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Neck bearings

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by panheadwalt, Jul 30, 2013.

  1. panheadwalt

    panheadwalt New Member

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    i have developed a low speed wobble on my old panhead,could this be a neck bearing problem
    panheadwalt, Jul 30, 2013
    #1
  3. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    it could be. It also could be low tire pressure. Do you have a nasty clunking when attempting to turn?
    JohnnyBiker, Jul 30, 2013
    #2
  4. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    Yep loose neck bearing setting will cause it, or a bad bearing and as Jb said so will a bad tire either front or rear, underinflated or worn.

    Check the fall away, check the air pressure and tread...
    hotroadking, Jul 30, 2013
    #3
  5. panheadwalt

    panheadwalt New Member

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    tire pressure was 6 lbs low,no clunk when turning,tires are in exellent shape,tightened up bearing a little,will test ride tomorrow,thanks for everyones input
    panheadwalt, Jul 31, 2013
    #4
  6. JohnnyBiker

    JohnnyBiker Well-Known Member

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    6lbs low is a lot of air. Good, I am glad that you found it. Welcome to Bike Talk! :D
    JohnnyBiker, Jul 31, 2013
    #5
  7. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    My first thought was loose (or worn) neck bearings/races. I run both my tires purposely underinflated and have no problems with them. Run the front one 4 lbs. under and the back one 6 lbs. under, because my ride is a ass beating rigid. Then again, I rarely cruise the ol' shovel over 50 - 55 MPH except when passing.

    Be nice to see a picture of your pan, and welcome to Biketalk.
    joshbob, Aug 1, 2013
    #6
  8. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    JB you have a different rake angle, the FL series of HD bikes
    with stock rake have a very tight angle allowing for better
    handling.

    Get a loose neck bearing (not by much) or in this case
    perhaps an under inflated tire (front or rear) and at
    speeds you can get a tank slapper.
    hotroadking, Aug 1, 2013
    #7
  9. charlie46

    charlie46 Well-Known Member

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    The Fl series are the only bikes made that have the fork axis BEHIND the neck axis. :eek:
    charlie46, Aug 1, 2013
    #8
  10. joshbob

    joshbob Well-Known Member

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    Not to hijack - but I have a "stock" rake on the Paughco frame I have. I assume "tank slapper" means excessive vibration? I have the usual vibrations for a shovel. Running 4 lbs. under on my front tire gives me noticably better handling in the turns. Running 6 lbs. under on the back one results in a "softer" ride. Sure, tires wear out sooner - I don't mind - they are easy to get off & back on.

    Still be nice to see a pic of PanheadWalt's bike.
    joshbob, Aug 2, 2013
    #9
  11. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    tank slapper is when the front forks start moving back and forth
    and you can't stop it, you'll loose control and go down if it's bad enough.

    [YOUTUBE]SAnjjHKclZs[/YOUTUBE]
    hotroadking, Aug 2, 2013
    #10
  12. cowboy

    cowboy Moderator Staff Member

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    wow He was lucky he didn't eat the road , kaw had that trouble on the cop bikes back in the 70's , CHP had a few go down & sued Kaw along with other cop shops around the country
    cowboy, Aug 2, 2013
    #11

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