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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ก.พ. 2021
- The Harley wobble, head shake, tank slapper, death wobble, whatever you want to call it it's a terrifying experience no rider wants to go through. Harley-Davidson motorcycles using the rubber mounted system for the engine can experience a form of this that has come to be known as the "Harley Wobble". The rubber mounting system in theory under the right conditions can cause the swing arm to flex in its pivot point on the motorcycle. This causes the rear tire to walk creating a violent shaking of the handle bars. The issue has mainly been known to happen on heavy baggers, touring models loaded down and in some cases on Dyna and Sportster models. Basic maintenance can help alleviate this problem, if that doesn't correct the issue the next step is a stabilizer link. Stabilizer links are available for Dynas, Touring, Vrods and Sportsters. Stabilizer links will take the flex out caused by the rubber mounts and make your bikes chassis more rigid without sacrificing ride quality. This will give you improved handling and most important of all, piece of mind and safety on the road.
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Have you experienced the wobble on your Harley, or even a high speed wobble on any motorcycle?
I always make sure that any load in the saddlebags is weighing aprox the same so there is no inbalance there and make sure that anything in the tourpack does not shift while taking a turn. Can you imagine 2 or 3 kilo's there shifting from left to right? 😱😱
Countersteering helps a lot in preventing the 'wobble'. Installed a stabi link and better front suspension. I have a set of Centramatic wheel stabilizers coming. I have the feeling that will help too with avoiding any imbalance to the bike. And al the things you mentioned 😀👍
Edit 10 months later: Rear airshocks are being replaced with made to fit rear shocks.🥳
Thanks for the video, well covered the problem, did experience the wobble once or twice on my 1990 FXRS but I was pushing too hard into corners, sorted without crashing by rolling off the throttle and a bit firmer hold on the bars, I think it was aggravated by having a fork mounted windscreen that I had for winter riding , also tyre pressure was critical , needs to be kept spot on for good handling, thanks again, cheers John. 🌞🏍
When Eric Buell designed the rubber mount frame in the late 70's when he worked at HD he told them that it required additional link point that they eliminated when they went to produce the bike, that's what the aftermarket fixes do, add the link that they eliminated from Buell's original design.
For Me Only a Couple of Decades ago on Dirt bikes. Not in last Decade as the Set up and Quality of my Motorcycles has been High..
Had a 84 1100 suzuki that would wobbles badly at 135 mph by Time I got it slowed to 50 mph I was so tired I was ready to jump off.
Had the wobble on my 2018 CVO limited.identified under warranty. It was positively dangerous. Caught it on some of my TH-cam videos and also replicated by HD Tech. In the end after a year of bitching the Dealer advised that the HD service factory guy suggested to fit the True Track. I said fine but you are paying for it given it’s a well known HD issue and under warranty. HD said they could not given it’s not a HD part. In the end I just had to fix the bike and I fitted the True Track and it did indeed solve the problem. In terms of HD not stepping up to fix their problem, after 25 years and 6 Harley’s I’m know am a Indian owner and could not be happier. Screw you HD you’ve lost another loyal customer forever.
I hear you brother, I have a 2010 Road Kill Will be getting rid of that thing as soon as it’s paid off. Never will consider another HD again!
Yup, Indian Roadmaster next for me as HD is completely screwing my buddy who just bought a 2022 Softtail Low Rider S, many times when shifting from 1st to 2nd it will just pop back into 1st, and take 5 times or so before 2nd will take. Harley says they can't reproduce it. So he's effed. Meanwhile HD loses 2 customers for the price of one.
They're not Indians.@@thebigzippo
@@montanaokie What's not Indians?
I keep staring at your chemical shelf on the wall. I think you need a middle support bracket or a thicker shelf. :)
😂😂😂
Lol. Totally! I was thinking.... how funny it would be to see it cone crashing down. .
He's not a Carpenter, He's a motorcycle Mechanic.
Let him live his life lol
I was waiting for the shelf to collapse
I have a 96 Dyna Super Glide. I've removed my mounts and filled them with polyurethane and installed Dyna-Trak stabilisers.
By far the best mods I've ever done to my bike. I push my bike to the limits and never had an issue.
Is tru trak the same as what you said?
In defence of H-D, the wobble is not a thing related to a particular brand. The wobble is deeply linked to the geometry of the bike.
Geometry involved:
- Wheelbase
- Trail
A longer frame is more prone to flexing (vertical and transversal axes) and twisting (longitudinal axis), but H-Ds frames are tough as a rock, so we should discard this. Also, a longer wheelbase is more stable (harder to turn in other words). The ratio of wheelbase/trial is moderate in these bikes. A sport bike with its short wheelbase and short trail is more prone to a wobble, and that's because a shorter trail offers less resistance to lateral forces in the front wheel, whether they be pilot directed (steering input) or road induced (a surface groove, bump or pothole can create a disturbance/force in the front frame).
