The Jockey Journal

Wagoneer · 05-25-2012, 05:40 PM

user generated content

TDWZ28 · 05-25-2012, 07:29 PM

Pull the handlebars back so they are straight in line with the front end. Take it for a spin. I'm thinking you will be surprised at the difference.

CB550 Matt · 05-25-2012, 07:37 PM

^^+1

'59 · 05-26-2012, 02:29 AM

/\ /\ as above, its all 'bout leaverage or as we call it 'the angle of your dangle'.

Larry T · 05-26-2012, 10:46 AM

Wider bars and smaller front wheel will help, but it's never gonna feel like a stocker.

tobiism · 05-26-2012, 11:26 AM

Don't forget to check that air pressure.

raynoslo · 05-26-2012, 11:32 AM

What is a flatlander? I dig the apes! Especially if you intend to throw a twisted springer on there. As far as comfort and rideability, I say as long as it looks cool who cares. Since when have choppers been built for comfort. I'm reminded on a daily basis that my back doesn't like a hardtail, but that's why they invented ibproferin. Learn to ride it, and you'll only hone your riding skills, plus none of your buddies will want to ride it.

Wagoneer · 05-26-2012, 12:31 PM

user generated content

gsand · 05-26-2012, 06:59 PM

Try riding with skinny ass pullbacks !!

Wagoneer · 06-26-2012, 10:06 PM

user generated content

Richard D · 06-26-2012, 10:19 PM

At the very least you got that DNA off there...

Wagoneer · 06-26-2012, 10:24 PM

user generated content

VonWegener · 06-26-2012, 10:30 PM

Two things come to my mind. If the springer stem is chewed up in the middle shouldn't there be evidence of the chewing inside the neck?
The stem only has to be 1" where the bearings sit. You can safely file, sand, grind down the middle of the stem until it binds no more.
Second is that on stock Harley trees the lower bearing is a press fit while the upper bearing slides easy on and off.

Wagoneer · 06-26-2012, 10:48 PM

user generated content

Jtw79 · 06-27-2012, 03:47 AM

I would definitely look into the neck of the frame rubbing the stem. Sounds like someone burned thru with weld and it is hitting in there. Pull the top race out of the frame and slip the bottom tree in with the stem and check the clearance. Hey at least it's a family affair! LOL! Nice Ironhead man.

Wagoneer · 06-27-2012, 11:39 PM

user generated content

snatchleeka · 06-28-2012, 01:14 AM

4 to 5 " is the sweet spot!!!

VonWegener · 06-28-2012, 01:54 AM

Glad I could help. Now show us a pic of the custom rockers.

Rotten Egg · 06-28-2012, 08:30 AM

Glad you figured it out.
It can be frustrating, but you don't get what your after for free. it's the bikes way of saying "Don't give up on me"
Post some pics of your custom rockers (on & off the bike if you got 'em).
I'm very interested to see what springer rockers that reduce the trail look like.

Which front end will you end up using? DNA's are fine.

Wagoneer · 06-28-2012, 09:54 AM

user generated content

Richard D · 06-28-2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wagoneer

I'd like to get a narrow twisted springer someday, and I will.

I got mine for $300, see them quite often in the classifieds for that. cheaper than a new DNA, I think?

snatchleeka · 06-28-2012, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wagoneer

The rockers are kind of ugly...I don't know if I want to post them. Ha ha.

They basically moved the axle out forward to eat up some of the 9-10 inches of trail I had.

I took 3/8" plate and drilled holes in it and inserted 1/4 inch wall tubing in the holes and welded it up...trying to mimic the original rockers thickness and appearance so I could retain all of the original hardware.

Seriously the welds are ugly (MIG), but have great penetration (220V). I am glad the washers cover up the welds.

I was going to try to polish them up shiny steel. But I lost patience. I ended up painting them metallic silver same as the frame.

ugh, I guess I will post some pics for ridicule later tonight.

I think DNA's are fine too. yeah, I'd like to get a narrow twisted springer someday, and I will.

its about function , not form!!!! the new rockers work right? you made them yourself, so they were cheap right? sounds like a homerun!!!

Rotten Egg · 06-28-2012, 08:05 PM

I'm just trying to figure out the trail story.
9" - 10" is allot of trail, & unless I'm wrong (which I may be) the DNA springer runs parralell with the neck, getting it's trail in the rockers (about 3.5").
Rake should have no real affect on trail.
To shorten the trail by 6" means bringing the front wheel closer to the bike, not further away.
Longer rockers prolly work fine, & may make the ride a bit nicer, but will only increase trail.
Since the problem was in the neck, I bet the original rockers will be fine. They also contain brass bushings, so I bet they'll hold up better (no disparagement meant to yours).
That's why I wanted to see them.
I could be totally wrong here. Let me know if I am.
Rick

Wagoneer · 06-28-2012, 08:11 PM

user generated content

Wagoneer · 06-28-2012, 08:23 PM

user generated content

Wagoneer · 06-28-2012, 08:34 PM

user generated content

Rotten Egg · 06-28-2012, 08:37 PM

Man you made them sound terrible, but I think they came out nice.

I was looking at the offset at the rocker / axle, you're right that's not trail. my mistake.

So does it ride softer with the longer rockers?

Wagoneer · 06-28-2012, 08:41 PM

user generated content

little d · 06-29-2012, 10:28 AM

Make sure it's advancing the points. The slitest bind and it will miss.

05-25-2012, 05:40 PM	#1
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:53 PM.

05-25-2012, 07:29 PM	#2
TDWZ28 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 185	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Pull the handlebars back so they are straight in line with the front end. Take it for a spin. I'm thinking you will be surprised at the difference.

