| Author | Message | ||
     Arbalest |
A co-worker has a 92 Fat Boy that has a handling problem(handling and Fat Boy - oxymoron?). I am hoping there is a suspension whiz out there that can help. Here is the background. The bike has a lowering kit(rear shock mount moved back). The back end gets squirrely at speeds above 75 mph. Recently while entering a curve, a little hot, the front end literally bounced around the curve. The bike stayed upright. I think the two problems are related. Any suggestions on the culprit? Thanks for the help. | ||
| Mikej |
Define "squirrely". How much was the rear dropped? Was the front dropped as well? Was anything else done to the front? How are the steering head bearings and wheel bearings? If the wheels have spokes, how is the tension on them, and are the wheels true and balanced? How are the rear wheel bearings, swing arm bushings, other flex point wear points? How did the bike handle before the lowering kit was added? How viable is the design of the lowering kit, is it a stable and valid kit or just some cut/chopped/stamped sheetmetal eyelet relocator stuff turned out by Floyd's garage and muffler shop? Not to disparage Floyd, I hear he welds darn good. I think this is a case where your question brings up many questions, and in answering these questions the answer may be either found or further focused to the problem. | ||
| Arbalest |
Mikej, here is the info, to the best of my knowlege. The lowering kit, my mistake. A Fat Boy is a softail. The kit was in place when the bike was purchased. Bike lowered 2-3 inches(guess). Front end was not lowered. Front wheel bearings are new. Owner has had the bike six years. At the beginning of riding season in the last five years, the fork stem has required tightening (possible bad neck bearings?)three times. The bike has solid wheels. Rear wheel bearings and swing arm bushings, ok according to Harley dealer. | ||
| Mikej |
The fork stem requiring tightening would be the starting point. Big red flag there. How many miles a year does he put on the bike? I guess a side question would be how big is he and what size of passenger or load does he carry, and what kinds of roads does he ride on? Bad roads = more frequent maintenance. He can also check the condition of his under-shock(s) and the rebound/dampening/stuff of his forks. I'm thinking that if his bike needs the tightening though, that there are probably some other maintenance concerns. Ask if the front end was extended as well. And ask when the last time the front fork fluid was changed. Also ask when the last time his rear shocks/springs were checked for proper functioning. Hope this helps some. Hard to diagnose something remotely. Have him bring the bike over to my place and leave it with me for a few months.  I'll have it diagnosed by September 3rd or so. | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
Simple Solution, Don't take it over 75mph!!!!!! If the rear was lowered 2-3 inches that may throw off the handling. | ||
| Newfie_Buell |
I need to clarify my last one and someone with more suspension knowledge please add. If the rear was dropped 2-3 inches and the front was not dropped then that could throw off the handling. The front should also be lowered and I do not know if thats very easy to do on a Fat Boy. | ||
| Aesquire |
Check the steering head bearings, with front wheel off ground, does it "bump" or self center when moved thru centerline? Lotta variables here, from tire wear / pressure, to shock damping. |
