This being my first big Harley and first ever tour bike, I'm learning the ins & outs. However any bike I've owned normally tracks straight. The new RKC will drift to the left if I attempt hands off. I can lean over to the right and straighten out, or just set a pinky on the RH grip and all is OK. Nothing in either bag. Thoughts?

 

Hey Dave, Mark here . I had a similar problem with my sportster after changing to wire wheels.I had to re-adjust the rear tire track on one side by 1/2 a turn.. problem solved..

 

My 05 RKC pulled way left when new. Dealer gave me the 'it's normal' BS. I insisted and they got it so it tracks about like yours. I can correct with a little body english. I'm told that it's because of uneven weight distribution between right and left(heaver) sides of the bike. I don't notice it at all now.

If the bike is aligned right and the forks are straight it shouldn't be a problem.

 

My SG drifts to the left a little. Not so much you can tell it hands on. I traded for this bike because my VTX wore me out PULLING to the right.

 

My RK Classic drifts also. I've gone over 3 miles without touching the handlebars by leaning back and using body english. What side is your wallet on? Try putting it on the otherside. (LOL)

 

Come to think of it, mine actually pulls to the left just a little. I can ride with no hands with a little body english.

SO, how do you like it????

 

Mine did not do this when I first got it. After several thousand miles, it began to drift. As soon as I replaced the tires, the drift was eliminated.

 

There has been a lot of verbage on this subject in the Forum. Many different prognostications as to why the bike will drift when hands off. Some say difference in saddlebag loading, wheel offset, clutch cable too tight, torque from engine. The dang machine has to be dead-nuts perfect to go arrow straight down the road so it seems. Anybody experience a shaft driven hands off bike ride?
I've been guilty of riding hands-off just for grins and an occasional adjustment when two hands are required, but it certainly isn't a good habit to get into.
The fellas I see on TV standing on the saddle and zooming down the road are absolutely crazy. Didn't Indian Larry meet his untimely demise this way?
Better keep one hand for the bike and one for yourself!

 

Well barring anything major.
If your rear wheel adjustment is like on my 06 flhtci, it's almost impossible to
get the rear wheel out of adjustment (i.e. cocked so tracks left or right, vs straight).
HD went to a cam system on the rear tension. It built into the axle shaft on one side.
Has indexing marks (on mine anyway).
But I would check that first.
The other is check engine alignment to the frame. Not very likley it's off from the factory
but could be a tad off.
Service manual shows how to do this on the 2001 touring bikes (don't have an 06 manual).
Otherwise have the dealer double check these settings.
Also have them check steering neck bearings, also be sure they are greased.
Other than that would have to agree with slorider above. Some bikes do just drift a little.
One side of bike little heavier, you subconciously lean a little, different road crowns, tires.
Process of elimination.
Personally I keep my hands on the handlebars all the time, so don't notice it.

 

I've yet to hear of a touring bike drifting right. Mine, and it seems everyone else's, drift left. Don't know why though.
Gary D.