Meziere-Reverser-web-ad-90x750-r3 copy

150 Most Recent Posts

Thread AuthorPostersPost AuthorForumThread/Post Link
Geep20202woodyNew Member Introduct...New Member
Trampas3PanheadSteveHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Trampas3SeaweedHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Grandpot3cycle7447Honda TrikesFront tire?
Grandpot3tourmanHonda TrikesFront tire?
ultrafxr5TrampasHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Trampas3TrampasHarley Tri GlideWas at my dealer today
Grandpot3GrandpotHonda TrikesFront tire?
Geep20202Geep2020New Member Introduct...New Member
Oldman-TriGlide3NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
Oldman-TriGlide3ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
Noodles1073BrokenBackJackHarley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
Oldman-TriGlide3Oldman-TriGlideHarley Tri GlideOpen or Closed Trailer for 2028 Tri...
RedOregon13Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Bama boy4DragonStallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
Papa Zook239SullyNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
phillipschuckann7NotgrownupHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Papa Zook239ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2pawsHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
ultrafxr5Papa ZookHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1073NotgrownupHarley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
ultrafxr5NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Papa Zook239rhino 2New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
PKLGW2PKLGWHonda Trikes2007 gl1800 motor trike
Papa Zook239skisnow806New Member Introduct...What Made You Join TrikeTalk Forum?
Speedy Pete12JTJerseyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
ultrafxr5Longbeard71Harley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5TrampasHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
ultrafxr5ultrafxrHarley Tri GlideFinished at last . . . well at leas...
Noodles1073Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Very Nice Gloves
Speedy Pete12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12cycle7447New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
phillipschuckann7Papa ZookHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bama boy4Grey_Ghost_27Stallion TrikesStallion fuel pump
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
RISal24!12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Speedy Pete12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
RISal24!12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11RustyBNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12RustyBNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Bowie11ZammyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RISal24!12SullyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12ZammyNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
Chief80138520fdHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
RISal24!12GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
RISal24!12RISal24!New Member Introduct...New member..new to trikes
woody19woodyHonda Trikes2019 Goldwing CSC
DK Custom Products362NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
phillipschuckann7GorillaHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
rjd637brianlHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DeathBySnuSnu19GorillaVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
DK Custom Products362520fdHarley Tri GlideWhat did you do to Your Tri-Glide T...
SHARKDIVER4DK Custom ProductsGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
phillipschuckann7trike ladyHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7ol' schoolHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7rhino 2Honda TrikesWho made my trike?
phillipschuckann7phillipschuckannHonda TrikesWho made my trike?
Bowie11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
RedOregon13RedOregonHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
DeathBySnuSnu19DeathBySnuSnuVW Powered TrikesVolkswagen Kit Cars
Bowie11woodyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Just BOB2GorillaStallion Trikesinfo
SHARKDIVER4WindyOneGeneral Harley Chatsuper shox
Bouncer10GorillaHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Just BOB2Just BOBStallion Trikesinfo
Chief80138CagmoHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
PopPop13consitterNew Member Introduct...New Member
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
PopPop13Pegasus1300New Member Introduct...New Member
Bouncer10NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
PopPop13ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New Member
Bowie11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Chief80138DOKKHarley Tri GlideHow many miles on your Triglide?
Bouncer10BouncerHarley Tri GlideDrive Belt Replacement Time
Bowie11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Bowie11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
SaltBushBill11Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
Bowie11BowieNew Member Introduct...New to trike, old time rider
Rick Sinacore9RawhidekenHarley Tri GlideTour pack reinforcement
SaltBushBill11Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Burnerboy3tommyv333Harley Trike Convers...Hey Bozo (Andrew)
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Noodles1073JTJerseyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Noodles1073trike ladyHarley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Phu CatHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11SullyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242Papa ZookHarley Tri Glidequestion
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Chappy KC5StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein Kit
jerry1@iw.net4StrelnikovFrankensteinFrankenstein owners
TxHarleyRider2Papa ZookHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Skavoola14SkavoolaNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Old Aviator5GoldWingrGregHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
El Lobo10El LoboHarley Tri GlideBeen away for a while
SaltBushBill11GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
cissywalton2GorillaCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Noodles1073Noodles107Harley Freewheeler /...Tobacco Fade
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
SaltBushBill11trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member
ronc44242ronc4424Harley Tri Glidequestion
Old Aviator5SkavoolaHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5rhino 2Honda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
Old Aviator5Old AviatorHonda TrikesGreasing a Motortrike Coupe SA rear...
cissywalton2cissywaltonCalifornia Sidecar T...how do I change out the reverse bel...
Skavoola14PosseRiderNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
Skavoola14woodyNew Member Introduct...New to Trike Talk
PopPop13woodyNew Member Introduct...New Member
Speedy Pete12woodyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11woodyNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12hardwickbvNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
SaltBushBill11rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
RedOregon13NotgrownupHarley Tri GlideUpgrades on '24 Triglide?
SaltBushBill11ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
D'07ShadowAero6ol' schoolNew Member Introduct...My Older and Dear Friends Gideon! M...
SaltBushBill11scuzziNew Member Introduct...New member
SaltBushBill11SaltBushBillNew Member Introduct...New member
PopPop2Pegasus1300Can Am Spyder Trike...New Member
Vulcanology10GorillaNew Member Introduct...New member
Vulcanology10rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Vulcanology10Marc HNew Member Introduct...New member
TxHarleyRider2TxHarleyRiderHarley Trike Convers...Need help bad with conversion.
Speedy Pete12trike ladyNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
rjd637trike ladyHonda Trikes1989 Honda Goldwing trike opinions
DrCrazyTrain13Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...Introduction
Vulcanology10Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member
Speedy Pete12Uncle FesterNew Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Speedy Pete12rhino 2New Member Introduct...New member from Alberta, Canada
Likes Likes:  5
Thanks Thanks:  0
Results 1 to 12 of 12

Thread: twitchy steering

  1. #1
    1+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt USA
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default twitchy steering

    I am building a reverse trike with a 1982 Goldwing and a 1970"s vw beetle front torsion bar suspension. It's all coming out fine except the steering is twichy at any speed over 15mph. When I built it, I squared up the bike on my bench and ran a center line front to back and set the front end to that so I know everything is square. I lightened the suspension by removing the smaller leafs to compensate for the lighter front end and the spring rate is comfortable. Everything has been rebuilt in the front end so all is tight.

    As far as alignment goes, I lined up the front rims parallel to the rear wheel as my research indicated. I am running about 4 degrees of castor, 0 degrees camber and 1/4" overall toe in over 24". I also installed a 3/4" sway bar which makes the front end stiffer side to side so it doesn't lean very much. I am running my tires at 20 lbs, down from the 30 or so when I had them mounted. I have readjusted this front end many times but can't reduce the slight side to side wander instability to a comfortable point. I am at wits end on this. Any ideas are appreciated.

    Thanks, Bob

  2. #2
    99000 + Posts
    Gold Club Member
    rhino 2's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2011
    Location
    Utopia New Jersey USA..
    Posts
    99,320
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 1 Time in 1 Post

    Default

    Bob ..Welcome to Trike Talk👍👍
    Sometimes a Cigar is Just a Cigar.....
    2019 Tri-Glide.......

  3. #3
    400+ Posts
    Gold Club Member
    Sidecarbill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Sussex nj usa
    Posts
    2,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Caster is positive yes? Don't know what you mean by 24" toe in. Toe is measured tire to tire. Make sure the steering box is adjusted correctly.

  4. #4
    Senior Moderator
    Gold Club Member
    Gorilla's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2008
    Location
    Key Largo. Fl,. USA
    Posts
    15,112
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 2 Times in 2 Posts

    Default

    Welcome Bob. With a self built system like you made your going to have to experiment with adjustments until you get something to work. Maybe even a different tire size might help. More rubber on the ground to give more resistance??? Steering damper???? more toe in?????
    Stallion #406 // 2013 Tri-Glide

  5. #5
    1+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt USA
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Sidecarbill View Post
    Caster is positive yes? Don't know what you mean by 24" toe in. Toe is measured tire to tire. Make sure the steering box is adjusted correctly.
    toe in is measured at 12" from wheel center front & back so there is 1/4" of toe in overall at 24" apart. my tires are 21" diameter. There is no actual steering box. It is a shaft & pitman arm only like an ATV.

    Thanks for your response.

    Bob

    - - - Updated - - -

    Quote Originally Posted by Gorilla View Post
    Welcome Bob. With a self built system like you made your going to have to experiment with adjustments until you get something to work. Maybe even a different tire size might help. More rubber on the ground to give more resistance??? Steering damper???? more toe in?????
    The tires are 165/50/15 so the tire is wide enough. I was thinking steering damper although the problem is wander and not shimmy, so I am not sure. I might try more castor and possibly more toe in.

    Thanks,

    Bob

  6. #6
    18500+ Posts
    Tech Contributor
    Gold Club Member
    Jack Klarich's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Jax, Fla USA
    Posts
    18,092
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Welcome to Trike Talk Bob, if your caster is adjustable try a bit more. Do it in small increments and test rides. This should give you more stability with out having to fight the steering. TOO much of a good thing is bad, so go slow on the adjustment. You may also want to shoot for a bit less toe. This can help with the scrub radius of the tires
    Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
    Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL

  7. #7
    500+ Posts LarryA's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    milnor n.d. usa
    Posts
    548
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Going on the assumption that your steering is not returning to center is what you call twitchy ... could it be that your front end is too light, kingpin inclination and front end weight are the main players to get the steering to self center...Only other thought is binding somewhere is the linkages? Agree with Jack about the caster and toe.