05-26-2012, 02:29 AM	#4
'59 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: 7th stone Posts: 561	Re: Heavy Steering Problems /\ /\ as above, its all 'bout leaverage or as we call it 'the angle of your dangle'.

05-26-2012, 10:46 AM	#5
Larry T Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: North Central Texas Posts: 2,888	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Wider bars and smaller front wheel will help, but it's never gonna feel like a stocker. __________________ I foresee yet another closely defined historic term being corrupted, aborted and ruined.-Dragon My old Panhead build: https://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/s...ead.php?t=9455 Occasionally updated Knucklehead project: https://www.jockeyjournal.com/forum/a...p?albumid=3625

05-26-2012, 11:26 AM	#6
tobiism Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chandler AZ Posts: 658	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Don't forget to check that air pressure.

05-26-2012, 11:32 AM	#7
raynoslo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wichita, KS USA Posts: 139	Re: Heavy Steering Problems What is a flatlander? I dig the apes! Especially if you intend to throw a twisted springer on there. As far as comfort and rideability, I say as long as it looks cool who cares. Since when have choppers been built for comfort. I'm reminded on a daily basis that my back doesn't like a hardtail, but that's why they invented ibproferin. Learn to ride it, and you'll only hone your riding skills, plus none of your buddies will want to ride it. __________________ http://raynoslo.blogspot.com/?m=0

05-26-2012, 12:31 PM	#8
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:54 PM.

05-26-2012, 06:59 PM	#9
gsand Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 309	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Try riding with skinny ass pullbacks !! __________________ Shovelhead 'till I'm Dead

06-26-2012, 10:06 PM	#10
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:54 PM.

06-26-2012, 10:19 PM	#11
Richard D Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Texas City, TX Posts: 1,386	Re: Heavy Steering Problems At the very least you got that DNA off there...

06-26-2012, 10:24 PM	#12
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:54 PM.

06-26-2012, 10:30 PM	#13
VonWegener Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Apple Valley Posts: 3,342	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Two things come to my mind. If the springer stem is chewed up in the middle shouldn't there be evidence of the chewing inside the neck? The stem only has to be 1" where the bearings sit. You can safely file, sand, grind down the middle of the stem until it binds no more. Second is that on stock Harley trees the lower bearing is a press fit while the upper bearing slides easy on and off. __________________ * Your friendly neighborhood W&W Cycle Germany, Paughco and V-Twin dealer

06-26-2012, 10:48 PM	#14
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:55 PM.

06-27-2012, 03:47 AM	#15
Jtw79 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Central point, Oregon Posts: 270	Re: Heavy Steering Problems I would definitely look into the neck of the frame rubbing the stem. Sounds like someone burned thru with weld and it is hitting in there. Pull the top race out of the frame and slip the bottom tree in with the stem and check the clearance. Hey at least it's a family affair! LOL! Nice Ironhead man.

06-27-2012, 11:39 PM	#16
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-12-2012 at 03:13 AM.

06-28-2012, 01:14 AM	#17
snatchleeka Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: connecticut Posts: 472	Re: Heavy Steering Problems 4 to 5 " is the sweet spot!!! Last edited by snatchleeka; 06-28-2012 at 01:16 AM. Reason: content

06-28-2012, 01:54 AM	#18
VonWegener Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Apple Valley Posts: 3,342	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Glad I could help. Now show us a pic of the custom rockers. __________________ * Your friendly neighborhood W&W Cycle Germany, Paughco and V-Twin dealer

06-28-2012, 08:30 AM	#19
Rotten Egg Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Palm Bay, Florida Posts: 163	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Glad you figured it out. It can be frustrating, but you don't get what your after for free. it's the bikes way of saying "Don't give up on me" Post some pics of your custom rockers (on & off the bike if you got 'em). I'm very interested to see what springer rockers that reduce the trail look like. Which front end will you end up using? DNA's are fine.

06-28-2012, 09:54 AM	#20
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:56 PM.

06-28-2012, 08:05 PM	#23
Rotten Egg Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Palm Bay, Florida Posts: 163	Re: Heavy Steering Problems I'm just trying to figure out the trail story. 9" - 10" is allot of trail, & unless I'm wrong (which I may be) the DNA springer runs parralell with the neck, getting it's trail in the rockers (about 3.5"). Rake should have no real affect on trail. To shorten the trail by 6" means bringing the front wheel closer to the bike, not further away. Longer rockers prolly work fine, & may make the ride a bit nicer, but will only increase trail. Since the problem was in the neck, I bet the original rockers will be fine. They also contain brass bushings, so I bet they'll hold up better (no disparagement meant to yours). That's why I wanted to see them. I could be totally wrong here. Let me know if I am. Rick

06-28-2012, 08:11 PM	#24
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:57 PM.

06-28-2012, 08:23 PM	#25
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:57 PM.

06-28-2012, 08:34 PM	#26
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:58 PM.

06-28-2012, 08:37 PM	#27
Rotten Egg Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Palm Bay, Florida Posts: 163	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Man you made them sound terrible, but I think they came out nice. I was looking at the offset at the rocker / axle, you're right that's not trail. my mistake. So does it ride softer with the longer rockers?

06-28-2012, 08:41 PM	#28
Wagoneer Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 273	Re: Heavy Steering Problems user generated content __________________ Endevour to persevere. Last edited by Wagoneer; 09-01-2012 at 06:58 PM.

06-29-2012, 10:28 AM	#29
little d Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: midwest Posts: 2,905	Re: Heavy Steering Problems Make sure it's advancing the points. The slitest bind and it will miss. __________________ "Apparently, any asshole can wrench on a newish, un-fuckered bike. Takes a goddamn genius to take this shit on."-Liam.

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode