2003 Honda VTX1300 steering problems

Filed Jul 31, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 16,000 miles · WA

Bad wobble in steering/bearing between 30 and 50 MPH. When this is going on in a curve you nearly loose control it convulsive wobble grows. Not hard to find numerous complaints about this condition even on these bikes right from the dealer.

Filed Aug 3, 2006 · Steering, Suspension · 12,000 miles · FL

I am the owner of a 2003 honda vt1300s. This motorcycle has a deceleration "wobble" at 35-45 MPH. It is felt at the handlebars even while having both hands on them. Many vtx owners I know have the same problem. I'm concerned about this issue because it really feels as if the steering head would come loose at any point and also it's dangerous when riding on certain roads. It also shows uneven tire wear on the front tire.

Filed Jul 23, 2006 · Steering · IN

2003 honda vtx 1`300s front frok wobble as bike slows down. The severity changes as the speed decreases. The problem has existed since I purchased the bike with 9,000 miles on it. It now has 19,000 and the wobble shows no signs of going away.

Filed Jul 23, 2006 · Steering · 150 miles · IL

When ridding my motorcycle at a speed of 50 and letting off the gas, at around 45 MPH I get a wobble real bad from the front end and it is really dangerous around a turn and can cause an accident. Talked to many honda owners and they all have the same problem. After changing the steering bearing it is fixed, they said.

Filed Jul 23, 2006 · Steering · 1,348 miles · VA

2003 honda vtx 1300r motorcycle has front end wobble at speeds below approx. 45 MPH.

Filed Nov 1, 2005 · Steering, Suspension · 5,000 miles · TX

Vehicle - 2003 honda vtx s/r model problem is front end wobble at 45-35 MPH when decelerating. I replaced front and rear tires at just over 9000 miles. Before I replaced the front tire the wobble was getting worse. After I replaced the front tire I noticed that the wobble is gone but I can still feel a very slight side to side vibration in the handlebars.

Filed Aug 23, 2005 · Steering · OR

The vtx 1300 has a severe wobble on deceleration from 45 - 40 MPH that requires the rider to maintain a firm grip on the bars. I have spoken with 4 different honda dealers and they all say they have never heard of this problem. I belong to a vtx riders group and I have ridden 4 other vtx 1300 and they all have the same wobble. I have found one rider that replaced the factory steering head ball bearing with a roller bearing and that corrects this problem. I believe the factory ball bearing is inadequate to support the weight of this vehicle. This problem has been apparent since the day I purchased the motorcycle on july 12, 2003.

Filed Dec 4, 2004 · Steering · 4 miles · TN

There has been a wobble in the front of my 2003 honda vtx 1300 retro from the first day I owned it. I have had the wheels trued and new tires installed. It is better but it still wobbles. I have taken it to several dealers and the stock response is "we have never heard about a problem like this." or "honda says to hold onto your handle bars tighter." this is not acceptable from a company that has built it's reputation on quality. This is an ongoing issue.

Filed Nov 4, 2004 · Steering · GA

I own a 2003 honda vtx 1300s motorcycle and I have a wobble in the front end when I decelerate in the 45-40 MPH range. This wobble also happens in turns and can greatly effect the steering through a turn. This has been a constant situation since I first bought the bike. I've had the wheels checked for true and balance and the steering head bearing checked a number of times for the correct torque. All of this has been done by lawrencevill honda, but the problem continues. *ak

Filed Jun 17, 2004 · Steering · CT

Wobble or shaking in the front forks of my 2003 honda vtx 1300 at 40-45 MPH. Dealer says he can find no problem. This is a continuous problem, not specific to any one date.