The Harley wobble is a way of bashing the MoCo and serves no one. It serves no one because it makes riders ignorant of the geometry and dynamics of bikes as a whole, falsely believing that they're safer riding any other bike than a H-D. In regards of maintenance issues, such as tire inflation, the bearings of the steering head, etc, that can lead to a wobble, they're owner related and no brand is to blamed for what a rider decides to add or neglect to their bike.
Having said thay, a proposed way of getting out of a wobble is to lean forward the upper body and relax the arms and hands. After all, a wobble could begin and not be noticed at all, but the amplifying process takes place when the rider is too stiff in their arms and grabs the handlebar too tightly, not permitting the bike to self balance the forces at play. Hey, indeed no rider should be stressed or stiff while riding; proficient riding is achieved by being relaxed and alert. The handlebars are not to be grabbed, they're meant to steer the bike.
More knowledge of this issue in nine and a half minutes than I've been able to find in months
That's awesome! I am happy it helped!
More knowledge than all HD dealers together. How bad is that?
I know a couple of guys that spent thousands of dollars trying to fix that. Everyone thought it was a front end problem including myself
@@ericschaffer9228 I fixed that problem with a bike replacement... Kawa and Honda.
250,000 miles in the saddle on Harley-Davidson motorcycles and after watching this, I am so grateful I never experienced this engineering (or lack there of) induced death wobble. I logged 80,000 miles on an 05 FLHTCI, and it was one of my favorite motorcycles of all time - often (over) loaded plus passenger, and I still regret having sold it.
Why people continue to overpay for inferior engineering is beyond me, suffice to say that nothing feels as good as a Harley-Davison motorcycle when you a traveling in a straight line. It's when it comes time to turn or stop that the wheels come off the wagon so to speak.
I made the switch to BMWs 5 years ago, and after 125,000 miles I can safely say there is simply no comparison with respect to performance & handling in my my opinion. They too have their issues, and similar to HD, so much of this is manageable provided you perform regular maintenance. I like this channel - the young man who hosts it wise beyond his years, and, if you are lucky enough to have a relationship with someone like him (they're out there) it's likely the best insurance against the dreaded Harley death wobble? At least that's my thinking.
Yeah BMW design is way ahead of Harleys designs but two completely different rides.
I have seriously considered BMWs each time before I buy a Harley. My decision-making test: Assuming I have the BMW I love and the Harley I love in the garage, which key fob am I grabbing?
So far, it is still the damn Harley!
So comfortable for my style of riding: Left foot up on a highway peg, leaning back, music on and just chillin’.
BMW riding position always crushes my balls! No thank you.
I count the hours I am riding more than the miles I am making.
Be well.
I was a pro road racer many years ago :) The worst wobble bike I ever raced was the 1985 Suzuki GSXR750, I have ridden many motorcycles and had them wobble but never like the GSXR. I checked many things to find out why and used your suggestions but I when I adjusted the rear chain I found it looked off. On most motorcycles there is alignment lines on the swing arm to make sure the rear wheel is straight and aligned with the front and I had it aligned properly but saw the rear sprocket was off. I taped a perfect square and with a measuring tape I aligned the rear wheel. After tightening I noticed that I was 4 lines out, almost a 1/2 out. From that day forward I aligned every motorcycle since. My 2003 FXD was out just a little bit and never had a wobble on my FXD. I have 80,000 klm on the bike and this winter I am going to check my rubber mounts as per your suggestion, why play with the devil…:)
Finally! A coherent description of the problem and a straightforward cause & effect checklist. Many thanks for posting this.
Congrats Gixx! Your video/channel is blowing up! Well deserved. Keep going man!
I've never owned nor plan to own a Harley, but your videos are so informative that I just keep watching them. Your channel should be mandatory for every Harley owner.
Exactly.. Harley-davidsons are junk
@@PANTHEON71 l have been riding since 1978 finally got a Harley 4 year ago. An will not go back. Love it.😎
@@fatboy9583 to reach their own.. I'll save my money and ride this Honda Valkyrie And be just fine. Plus I don't need a trailer or truck
I have oned them all .Harleys the best
Set your pressure you will never have a wobble. And you feel cooler on a Harley.
@@PANTHEON71 never broke down on any of my Harleys.Had one with 78000 mile when I sold it to my brother. Still going.
I just looked up the part and ill be ordering it as soon as I can. Thanks. I had a good scare once and a few close calls. Never heard of this til now and I'm glad I did.
A buddy of mine got it at high speed cornering on his Ultra. We left late from the start of a season ending poker run out of Butte Montana. We decided to see how many riders we could pass by time we got to the first stop.There are some badass corners on that stretch of interstate. My bike showed it topped out at 118, and my buddy said his speedo read 120. In the corners I noticed he would drop way back. My 02 Fatboy like me loves corners. I put forward controls on it not long after buying it, and I run a 2-1 Screaming Eagle race pipe, no disks. The only thing I drag is the heel tab on my kickstand. My friend told me he was getting a lot of wobble when he hit the corners too fast. The best part was we passed the lead bike in about 50 miles, and waited a bit for everyone else to get to Clancy. I am so glad I bought that Fatboy, installing a 6 speed in it now.
Had heard of the "death eobble" but never experienced it until I took a long sweeping turn at 95 on a '15 Wide Glide. Came out of the turn past the white line - on the wrong side of the road. Have no idea how I kept it shiny side up. Absolute most terrifying experience in 40 years of riding Harleys. Thanks for explaining this and for the excellent prevention tips. As for me, I'm riding a little more sensibly.
Thanks Gixxer another awesome video.
Man I feel for the guy in the first clip ouch.
Trouble with living at the bottom of the world so hard to get reasonable prices for Harley parts and such a selection in your part of the world.
It's been nearly two months and still waiting for parts for my RG after my accident.
All the best from New Zealand
First I have heard of the Harley wobble. Thanks for the info.
I’m glad you are addressing the wobble problems. The heart of the issue is much deeper than you can imagine. I have owned three Harley touring models and I never used a bolt on device to get my bike going without the wobble.
Depth of the problem is none of these bikes are properly aligned upon manufacture nor are they checked for proper alignment upon set up at the dealerships. Close but no cigar. Checking alignment and adjustment upon set up and periodic maintenance should be done. Stabilizers help but are a bandaid fix without proper alignment.
Wheel alignment is a lot less important than people think. @@kevinshort5468
Good one Gixx! Very interesting stuff. I think I’ll check my spokes today.
I have experienced it on my 2000 FXDWG. But always in a curve never on the straight.
If there is a dip or bump on a curve it might show up, not every time. I never noticed it coming from the rear wheel, it always shows up in the handle bars. It will cause the bike to try to turn wider than I intended. With each movement of the bars on a right hand curve it will get closer to the center line of the road which could put you off into on coming traffic if you are not ready. Instead of fighting the wobble, I just push hard on the right handle grip to force the bike to stay in my intended line through the curve.
I am just now replacing all the spokes since some were seized and could not be tightened. That was an interesting project. LOL I had a local shop true the rims for me but I saved $150 in labor by removing the old spokes and lacing in the new ones. That shop manual has paid for itself 100 times over.
Another video I watched suspected it was because no two rear springs and shocks will have the exact same strength and rebound rate. So if one is slightly stronger than the other, you get some inconsistency in the rear suspension
All the info you shared is great stuff. Tighten everything to factory specs and there should not be a wobble bad enough to throw you down.
Good job explaining it. I’ll be sure to have my spokes/bearings checked as I’m changing my tires this weekend.
That's a perfect time to go over it all, l always check my bearings when l change tire just to be safe.
I've been hearing about this for a while. Great explanation
80mph on a long sweeping turn on my dyna, bike started dancing one of the scariest feelings. I lost some confidence after that on how hard I can push the dyna...
Thanks for the video. The FXR don’t really have this issue, the swing arm pivots off the frame.
I put the chassis stabilizers on my Dyna a few years back both front and rear. Just another fix that should have been stock from the factory.
However my Sportster already had the additional links there from the factory. My rubber Mount Sportster always tracked solid and straight.
Another great topic you are always spot on!!!!!!!. We are 30 in our M club all FLH from 2002 to 2019 wobble is always been a topic for us, we will try a stabilizer. Thanks again!!!!!
Excellent info. I have a streetglide and installed the Tru Track system. It helped a lot.
Had this happen to me. New front tire mounted at harley shop. Electraglide dual disk, the axel mounting bracket x2 nuts, right side, one side was torqued, the other side not. At high speed, 147klm p/h front wheel went into a Gyro wobble...reduced speed fixed wobble, and at home while inspecting wtf, saw the issue. Solution, even if u trust a pro shop, check it anyway for peace of mind! Thanks for this Video...makes sense
I agree with you, most of it is maintenance, tires, shocks, motor mounts. Keep good tires properly inflated, if you still have air ride keep proper pressure and replace motor mounts when they get worn.
The best way to get out of the wobble is let up on throttle some and lean a bit forward to put a little more weight on the front tire, the wobble will stop.
That's the best plan, sometimes it just happens so fast and it can be tough to stop.
Have heard of this wobble but neither of my bikes are rubber mounted never experienced it.
But I liked you suggestions on tyres and general maintenance.
Enjoyed the video.
Great information brother. Thank you.
I went into a high speed Harley wobble on my Dyna, going around a long hiway curve. It got so bad I hit gravel shoulder and was headed for the weeds. I accepted I was a gonner, so hit my throttle wide open. The bike corrected and allowed me to get to a safe stop. The semi driver I passed saw the entire thing and gave me open mouthed thumbs up as he went by. You advise "Don't panic" is key.
like the red baron once said, when your plane starts to go down, the first thing you do is set your watch
So accelerating didn't make it worse?
Ok so I think this might be a bit of surprise to many out there or... maybe not? But I corrected this wobble on tons of bikes simply by loosing the fork tree's, standing on the axle and bouncing the forks to zero out back into their normal position. It had nothing to do with the rubber motor mounts. From Sporty's to Dyna's to Road Kings to V's, It corrected it every single time.
My sons 06 Sportster, and my 2010 Dyna does the woble when you get over 70+. It's definitely a freaky feeling!!!! But we do just like you do, and have saved it every time. I definitely need to try the stabilizer mount! Thanks
Thanks for the info on this issue. I had the wobble happened on my 07 RoadKing. It happened due to rear wheel spokes loosening up. Was on way home from Myrtle Beach Bike week and had a passenger. Felt it and just didn't feel right. Was able to get it in for repair before catastrophe happened. Had to replace wheel. No more spoke wheels for me.
I had a '99 Twin Cam 88 Roadking that I bought new that I rode for about 90k miles. In 2010 I upgraded to a new EG Limited with the new frame and the 103. I wouldn't say the older touring frame and TC88 had a "wobble", I describe it was that the bike didn't turn right as well as it turned left, at the time I just attributed it to the bike having more weight on its left side, heavy primary case hanging out. My even older Evo Heritage softtail was a real floorboard scrapper.
i was a police motor cop for 3 years. i had two very scary tankslappers on two different roadkings. one at 90mph on a curve, the other one on a straight away at 100mph.
OKC PD had Road Kings for a while, those guys wanted their Kawasakis back. They ran interstates and the Harley just didn't have the power the old Kawasaki 1000's had.
Great video as always can't wait for spring here in Ny so we can get back to riding.
Wow, hey man,,,,,,,> Congrats,,,,,,,, your site is really moving on! > I feel very Privi to have been one of your very first subscribers! Thanks man,,,,,, and VERY GOOD Videos!!!!!!!!!! Good Job!
Great video! That crash in the beginning was horrible, so sad.
That's a worst case scenario, sometimes when they get to wobbling like that there's no saving it.
Hasn't happened to me on the 05 Road King but I've had it on an 87 FZR1000 at arrestable speeds. However I generally keep the RK below 80 on the highway. Make sure that alignment is spot on. In both horizontal and vertical axes. Nice video and great common sense advice.
I love the arrestable speeds, I gotta remember that!
Just bought the Sputhe Stabilizer…can’t wait to install!
It will make your chassis a lot more rigid and improve your handling quite a bit!
Great information!
Had it happen a couple times over the years on my 2008 Ultra Classic going into a curve. Just pinned the throttle until I straightened up. Yeah, Harley redesigned the frame the following year......Imagine that!
@Anthony Scott I just roll on the throttle until I get through the curve and it quits bucking, then proceed like normal.
I fixed my death wobble problem by purchasing a Japanese motorcycle. It also seems to have resolved my issues with reliability, oil leaks, low power, and expensive replacement parts that don't last.
Well that's one sure fire way to solve the Harley issues!
Yuck Fou
You can say that all you want but I’ve ridden metrics. They are nothing like a Harley and I’ll take Harley problems. Metrics are trash copies but…..Just Buy a Indian and all your problems are solved. No reason to ever buy a metric when Indian is on the market.
I still have an FXRS, but my touring bike is an Indian now. Stiff frame, Fox shock, I never new a big bike could be so stable.
I feel like this is Harley Hate Speech! Where's my lawyer? 😂
I got that wobble on my 2010 ultra at about 110 mph and added the true track system. No more wobble and the bike feels a lot better on those sweeping turns. Added it to my 2015 RG fltruse and wouldn’t ride without one now. Added note….when hitting the throttle hard while going straight ahead, instead of the rear wanting to kick out, it just squats and goes.
Great vids, watch them all the time 👍
Just came across this video. Thank you very much for the information and recommendations!!
Thank you! It's great to hear it was helpful!
I finally experienced it at about 110mph on my sportster. Absolutely terrifying. Took a good look at the bike. Couldn't find anything wrong with it till I got to the front tire. Had some slight cupping in the center of my Dunlop d401. Replaced the d401s with a set of American elites. Wow! A world of difference. Was a toss up between the American Elites and the Avon cobra chromes.
Tires make a huge difference, some bikes just work better with different brands. Experienced that myself too!
I have 85k miles on my 2009 FLHTCU, and I have most definitely felt this multiple times. Each time just letting off on the bike (take a wider turn, let off on the throttle a little, etc), and then adjust the #$%^ pressure in the suspension (air suspension) and tires - every time I’ve had this I also hadn’t adjusted the suspension from my last trip to the current ride. There’s a huge difference between me riding solo and the 150 pounds extra when my wife and our gear for a week are loaded up. It wasn’t such an issue when I was fat (since I weighed enough to keep the rear compresses anyway), but it happens when I dramatically change the loading on the bike without adjusting the suspension to match it..
That will for sure cause it to happen! Making suspension adjustments with loading is a must!
Good Information. I ride a Victory Touring Bike don't know of this affecting them but still very good information to have.
I have experience the wobble many of times...like you said don't panic but hold your left hand up off of the the grip that seems to help come out of that wobble....great videos keep it up
You didn't fix it after the first time
The first thing I do to my HD’s is install a Tru Trac. It makes a world of difference. Worth every penny!
Where do you buy em from?
My 2001 Road King did it when brand new, and still does it now sometimes (58K miles).
Replaced the front fork innards with Progressive cartridges and rear shocks with Progressive 440 HD shocks this year.
Still does it.
It can be super hard to track down those issues, stabilizers really help make that chassis more rigid.
Aka JUNK!
Very informative video, thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
I've found the BEST way to get rid of the "Harley Death Wobble" is to "get rid of the Harley" and buy any other brand of motorcycle!
I've also noticed that when you search for "motorcycles for sale" you will find a LOT of Harley's for sale! And very few ads for any other brand of motorcycles!
That indicates to me that there are a LOT of people who are trying to "Unload" (or get Rid Of) their Harley Davidson's! But not many people are trying to "sell" (i.e., unload) their Honda's, Yamaha's, Kawasaki's, BMW's, Triumphs, and Indian motorcycles!
Harley has been well known for its "Death Wobble" for decades on many of their model motorcycles, and yet, people are still buying them! And then trying to "Unload" them on some other unsuspecting victim! IF Harley Davidson REALLY CARED about their customers, you'd think they would TAKE RESPONSIBILITY and FIX THE PROBLEM before someone else gets killed by the "Harley Death Wobble!"
I have a 2012 Dyna purchased new, and a 2004 Road King from a family member who purchased it new. Both have the wobble, but it's different in each one. I have been through it all with the Dyna... spokes, head bearings, stabilizer kits, suspension upgrades and numerous brands of tires. Nothing eliminates it entirely, but experimenting with tire pressures netted the best results. The bike is just extremely sensitive to tire pressure, and if they are off it will wobble at highway speed over the slightest pavement joint. The road king tends to steer from the rear in corners, and is far worse when loaded or carrying a passenger. It also has the high speed wobble on the highway. I haven't started experimenting with that one much yet, but it also seemed to improve after retorquing all engine, frame and suspension fasteners. Getting away from that rock hard Harley branded Dunlop rubber showed improvement too. The funny thing is that I don't think Harley has ever actually fixed anything. My buddy's 2017 street glide and my uncle's 2019 Ultra Classic both have the high speed wobble.
Damn that's crazy, I had a buddy that built a 128 inch Dyna and the motor torque was causing the wobble since it was pulling the engine out of alignment in the mounts. It sounds like you're on the right track doing all the right things chasing that down. Harley made some improvements to the rubber mounting system, I wouldn't say it's perfect though as you've experienced on the new bikes.
Thats f..up :\ Sell this piece of sh... or change it on Softail.
Its best not to fight a speed wobble. I went into one once, going around a highway curve way too fast, I hit the gravel shoulder and thought i was done. I simply came onto the throttle and the bike straightened out and corrected. Im still here and the semi drive that witnessed the hole thing was shocked 👍
Great video !
Great video thank you,
Question, I have a 2000 road glide and the lower cross member frame bracket the one below the transmission broke (a loud break) on me last week.
What could cause that ?
I had just upgraded my swing arm with the spherical bearing kit. And
I was just normal going through the gear riding
Had it on my 08 Electra Glide. Did all your suggestions including the stabilizer link. In fact that made it worse. One thing worked and made it a different motorcycle. I put Michelin Commander tires on it. I couldn't believe it myself but never ran anything else after.
Tires make one heck of a difference, sometimes when nothing makes sense it's the dumbest simplest thing that corrects it. I've seen tire pressure correct that issue of all things, even right down to a bad tire. I mounted a brand new tire once and couldn't get it to balance, took it to a buddy on another balancer same thing. Ended up sending it back to the manufacturer and getting a replacement.
@@GixxerFoo Here's what I know: I had softer compound tires on my 07 Dyna, didn't last long but not much wobble. when it did wobble it was gentle, controllable. I swapped to Michelin Commanders hearing they get good mileage, probably harder compound. Tires are only thing changed on my bike, I ride same roads same way but get wobble much easier now, can't push bike so hard. Maybe I will try that stabilizer link after checking pressure and alignment.
It almost always happens 90mph+ and on concrete interstate, it doesn’t like crossing over the joint or crack. It gets violently crazy. Do not touch the brakes, lean over the tank, and ride it out.
Happened on my 2016 Sportster 48 when there was this little step and the road material changed, wobbled my handlebars like crazy from 0 to absolutely crazy it came out of nowhere, I just let go of the throttle.
@@N54_is it’s a ridiculous feeling... it will definitely get your full attention 😳
@@N54_is was your bike custom at all?
Those 48's are tight handling too, l've got a 2017 and had it happen to me too.
@@ShowseeTravels Hey my 16 48 is bone stock except for a stage 1 kit and led‘s so I didn’t mess with the suspension or wheels any of that stuff...
Good clear vid.
Yes I've had the speed wobbles, not fun.
I added am Alloy Art read engine brace. Took out a lot of the wobble issue. However I still have it at around 100 MPH mark. I will check out the brace you mentioned.
I have been riding Harleys for over 50 years and I have never experienced this so called wobble. I knew a guy who killed himself in a wobble because he was to cheap to replace the worn out goose neck bearing. Also the swingarm bearing were shot. I warned him repeatedly and he ignored my warnings. The wobble caught him coming out of a corner and he was killed. Rain grooves can cause a wobble with any bike.
Totally agree with you man I have never experienced this on my 99 dyna and I ride it hard this guy doesn't know what he's talking about it is not a inherent problem in design it's a ownership problem and lack of proper maintenance Harley's are like cars if you want them to perform properly you have to properly maintain them and they will be trouble free to enjoy if a person doesn't want to put the time and maintenance in a Harley is not for that person my 99 with 90000+KLM in Canada has never had a mechanical issue and still runs as good as if it was brand new
@@guycotterhill1822 220,000 on my 87 flhtc
@@andrewbassett2507 that's great mileage man riding myself 46 yrs all makes and models always touring bikes
Got a 2001 Dyna FXDL, never had any problems. I always heard it was the rear wheel not being aligned with the frame that is the main cause. I periodically check it and make sure it's aligned perfect after I change the rear tire.
I've got a 2000 FXDL and never had any probs either. th-cam.com/video/Ds-VhkWNK3c/w-d-xo.html this is what it looks like now though.
Great info as usual. One more great stabilization kits, well they are re-engineered front and rear engine mounts for Dynas is made by Bug Bear Choppers. The front mount is 100% different and the way HD should have done it originally. The rear is just superior. They are expensive but make a Dyna rock solid in the fastest corners.
I once had this happen to me on a Honda CX500 of all things you, know, the water cooled shaft driven V twin. Now early in my biking career I had an accident on a bike, kept me off work for 3 months. My dad took the keys off me and told me to get trained properly then I can have them back. My local police station was doing a course, so I was trained by the police instructors. Anyway to get back to the wobble, it came right out of blue at around 75MPH on a perfectly straight, good road surface. Remembering what I was taught I slid back to the middle of the seat, gripped the tank hard with my legs, laid as flat as possible, and rolled off the throttle SLOWLY (although it may be an instinctive thing, never apply the brakes.) I won the wrestling match and saved both me and the bike. I never did find out what caused it and it never happened again. I felt really pleased with myself all the way home but when I stopped, the reality sunk in. I was a young married man with a 3 month old son. Shortly after, I gave up the world of two wheels.
I use the tru trak and helps alot for 2 up fast corners on my 17 and transferred it to my 20 ultra!
Very informative video but you need to recommend every motorcycle rider watch the old school Dunlap wobble and we've video. For me a dramatic improvement was changing out the motor mounts for high performance mounts which was very inexpensive for the safety. Simply changing out the triple trees from the narrow glide front end to a wide glide front end . Made a world of difference on my 95 Dyna and only took about 2 hours including packing the headset bearings correctly. Just make sure you get the axle,wheel spacers , Rotor spacers that go with it.
That's the part a lot of people miss is getting the proper wheel spacers when they go to a wider front end. Harley chassis used to be very narrow, I am so glad they finally widened it a bit in the later years.
Thanks now I need to get mounts checked!
I had a 84 shovel 1340, fxrwg frame, it never let me down. 16" apes.
Good advice in this video.
My buddies Yamaha R6 has wobbled on him quite a few times. I experienced it once on my 2017 Low Rider S. It' was pretty damn scary to say the least. The Dynas are more prone to the problem because the swingarm is mounted to the motor not the frame.
i have a 05 road king and have had that experience too many times. ive had to push hard and back off on the throttle. people ive road with thought i was crazy. wtf. thank god you prove my story. amen
It's no joke, it does happen! Get you a stabilizer on there and it should stiffen up that chassis, it won't change your comfort running down the road either. Just makes the chassis more rigid which is what they need.
Man knock on wood..70k miles on my 05..hasn't happened yet..
@@russmode Better buy this true track before you will die. I would do it.
