FRONT END 'FALL-AWAY'

[LDO]

After replacing the neck bearings and setting the front end, is the 'fall-away' procedure performed with the fork tubes, front wheel, and handlebars/headlights installed???

 

[Nomad2day]

Yes

 

[CCRainman]

Everything need to be in place and I usually tighten the trees back up and then back it back down a little to the fall away point so the bearings will seat properly.

 

[Moespeeds]

Please explain "Fall away?"

 

[LDO]

Hi Moe,
I guess maybe that's not the right terminology but it is a measurement, from a centerline, of how much you push the front end to either side before it falls away on its own. It is checked when you re-install your trees to ensure you have the hardware correctly tightened.

 

[gearsmithy]

Hi Moe,
I guess maybe that's not the right terminology but it is a measurement, from a centerline, of how much you push the front end to either side before it falls away on its own. It is checked when you re-install your trees to ensure you have the hardware correctly tightened.

Make sure that you're deliberate with that measurement, and keep in mind that neck bearings need a certain amount of preload (too much or too loose will get you handling problems). Seen a lot of guys "wing it" and end up with a lot of wobble on the street.

 

[Moespeeds]

Damn, never even knew. I've had my front end off several times too! Is there a torque value for the steering stem bolt?

 

[Raywood]

Damn, never even knew. I've had my front end off several times too! Is there a torque value for the steering stem bolt?

Yes, it's the fall away rate! Your steering stem bolt is what provides it.

You tighten it up till it gives you the 1 or 2" of fall a way.

 

[alhall88]

I'm not sure about the big dog front ends but on my avalon front end it says to add a shim if you have to go over 20 ft. lbs. to achieve the correct fall away.

 

[Moespeeds]

How about them apples. I guess I'll check that when I put the bike back together! Does it vary by front end, or is it always 1-2"?

 

[gearsmithy]

I'm not sure about the big dog front ends but on my avalon front end it says to add a shim if you have to go over 20 ft. lbs. to achieve the correct fall away.

One more coin in the pot for me: the HD factory fall away procedure does not apply to all bikes, and it gets very tricky when you get into the custom/chopper world with exaggerated frame geometry. So don't rely on your softail manual to give you the proper specs

 

[BWG56]

Put a piece of masking tape on the front fender, mark the centerline, have someone hold a tape measure over the line when the handle bars are straight turn them to the right or left and at 1"-2" the handle bars should fall. Tighten stem nut to achive and then lock with set screw. This should be done with the front end totally together. This is also done with the bike up in the air.