steering/fork stabilizer
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 98
From: north of the south pole
I know it sounds goofy that you would have to do this after 3000 miles on a new bike... I totally get this. But it isn't because something simply has worn out, it's because of the design of the OEM mounts and the nature of the Dyna chassis. Here's something I wrote elsewhere trying to explain it... PLEASE don't think I'm talking down or assuming you don't understand, I wrote this specifically for someone who really didn't know anything about it. I just don't feel like typing this much detail again right now:
"The Dyna is an interesting animal. Think of the chassis as two pieces. There is the frame, fork, and front wheel... And there is the engine, transmission, swingarm, and rear wheel. The two pieces are joined purely with the rubber motor mounts and top link. Since the swingarm bolts directly to the transmission case, the rear wheel can move in it's vertical axis if the whole motor/trans assembly moves (it's all one unit). Since the engine/tranny are only really located with the top link (since the front and rear rubber mounts have no lateral stabilizers), any time that engine vibes (or other stresses) cause the engine to move laterally, it basically swings like a pendulum from the top link (maybe not dramatically, but enough). When this happens, the swingarm/rear wheel pivot the same way. This can cause the rear wheel to roll slightly onto one edge, resulting in the back of the bike wanting to steer a little bit. At best it's annoying, at worst it's deadly. The less aggressively you ride, the less you may notice it, but it can still bite... Aftermarket motor stabilizers can cure the problem. It was complete negligence on Harley's part to leave this design flaw unaddressed. Eric Buell and Alan Sputhe both recognized the issue..."
That being said, I assume you've already looked at really basic things like tire pressure...
"The Dyna is an interesting animal. Think of the chassis as two pieces. There is the frame, fork, and front wheel... And there is the engine, transmission, swingarm, and rear wheel. The two pieces are joined purely with the rubber motor mounts and top link. Since the swingarm bolts directly to the transmission case, the rear wheel can move in it's vertical axis if the whole motor/trans assembly moves (it's all one unit). Since the engine/tranny are only really located with the top link (since the front and rear rubber mounts have no lateral stabilizers), any time that engine vibes (or other stresses) cause the engine to move laterally, it basically swings like a pendulum from the top link (maybe not dramatically, but enough). When this happens, the swingarm/rear wheel pivot the same way. This can cause the rear wheel to roll slightly onto one edge, resulting in the back of the bike wanting to steer a little bit. At best it's annoying, at worst it's deadly. The less aggressively you ride, the less you may notice it, but it can still bite... Aftermarket motor stabilizers can cure the problem. It was complete negligence on Harley's part to leave this design flaw unaddressed. Eric Buell and Alan Sputhe both recognized the issue..."
That being said, I assume you've already looked at really basic things like tire pressure...
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,760
Likes: 211
From: Manila, Philippines
I have the true track installed and rides well until over 90-100 mph. I ride with a lot of road kings, they can cruise at that speed while I feel like I am floating over the road.
Will this be a case where a steering stabilizer will help with the floaty feeling?
Will this be a case where a steering stabilizer will help with the floaty feeling?
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