Agree with you.... Ive never experienced it with my dyna's, but others I know who have had the wobble experience, solved the problem with new tires. Due to the fact that many factors could be responsible for it, its hard to determine causation if you change more than one thing at a time. My sport bike friends experience high speed wobble all the time!
Definitely not limited to Harleys.
Great info!
I thought that they had that thrown out the door years ago but it's back I see. I've had it on a few bikes way back but not as of late. I guess it all depends on which model you ride. That fall looked really serious. I've haven't had anything like that severe. Looks like a Softail Slim is my next Harley according to what you state.
good video man! the older air suspension on some cruiser models also contributes to the wobble from my experience!
Those older air ride systems did not age well at all, they do cause a lot of issues. A great option is to just change that old air ride out to a set of shocks from Progressive Suspension. They have some great options that aren't a minimum of a grand too.
@@GixxerFoo oh totally! best thing I did was putting progressive on my RK. it's a totally new bike, specially here in europe where we don't have many straight lines ahah
As a Harley technician the issue is people normally don’t maintain there neck bearings and have them properly adjusted and lubed. Also a lot of those cases where people go down and try to sue they find bad tires lack of maintenance etc. keep your bike in check don’t put bandaids on your bikes
I have experienced this on a 2010 Electra Glide and it happened at maybe 65 - 70mph in a tight curve. I believe the problem was largely tire pressure as I had a problem with the beads not seated well on my old crusty alloy wheels. Last week I road the same road at the same (or higher) speed and no problem despite lean. For me tire pressure - 40psi front and back - was the key. I am sure there is more can be done to tighten everything up though. Good video. Scary subject to discuss.
I had it happen to me on my first 09 ultra classic. Shortly after during routine maintenance, I found I had 28 psi in the front tire. I pumped it up a bit, problem solved. I also changed the wheel bearings not long after so that may have been part of it.
Had the wrong pressure on my front tire and couldn’t even go 90mph. It’s silly what the difference of 5 psi does.
Up down ?
- @@lawrencefranck9417- down is worse, sidewall collapses. weather is another factor for hot or cold readings.
@@lawrencefranck9417 up. It’s the worst. Couldn’t keep up with the bros. Dam near hazard.
Yup.... Great advice! I have experienced it on my 94 dyna low rider last summer. New engine mounts and new swing arm bushings and all new bearings in the wheels and neck. I will buy a swing arm stabilizer after watching this video. I was on the fence with it but now i am not. Also thinking about aftermarket shock's. Life is short enough. Why be careless with it.
For the earlier touring chassis I install the 02-08 swing arm, bore the trans case to .750 for the swing arm pivot. Ascertain drivetrain alignment and all engine mounts are in good condition and properly torqued. Check front end for fall away and general preventive maintenance. I've owned touring chassis bikes for the last 35 years. No issues with the beefier swing arm. Well worth the extra work.
That's some serious work but I bet handles really well afterwards!
Also uneven fork oil level from one side to the other
i have American, Japanese, and British bikes. I have noticed on all bikes going into turns at high speed and holding the curve any chassis will start to wobble. Even a Goldwing with air suspension has made me have to go change dippers coming out of a long sweeper curve.
The first clip you shared was fricken scary. The guy spun his bike to the ground . It seems that even if you haven't experienced such wobble adding the stabilizer would be a very good idea.
The guy in that clip got lucky how he went down, that could of been a lot worse than what it was. A stabilizer really firms up the chassis and makes it much more rigid.
Great video 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
my '09 Electra Glide Classic would wobble when I was tour-loaded, at speed and rounding a twisty aggressively. It was scarry and my solution was progressive 944 shocks, progressive mono-tube front forks and the progressive touring link. Together this almost completely eliminated the issue but not completely. Then I saw a video on trailer wobble when the load was improperly centred (too much load aft the rear axel. The solution finally was moving the tour pak into the solo position - problem solved and it was a great ride. I also have a very strict maintenance process that I follow as a result of being an ex helicopter pilot and that is; when I change my tires I also change the cush-drive, wheel bearings and brake pads, without fail - a little over kill perhaps but, better alive than banged up or dead!
Excellent maintenance goes a long way! Loading is very important too, sounds like you've got a really fine riding bike now with the suspension work you've done!
@@GixxerFoo I've sold it and now ride a 2016 Roadie Ultra. It has the 944 shocks and Fork upgrade but the Touring link doesn't fit and I've also moved the tour pak into the solo position - thankfully I never ride with a passenger so the solo position works perfectly and the bike is near perfect but, there is still a small potential for a mini-wobble if I've entered a corner aggressively, loaded and ride over a bump mid-turn but nothing that has caused me any concern. But, the 2009 was scary until I got it all figured out.
