2004 Honda VTX1300 steering problems

Filed Jun 24, 2020 · Steering · 8,000 miles · PA

My front end wobbles bad when I'm slowing down. It happens on both city streets and highways.I replaced the front and back tires and had them balanced. Nothing changed. I've researched it and it's apparently a common problem with the 1300 models and replacing the upper and lower steering bearings with the ones used in the 1800 models fixes it. I've researched how to replace them and it requires special tools and the race for each bearing needs to be pressed in at a shop. I noticed that only 75 complaints have been registered. I still can't believe there's not a recall for this issue. I've seen a lot of people complaining about this online. I've had this issue for years and it keeps getting worse. I'm going to have to pay to get them replaced soon and I'm sure it's not going to be cheap after reading about how to do it. Thank you.

Filed May 24, 2016 · Steering · 18,000 miles · ID

On 2004 honda vtx1300c motorcycle, front tire develops a severe shimmy when decelerating from 40-50 MPH. Have reported problem to honda repair center and tech's state they do not know cause of problem where many forums one stated to replace front wheel bearings with vtx 1800 tapered bearings.

Filed Sep 27, 2011 · Steering · 6,200 miles · AR

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 honda vtx1300. The contact stated that the handle bar wobbled excessively when driving 35 MPH and above. The contact changed the tires on the vehicle but that did not correct the failure. The dealer inspected the vehicle and stated that the steering stem bearings failed and needed replacement. The dealer stated this was a known problem. The VIN was not available. The failure and current mileage was 6,200.

Filed Sep 3, 2011 · Steering · 7,781 miles · CA

Just purchased this bike I'm 2nd owner, and while inspecting this bike I noticed that left side of front tire was completely worn but right side had tread, so I replaced with new dunlop tires front and rear and after driving having only 300 miles on bike one day I let go of left hand grip at 40 MPH to scratch my nose and the bike front wheel began to wobble enough to really scare me. I called honda they said we know nothing about this problem, however getting on line with several vtx owners web-sites and discovered that this is a problem with the vtx 1300. I have new tires and vtx with less than 8000 miles on bike, seems like a manufacturing defect.

Filed Jul 25, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 25 miles · NY

There is a front fork wobble on my 2004 honda vtx motorcycle. This is coupled with extremely fast wear on the front tires. The wobble is most noticeable between 20 - 50 MPH, and more prevalent when coasting to a stop. It is bad enough at time to cause a control issue when going around turns.

Filed May 31, 2011 · Steering · 18,000 miles · NY

I have a 2004 honda vtx 1300 and while decelerating, usually between 50 and 30 miles per hour, the handle bars and front end starts to wobble. This is especially dangerous on a motorcycle.

Filed Jun 7, 2010 · Steering · 19,000 miles · TN

2004 honda vtx 1300c. Front end shake and wobble.the wobble is between 35-50 MPH. New tapered bearings are recommended for the repair.

Filed Nov 1, 2009 · Steering · 7,000 miles · FL

On 2004 honda vtx1300c motorcycle, front tire develops a severe shimmy when decelerating from 40-50 MPH. Have reported problem to honda repair center and tech's state they do not know cause of problem where many forums discuss issue in detail.

Filed Sep 24, 2008 · Steering · 2,316 miles · TN

My 2004 honda vtx 1300c has a bad vibration when decelerating from 50 to 40 MPH. Several time this has almost caused an accident due to vibration during a curve. According to my repair guy this is due to a poor design in the steering bearing in the triple tree on the 1300s. Apparently the bearing used in the triple tree is not the same one used on the vtx1800 model which he says is a good one.

Filed Jul 22, 2008 · Steering, Suspension · 8,000 miles · FL · 1 injury

I have a 2004 honda vtx 1300cc motorcycle, which has developed a large problem in the steering (wobble). This problem has been noted by hundreds of owners that I have seen on the web. I am replacing the front wheel bearings and the steering stem bearings to avoid being killed. That failure of the federal safety agency to address this issue with honda is sickening. I guess people have to die before our wonderful government agencies will do their jobs; maybe not even then.