I have a 2004 Roadking with 11 1/2 " Progressive 412 shocks. 160 series rear tires (Avon). I weigh 275 and my girl weighs 140. when 2 up it feels like the front tire gets skittish and I feel as if the front wheel is loose and steering becomes skittish. I feel that I really need to slow down into the turns and even in the straights the front feels a bit unstable.

I just purchased 12 inch progressive 440 shocks with heavy duty springs. the bike does bottom out at times somewhat expected I guess due to the weight I do have the 412 set to highest pre-load, could the steering issue be to the difference in weight distribution..more towards the rear? perhaps going to a little higher rear stance with the 12 inch 440 and also being more heavy duty compensate and help correct the skittishness. To add the bike feels fine when I ride 1 up. Please ask questions if you feel there is any additional info needed to help address my issues.. Oh yeah.I have 40lbs air front and rear..I just checked due to temp change..Also speaking of temperature change this is a recent issue and noticed after temperature drop from warmer summer weather.

 

Weight shifted to the rear could definitely cause that. I never rode one of the earlier touring bikes so I don't know how that frame is. Maybe one of those stabilizer things would help.

 

I am not sure what skittish steering feels like but the "slow up in corners" might mean the tires are bad. Meaning old and not flexing as they should. You don't say how many miles on bike or tires. Find the date code on the tires regardless of when purchased they might be to old for use. Much more then five years would make me concerned.

 

Sounds just like my 2012 glide and all it turned out to be was incorrect tire pressure.

 

What tyre pressures do you use? You are heavy enough that I suggest you use higher than the base pressures Harley recommends and when riding 2 up you should raise them further. In addition Avon usually recommend higher pressures than stock ones. It is very likely the tyres alone, even if new, are under-inflated.

I use Avons and my solo pressures (I am almost 100 pounds lighter) are 38F/44R and 2-up I use 42F/48F. Hope that helps!

If your tyres are badly worn I recommend you change them and start with those pressures. Hope that helps.

 

Both tires are less than a year old..6k or so miles, perhaps pressure may be low considering my weight. thanks for the responses...much appreciated.

 

um, any chance the passenger is nervous and shifting around?

I ask them to look over my right shoulder and stay there, don't shift back and forth, don't try to "help" etc. especially when starting/stopping/turning.

more suspension travel will probably help too, do all the usual checks, head bearings, pressure tires balanced ok?, fork oil

mike

 

fork oil may very well be suspect, I have had front end bottom out on occasion, good possibility, thanks

 

Is it the bike, or you?