2013 Triglide wanders/darts at highway speeds???

[MGB]

Hey guys and gals. I just found this forum but have been on some others a while, always good to hear different folk's views. I have a 2013 Triglide I bought new with about 16k miles on it now. The darn thing started wandering or darting a few thousand miles ago, as if you were riding on groved pavement at 55 mph and above. The faster you go, the more it darts around, feels really unstable. Anyone else out there have similar experiences with their's? Just recently put on a new front tire but the darting was there before the new tire. Thanks, Mike

 

[rhino 2]

Welcome to Trike-Talk Mike.......:wave4:

As far as the darting go's, I can't help much on that except to check the obvious things first...Like a loose steering head nut.. Front fork leaking , Air pressures tires and air shocks....Im sure more people will chime in with some questions to help you out...

I know you said it was darting before you put the new tire on...But Mechanics 101, Go back to the last thing you've done to the Trike....

Again Welcome ' Mike......

 

[Gorilla]

Welcome aboard Mike. I have a 13 that I have put 50k on and no darting issue. I would look for something loose in the steering or possible in the drive area. Also what are you running for tire pressure? Checked it? If it is low that could be some of the problem. Lift the front of the trike up and see if there is any unusual movements like a loose stearing head or maybe a bad wheel bearing. In the rear make sure the axle alignment has not come loose. Also tire pressure there also. Good luck

 

[GoSlo]

I've got a 2013 as well with over 50k miles and not had that problem. Could the problem be the steering damper is worn or not working right i.e. sticking? Just a guess on my part.

 

[oldNbold]

Mine moves around a bit on back roads that are worn by heavy traffic. On the interstate its smooth and straight until I come up behind a big truck. All that air they push shoves me around.

 

[Jack Klarich]

Welcome, When I was wrenchin for a living If a customer told me this I would be looking for a suspension part being the problem, Even tho u said u have a new tire NEVERrule it out, Keep in mind U said it did not do it before the tire change, U were used to the way it rode and were not thinkin about a problem til u put the new tyre up front. Hope u get it figured out (I realy haTE THIS NEW ANDROID DEVICE I AM USING TODAY) LOL

 

[jc1300]

Any chance this could be a faulty or loose steering dampener? Long ago I rode a trike with out a dampener and it would shudder and dart over bumps etc.

jc

 

[MGB]

Thanks guys for the input. Have checked all those mentioned without finding a problem. Still looking.

 

[consitter]

Thanks guys for the input. Have checked all those mentioned without finding a problem. Still looking.

Hope you are able to find the problem.

Welcome to Trike Talk from eastern Kentucky!

 

[HDB0B]

Pull the caps off the swing arm bearing points and check inside for "chunks". A little rubber dust is OK. Have you had the steering head bearings serviced? When you changed the tire did you check the hub bearings?

Bob orag:

 

[wlibert]

Hi,

I am having this issue on a 2014 Tri-Glide if I let got of the handle bars at any sped this trike is going for a deadly off road ride. None of the Harley dealers will address it. All I get from them is the standard 'it's normal line'.

 

[rhino 2]

Hi,

I am having this issue on a 2014 Tri-Glide if I let got of the handle bars at any sped this trike is going for a deadly off road ride. None of the Harley dealers will address it. All I get from them is the standard 'it's normal line'.

A three wheel vehicle will not track like a four or two wheel vehicle , If you take your hands off the handle bars it will fall off crown of the road and go to the right ....:Shrug:

 

[jc1300]

Hi,

I am having this issue on a 2014 Tri-Glide if I let got of the handle bars at any sped this trike is going for a deadly off road ride. None of the Harley dealers will address it. All I get from them is the standard 'it's normal line'.

Well that's just Bull****.....grab the GM and tell him you are taking him for a ride. Get it up to speed and tell him you are about to let go of the handlebars......see what he considers normal. And while we are at it, what's the name of this dealership. I'm not telling you that when I release the handlebars that the bike stays straight as an arrow. But all it does is slowly start to drift the way the road tilts.

 

[vito]

Well that's just Bull****.....grab the GM and tell him you are taking him for a ride. Get it up to speed and tell him you are about to let go of the handlebars......see what he considers normal. And while we are at it, what's the name of this dealership. I'm not telling you that when I release the handlebars that the bike stays straight as an arrow. But all it does is slowly start to drift the way the road tilts.

Ditto here. I've owned 3 Tri Gs and 2 Freewheelers. All 'drift' more than a 2-wheeler because you cannot correct it by body weight shifting but none 'darted' for the bushes. Sounds to me like and incompetent dealer's shop. Try a different dealer.

NHTSA collects reports on safety issues and can dictate a recall. 1-888-327-4236. Or call H-D - 1-800-258-2464.

Threaten to call H-D directly and/or NHTSA and do it if they won't fix your trike.

 

[MGB]

Thanks for the input guys. I think this thread has "wandered" somewhat from it's original meaning. I don't have a problem with the triglide slowly moving to one side of the road because of the road condition, crown etc. or it not tracking straight etc. when I remove my hands from the bars under speed, which I don't do anyway. My problem as others have is that the trike "darts" around over the road as if you are riding on groved pavement. One of the country highways near me has just been resurfaced recently and it's smooth as glass asphalt with no bumps or crowns. The trike still darts around starting about 55 mph and gets worse the faster you go. It actually feels like it could just dart out of your lane of traffic sometime. Anyway, sorry for the rant but am looking for some realistic and hopefully some solutions from others that have the same problem. Oh yeah, the dealer has already changed the panhard bar and both rear axles and their associated bearings. Thanks again

 

[HDB0B]

Have they checked the rear calipers .... brake pads in correctly with proper clips?

Any chance they can swap on another set of rear wheels to see if it is a rear tire issue? (possible broken internal belt)

Bob orag:

 

[Texan]

Have you looked at the fork oil ?? I had a similar problem on my 2 wheeled Ultra. Changed out the fork oil (found one a little low) and cured the problem. Not the issue, check as several have said, the neck bearing.

8~\o