My 94 Fatty corners like a pig

puzzell
11 years ago

My 94 Fatty dives and bucks in corners, is this a common problem or is there an issue with the front end on the bike.

puzzell
11 years ago

Hoping for a reply suggesting that I increase the weight of the fork oil or something similar, trading the bike was an option not yet considered

Steve L
11 years ago

depends on where you are but there are suspension shops around that can help diagnose the problem and help fix as well. Sometimes its better to go to someone who does this stuff all the time as they should know why your bike is doing what it is doing.

puzzell
11 years ago

Thanks Steve, I will take that advice as I have just spent the last couple of years getting the bike to here, gotta be someway of getting it to handle like a Dyna

puzzell
11 years ago

Thanks gents have got something to work with especially from FLHuTCHU's post. I apologise for the ignorance with the lack of intro but really appreciate the help. My neighbour suggested this site for advice and I will also thank him.

puzzell
11 years ago

Thank you for your advice, most of the bike has just been rebuilt but I haven't stripped the front forks don and rebuilt as I am still undecided whethe to go with extended fork tubes. This is my first HD, moving from Triumph sports tourer.

FLHuTChU
11 years ago

No probs. Keep us informed. Heaps of stuff on the forum.
Put yourself on the intros section, and tell us about yourself and your project as others will have done the same and may have a fix/remedy for you.

Steve L
11 years ago

it does sound like your suspension is old and tired, new rear shocks and rebuild of the front forks will do heaps to improve. As I said earlier get some advise about what type of springs, what weight fork oil as these also have a big effect.

puzzell
11 years ago

Thank you Steve, I have done the rear swing arm and shocks when it was apart being sprayed but not the front. I will be taking it in to the shop in a fortnight to see what they have to say. Thanks again.

tussuck
11 years ago

What tyres are you running. My FXR does not like Dunlops at all, handles like chit. But pop a set of Metzler on and she is blinding!

puzzell
11 years ago

Avon Venom were on the bike wnn I bought it, they seem to be a very hard tyre. Not sure if that would cause he ol girl to shake her head as bad as she does in corners. Metzler ran well on the Japper I had up until a couple of years ago.

Steve L
11 years ago

does the tyre have any scalloping on it as that will cause it buck and shake in the corners. It does also sound like your steering head bearings are worn or a bit loose.

puzzell
11 years ago

I will strip the front end, really the only bit left although the steering was stripped don only 2000k's back when it was painted. The tyre seems okay as well, what pressure for the front, I have tightened mine up to 32 to see if that changes things at all, and it has helped a bit.

Steve L
11 years ago

mate everyone has their own views on tyre pressures and some run as low as 30 and some as high as 45, I run 40 in the front of mine. Did you put in new bearings when you redid the frame, if so and you used a good quality bearing they should be fine. A big thing with the head set bearings is getting the right tension, if too tight they can cause stiffness and feeling notchy, if loose they can make the front feel vague, a bit like what you described.

puzzell
11 years ago

Thanks a heap Steve. I think I am going to run he bike to work tomorrow at 40 in the front to se if any difference but I think I am going to strip the front end don and replace spring etc in the forks. I have been toying with the idea of 4" over on the fork tubes for a little more clearance. I will take a look fo threads regarding this and any handling issues arising.

Tim S.G.
11 years ago

Puzzell , your 1st post talks of " dives and bucks " hence a few replies of " buy a Dyna " . On first reading this I am thinking rear swingarm moving , giving you the bucking . Your later post of " shake her head " , definitely means front end . Steering head bearings ( as previously mentioned ) , would be first to be replaced or checked/tightened . While you have things apart , stick a set of Progressive springs in them ( or similar ).