Sterring problems - maybe

[dabalso]

2003 GL1800 with Motortrike - 21,000 miles</SPAN></SPAN>

Will try to explain what I am feeling:</SPAN></SPAN>

It seems the steering has changed. It is getting loose.</SPAN></SPAN>
Steers very easy – too easy. </SPAN></SPAN>

The front tire is a Pilot reversed and has about 18,000 miles. The tread looks very good.</SPAN></SPAN>
I run 42 lbs front and 23 rear.</SPAN></SPAN>

Tried something tonight. Trike on flat and level concrete floor.</SPAN></SPAN>
Steered the front tire lock to lock. When it got close to straight ahead, </SPAN></SPAN>
the handlebars would “snap” to straight ahead. It took extra force to</SPAN></SPAN>
move (steer) from straight ahead. It has never done this before.</SPAN></SPAN>
Don’t remember hitting any pot holes, curbs, etc. I am not an </SPAN></SPAN>
aggressive rider – enjoy seeing the country side. </SPAN></SPAN>

Checked the manual and looked at the steering section. It appears that</SPAN></SPAN>
the adjustment on the steering stem might be loose but I don’t know </SPAN></SPAN>
and it looks like a major deal to adjust that nut plus a special socket.</SPAN></SPAN>

Anybody got any ideas. </SPAN></SPAN>

[Gold Rush]

2003 GL1800 with Motortrike - 21,000 miles

Will try to explain what I am feeling:

It seems the steering has changed. It is getting loose.
Steers very easy – too easy.

The front tire is a Pilot reversed and has about 18,000 miles. The tread looks very good.
I run 42 lbs front and 23 rear.

Tried something tonight. Trike on flat and level concrete floor.
Steered the front tire lock to lock. When it got close to straight ahead,
the handlebars would “snap” to straight ahead. It took extra force to
move (steer) from straight ahead. It has never done this before.
Don’t remember hitting any pot holes, curbs, etc. I am not an
aggressive rider – enjoy seeing the country side.

Checked the manual and looked at the steering section. It appears that
the adjustment on the steering stem might be loose but I don’t know
and it looks like a major deal to adjust that nut plus a special socket.

Anybody got any ideas.

You did not mention having a rake kit installed so I imagine the OEM steering head bearings are still in place and trashed. They don't last long on two wheel GL1800 so the trike conversion has just advanced that destruction. I'm 95% sure that is your problem.

If you plan to install a rake kit now it the time to do that. The kit will come with tapered bearing set. If you do not rake then order a set of "All-Balls" tapered bearings from your favorite vendor and install or have installed. It's not and easy job even with the correct tools but if you do have the tools and ability it can be done in a day.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. Hopefully you can get fixed and back on the road soon.

[tfdeputydawg]

When you get the bearing issue corrected, lower your front tire to 34 to 36psi. You'll be amazed at the ride improvement!

[dabalso]

raked at 4.5 deg. Ok steering bearings. service manual shows tapered bearings.

How often does this problem come up???

thanks for the quick answer.

David Britton

[mhgoldwing]

1. Either the bearings are "notched" which is why you are feeling them stop at center.

2. Something has moved such as wiring, brake hoses, etc. that is "catching" the forks (or any part of steering system) near the center position. Since you have a rake kit and presumably tapered bearings, I would suspect this answer is the correct one.

First, get a helper to turn the handlebars for you while you examine closely for whatever might be binding or causing the interference. If you can't find it this way I would jack front end off the ground and try again. With no weight on the front end you should be able to feel anything trying to bind.

[sekanbob]

Are there anything to watch for in buying a 2003 GW?