2013 Harley-Davidson Flhtcuse problems

Filed Sep 7, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 2,500 miles · MA

This motorcycle is unstable at highway speeds. I am not sure if it is in the tire or the wheel but my dealer has tried other fixes, all to no avail. Fixes have been made to the neck bearings, swingarm, etc. The front end does not hug the road and always feels light at highway speeds. When there is no traffic it still feels and handles the same way. Occasionally the front end will "dance" without warning. It's not exaggerated and does not last long, but it definitely makes you grab the handlebars tighter and slow down. When near other vehicles this happens more often, it's like the front end is being lifted and moved. This has only been happening typically at 60 MPH or higher. I have not had it over 70 because of this condition. I feel unsafe to try to put on the cruise control and take my hands off the bar to rest them. Again this only happens at highway speeds and typically on longer trips when the tires get really heated up. My feeling is that the problem is in the tire itself, but I know others with the same issue that have replaced their wheels (rims) and that has solved the problem (but they also changed the rubber at the same time). Whatever it is I would like it taken care of so that I can truly enjoy my motorcycle.

Filed Jul 11, 2013 · Wheels · 6 miles · CA

I purchased a 2013 harley davidson flhtcuse8 on april 30, 2013. This motorcycle exhibited twitchy handling from the first ride. This motorcycle was returned to two separate dealers on 10 separate occasions for warranty repairs. This bike was delivered with "chisel" wheels. These wheels are what hd uses on 2012 and 2013 flhtcuse's. These wheels cause an unstable condition at operating speeds. The front end feels very light and makes the bike feel very twitchy. There is no feeling of control especially in windy conditions or near other vehicles. The two dealer?s service departments have replaced both front and rear tires which were defective, taken the front end apart and put it back together, replaced incorrect parts and other checks and adjustments to correct the unstable condition. All changes failed to correct the instability. I determined that the instability is caused by the front wheel when I replaced it with another style of wheel which eliminated the instability. Other research shows there are quite a few other people complaining of this instability issue on www.cvoharley.com. I have contacted harley davidson customer support and I was told this is a warranty issue between hd tech support and my dealer. My dealer states after the repairs and discussion with hd tech support that the bike is within specifications and they will do nothing further to correct the instability or supply a wheel which will eliminate the instability. There is another current complaint filed under a 2012 flhtcuse7 which uses the same wheels and has the same issue with these ?chisel? Wheels.