so stiff I find it difficult to steer. I had a Suzuki, Lehman years ago and that had no damper that I recall and steered way easier. If I remove the damper from the Freewheeler what will happen, will it be better

The dampener is made by Ohlins and its a high quality unit( and expensive). Your trike is under warranty...you know...

 

[Gorilla]

I don't know if it's possible, but could the factory have tightened the stem nut to tight?

 

[RKplus10]

I’m sure you have verified proper air pressure. I suppose you could easily raise the front end and temporarily disconnect the damper to check out whether it or something else may be binding.

 

[Papa Zook]

All new Harley trikes are test ridden more than once. There is nothing binding, its the nature of the machine. Not enough rake, too much trail. There is a cure.

 

[Johnnymear]

All new Harley trikes are test ridden more than once. There is nothing binding, its the nature of the machine. Not enough rake, too much trail. There is a cure.

What is the cure?

 

[Papa Zook]

The cure is to add one of my purpose-built rake kits, which has the proper rake and trail.
Rake Kit

 

[Johnnymear]

The cure is to add one of my purpose-built rake kits, which has the proper rake and trail.
Rake Kit

Thank you very much.