Loose handlebars?

[controlu]

I’m new to the trike world. I bought an ’03 GL1800 with a Champion trike kit. Yesterday I was going real slow with my hands off the handlebars and hit a rough spot in the road, and the handlebars started slapping back and forth real fast. Scared the beegeebers outa me. I’ve been told two things. 1. The steering head nut is too loose. 2. This is not unheard of on a Goldwing. Any comments?

[tamathumper]

Search for "tank slapper", and keep your hands on the grips.

[GoldWingrGreg]

With the tire on the ground, from the center point, gently more the bars a little back and forth. Are you able to feel any notching in the steering head bearings ???

If not then try this. Do the same after putting a jack under the engine with the front wheel off the ground. With the handle bars at their center point, gently move just a little the bars back and forth. Can you feel notching then ???

Do you know if you have an easy-steer kit installed ???

[controlu]

There is no steering kit. However, I've taken the bike in to have the front forks serviced (60,000 mi. and I'm sure it has never been done) so I won't get the bike back for about two weeks. I'll do more when I get it back.