As a Tech that works on all makes and models, I've had people ask me about this. On one bike, a Road King, his mounts were shot. Add the fact that the tires were a cheap brand. Installing new mounts and tires took care of it. I have been looking into this for years. The rubber mounts are what i was looking into first. I admit that i have been side tracked with other things, but i have been back at it. The one biggest piece of advice i can give is keep up the maintenance on those mounts. 2 watch how you load the bike!!. I've seen bikes way over loaded. Check your load weights for the bike and the tires. Tires are coming from everywhere today and some are just junk. I had a cheap Duro tire on the fount of my bike. I bought it to get home from a run after my Tire had sustained some debris damage. At low speeds when i let go of the handlebars ( 35 mph ) i noticed it. I assumed it was being caused by wind buffeting. I never liked the feel of that tire and replaced it with a nice Dunlop and it disappeared. What actually drives me nuts is I'm looking at fixing something Harley Davidson should have taken care of long ago. I have some ideas as i would like to take care of it at the mounts. Until then the best way to mitigate it is to keep good tires on it, replace the mounts at regular intervals and install the track braces. Stay safe and if i get better results or a great fix, I'll let you know.
That's awesome! You are absolutely correct, the mounts and the loading of the bike are big part of the issue. A lot of people are buying those Shinko tires today, they are really inexpensive tires. They are supposedly made using Kenda tooling, I haven't run them myself but I've heard a lot of mixed results about them. I don't think I would try running them on a heavy touring bike loaded down though.
Thank you for explaining. I just rebuilt a 07 sportster and have been testing and riding it around, and noticed a light shake when riding, but I couldn't figure out where it was coming from
Great info. Tks.
Glad it was helpful!
I put the Kinetic Structures forward and rear engine mounts on my dyna, and it was one of the best upgrades I've ever made in terms of control. Almost right up there with the suspension upgrade.
Harley downplays this problem and I know someone who crashed his tour Glide while riding in a straight line on the highway, his wife lost her life in the crash. This is an extremely serious issue, and the Motor factory had to know it existed but still sold these bikes to their customers.
I'm very sorry for it, this is terrible. Please read about airbag vests for motorcyclists.
thank you for the info
Any time!
Proper tyre pressure, condition and suspension setup are very important!
Yes! Suspension setup is critical, especially if you load your bike down. Even riding with a passenger changes the whole dynamic of suspension setup.
2018 Road King here...I've never felt a wobble and I have pushed it through some corners-scraped floor boards but no wobble. I am concerned now though. Maybe I will look into the stabilizer links...that crash was terrifying...
The late models have done really well in terms of stability. Older touring models with the unrevised rubber mounts and the old style air suspension had issues. Thay air suspension caused some problems as it aged.
@@GixxerFoo So I am good to go? Thanks!
I experienced the front fork wobble on my CB750 doing 115 mph in South Florida back in 76. Turned out the ball bearings in the steering stem were worn out. I bought a tapered bearing kit and solved that issue. Never have yet had the DW on my Harleys but I will be checking into the stabilizer for my 2018 Ultra Limited. Thanks for the great lesson.
Honda 4s are a totally different problem coz of the short rake front end, good normally but if you hit a rock or something different on the road they can go into a tank slapper real easy so i fixed mine when i hotted up the motor big heaps and fitted a triumph friction damper and as long as i turned it down at high speed i could go over a train track at 140 miles per hour and become air born and when i landed it kept on going dead straight with no wobles at all.
Thanks for sharing 👍
Thank you for checking out the video!
I use to get those wobbles on the highway once in a while! Not a good feeling to feel your rear end wobble and I was riding a brand new road glide so I have to say it was Harley to blame must be by design!
Couple years ago, I bought an 07 SuperGlide (2400 miles)that rode fine until my wife got on the back(140lbs)
We didn't get up to 15 mph and experienced the "death wobble"
The faster we went, the worse it got.
Kinda freaked me out. I thought the back tire was gonna fly off or something.
Turns out, the front forks were out of alignment
I experienced this wobble the first day I brought the 2012 Street Bob home. I started at about 55mph. Granted it was five years old already. But I checked tire pressure when I got it home and it was about 5 psi low. For the most part it went away. But then I experienced it a few weeks later. So I started to look around the motorcycle. I found that one fork tube was about a 1/2 inch taller than the other in the fork mounts. I adjusted each tube within a few thousands of each other. I also checked tightness of the front axle to spec. Needed a little tightening. Then I loosen both forks to make sure the wheel was perpendicular from the handlebars. I let the tubes loose in the top fork mounts to relieve any twisted tension on the forks. Then I tightened all the mounts with the top of each fork within a couple of thousands from top bracket. I could now ride up to 80mph without a problem.
good video :) I have a '93 Sportster that would get a front-end wobble at higher speeds, a set of wide glide triple trees fixed that. I also have a '98 Electra Glide, haven't experienced any wobble yet but will definitely be more aware for it. thanks!
Very nice! The older Sportys were very narrow, I imagine those wide glide triple trees helped with the overall handling as well too!