Heavy steering sensation

[gman47]

In a previous thread someone stated their steering felt heavy and tended to "flop over" when in slow speed turns. I presume the author meant slow speed to be parking lot type maneuvers. This is my biggest complaint with my ride. I've changed fork fluid with correct and equal levels, adjusted the steering head bearings and will be getting new tires tomorrow. It's as though the steering is still too loose. Will be checking it when the tires are being changed and do further adjustment if needed. My poser: does everyone experience this same feeling? Has anyone solved what appears to be an inherent glitch? What have you done for a fix? Anyone investigate or install a steering damper?

Like others I try to keep the bike as upright as possible but it's something that is not exciting to live with! Oh yeah, '05 Nomad.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Did you get the new tires installed? If so how does the steering feel now?

[Top Cat]

I do not have that with my 07.
The only time I experienced that was with my wife's previous bike. It was a Honda 750 Spirit. Had a damn 21" tie on front. Man what a lousy low speed handler that was.
I did feel a little glitch in my steering but not as bad as you describe. It was when the steering head bearing was notched. Don't know why it notched but when it was replaced the glitch went away.

[gman47]

Follow up!! Yes, I had the new tires installed and DID notice a marked difference. I know tires are a personal issue but I happen to favor Metzlers ME880's, which I had installed. I had the original size installed on the front and 180-70's on the rear.The whole ride and feel of the bike is one of greater stability. I changed out the fairly new (5,000 miles) Dunlops. I had the same sensation, heavy steering and feeling every slight elevation change, divot and groove with the original Dunlops on my "98 Classic, too. The Metzlers cured the problem on the '98. My original question/comment was in response to a statement made by someone mentioning the heavy feeling on another thread ... but I couldn't find the thread to reference.

[ringadingh]

Usually the heavy feeling at low speed is attributed the the rake angle of the forks. Theres nothing we can do to change that on our bikes. The Harley Electra's have a different fork angle it they have a much nicer feeling at low speeds.