  8. #8
    1+ Posts
    Join Date
    Jun 2020
    Location
    ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt USA
    Posts
    3
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by LarryA View Post
    Going on the assumption that your steering is not returning to center is what you call twitchy ... could it be that your front end is too light, kingpin inclination and front end weight are the main players to get the steering to self center...Only other thought is binding somewhere is the linkages? Agree with Jack about the caster and toe.
    It steers and turns fine, it just constantly goes slightly left to right so I have to constantly compensate with very slight counter steer. It's like a very slight zig zag. The handle bar triple clamps go to their stops left & right and the wheels are at their max as well so the steering capacity is at its maximum. I am going to shim out the bottom of the beam some more to give me more positive caster, reset toe in again and see what happens. I will keep you posted.

    Thanks Guys

    Bob

  9. #9
    500+ Posts LarryA's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2016
    Location
    milnor n.d. usa
    Posts
    548
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    just one more thought...is the rear swing arm mounting tight? if loose the rear of the trike could be steering the front. Hopefully more positive caster will help.

  10. #10
    400+ Posts
    Gold Club Member
    Sidecarbill's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2015
    Location
    Sussex nj usa
    Posts
    2,427
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    I don't know what this set up looks like. But depending on where your linkage is pivoting and heights perhaps you're experiencing bump steer. Any binding in the front end can also cause this. Seized ball joints or king pins can create the problem you describe.

  11. #11
    Gone But Not Forgotten
    Tech Contributor
    Lee H. Mann's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2011
    Location
    Martinsburg, WV
    Posts
    4,065
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 3 Times in 3 Posts

    Cool

    Quote Originally Posted by goldwing-ghia View Post
    It steers and turns fine, it just constantly goes slightly left to right so I have to constantly compensate with very slight counter steer. It's like a very slight zig zag. The handle bar triple clamps go to their stops left & right and the wheels are at their max as well so the steering capacity is at its maximum. I am going to shim out the bottom of the beam some more to give me more positive caster, reset toe in again and see what happens. I will keep you posted.

    Thanks Guys

    Bob
    I would imagine you set the toe while the trike was unladen.

    Check for toe changes when weight is applied.

    It sounds like a toe adjustment problem.

    Darting is caused by too much toe-in.

    Your steering geometry is going to be way off because of the shortened wheelbase.

    Do like the stock car guys used to do.

    Roll the front wheels through water and see what kind of scrub you have.

    Also roll it backwards and see if the front wheels follow the same track.
    Jim Murphy
    EX-Lehman & Champion Dealer Owner Operator
    Iron Butt Rider 2001

    WHEN HELP IS OFFERED, A SIMPLE "THANK YOU" IS APPRECIATED.

  12. #12
    18500+ Posts
    Tech Contributor
    Gold Club Member
    Jack Klarich's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2016
    Location
    Jax, Fla USA
    Posts
    18,092
    Thanks
    0
    Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Lee H. Mann View Post
    I would imagine you set the toe while the trike was unladen.

    Check for toe changes when weight is applied.

    It sounds like a toe adjustment problem.

    Darting is caused by too much toe-in.

    Your steering geometry is going to be way off because of the shortened wheelbase.

    Do like the stock car guys used to do.

    Roll the front wheels through water and see what kind of scrub you have.

    Also roll it backwards and see if the front wheels follow the same track.
    Adding weight to the vehicle is a big plus, it helps to reproduce actual normal driving conditions.
    Nuff Said," Were Burnin Daylight, Lets Ride"(Sober 37 years)
    Current ride : 2021 FREEWHEELER M8, oldest ride 1960 FL

Similar Threads

  1. Freewheeler Steering vs Tri Glide Steering
    By POPSHD in forum Harley Tri Glide
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 01-08-2020, 09:45 AM
  2. Tri-Glide Steering Damper
    By Tonyd in forum Harley Tri Glide
    Replies: 7
    Last Post: 03-15-2010, 12:47 PM
  3. Steering Stabilizer
    By crzrlou in forum Harley Trike Conversions
    Replies: 13
    Last Post: 01-04-2010, 12:20 AM
  4. Steering dampner
    By ROAD DOG in forum Harley Trike Conversions
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 03-23-2009, 08:13 PM
  5. Steering Wobble
    By Pushrod in forum Harley Trike Conversions
    Replies: 10
    Last Post: 01-21-2009, 07:57 PM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •