Front Wheel Installation

[gumboss]

I removed my front wheel and had a new tire mounted today. When reinstalling the tire the front axle seems to bind or heavily resist turning about 1/4 complete installation. I know the axle was extremely tight at first while removing, but wanted to know if the same goes for reinstalling. I did not want to strip any threads. For those with prior experience, does this seem normal? The front axle pinch bolts are still loosened. Any info greatly appreciated.

[BudMan]

Not sure if this a 1500 or 1600. Are you saying that once the axle is in contact with the threads on the fork it seems to bind once it is 1/4 of the way?
Or you cannot get the axle to slide more than a 1/4 of the way through the wheel?

[gumboss]

It is a 2006 1600 Nomad. It seems to be very tight to continue screwing in when the threads are about 1/4 completed.

[recumbentbob]

Have you lubed the threads or applied never seeze to them???
I always use never seeze.

[BudMan]

I have found it snugs up kinda quickly but not to the point I was concerned.
I would remove the axle, check the threads on the axle and the fork.
Make sure they are clean and appear in good shape.
Then try it again making sure the spacers aren't out of position.

[gumboss]

I cleaned the threads well and used anti-seize. Worked like a charm. Thanks for your help guys!

[DragonLady58]

These bikes are really close tolerance, gotta use some finesse when assembling this stuff....lesser bikes would fall apart, but these machines are like watch mechanisms.....
The Japanese showed us how to build a great import car, then they showed us how to build good motorcycles like the Honda CB750, Goldwings....
Now, they've taught us how to build a great VTwin....

[mick56]

Originally Posted by DragonLady58

These bikes are really close tolerance, gotta use some finesse when assembling this stuff....lesser bikes would fall apart, but these machines are like watch mechanisms.....
The Japanese showed us how to build a great import car, then they showed us how to build good motorcycles like the Honda CB750, Goldwings....
Now, they've taught us how to build a great VTwin....

You got the last bit spot on mate.The American engineering thinking, has always been,if it broke before, lets make it bigger & heavier.No thought to balancing,or machining with finer tolerances.Are they still using imperial threads on the new harley's ? Or have the 3rd world boffins, at the Malaysian factories made them wake up. 3/8th's & 7/16thth's ffs sake.No wonder the country is broke,it's 50+ yrs behind the rest of the world.