Diagnosing the wobble
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 23
From: alberta canada
The FXR was better than a dyna for sure but still had limits, a little higher though.
After spending lots of time trying to get my FXDXT to handle the way I wanted it was finally sold in 2014 to buy the FJR. It is now my high speed long distance bike, stable and comfortable. The 99fXD is used for local and trips of no more than 3 days now.
After spending lots of time trying to get my FXDXT to handle the way I wanted it was finally sold in 2014 to buy the FJR. It is now my high speed long distance bike, stable and comfortable. The 99fXD is used for local and trips of no more than 3 days now.
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Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 23
From: alberta canada
If you read all that he has done to it trying to solve the wobble you can assume it has been doing it for quite some time. all of that on an essentially 2 year old bike.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 4,605
Likes: 8,911
From: Long Island, NY
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 23
From: alberta canada
You folks are lucky to have tracks and schools nearby. The track here closed in 2010 and we sure miss having it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
My 17 fxdls has a high-speed wobble and I can't figure out how to remedy this problem. I've searched for answers for awhile now.
So far I've rebuilt the suspension with racetech parts, added sputhe stabilizers, balanced the tires, tightened neck bearings, removed fairing, aligned tires, etc. Still problem persists.
Wobble only appears in high speed cornering and is felt through the bars. 100-110 mph. Feels like it's coming from the front end but I'm not 100% sure.
Anyone have some pointers?
So far I've rebuilt the suspension with racetech parts, added sputhe stabilizers, balanced the tires, tightened neck bearings, removed fairing, aligned tires, etc. Still problem persists.
Wobble only appears in high speed cornering and is felt through the bars. 100-110 mph. Feels like it's coming from the front end but I'm not 100% sure.
Anyone have some pointers?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
Stock rubber riser bushings? No front fork brace? Proper sag and spring rate up front?
I'd guess at those speeds you're really pushing the limits of the design and pretty much everything stock becomes suspect.
I'd guess at those speeds you're really pushing the limits of the design and pretty much everything stock becomes suspect.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 626
From: IE, CA
Theyre cast mags......
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Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 626
From: IE, CA
Same bike here and ride the hell outta it. No chicken strips and dragged pegs. Always ridden fast.
I run true tracks front and rear vs sputhe, cant comment on those. True Tracks did a great job getting the motor solid and tightening the chassis up. Fork brace and alot of suspension work. Honestly if youre riding it like I do, Id highly suggest a steering stabilizer... I run a Storz. You can only do so much to relieve the noodle handling of these things. They really arent high speed rippers. Love my LRS, but Im not a denial fan boi either. A jump on my Yamaha Tenere reinforces just how behind they were in being a hauling *** chassis. Sound like youve done most. A stabilizer wont make it handle better, but itll keep you from getting hurt when it starts to wallow hauling ***.
I run true tracks front and rear vs sputhe, cant comment on those. True Tracks did a great job getting the motor solid and tightening the chassis up. Fork brace and alot of suspension work. Honestly if youre riding it like I do, Id highly suggest a steering stabilizer... I run a Storz. You can only do so much to relieve the noodle handling of these things. They really arent high speed rippers. Love my LRS, but Im not a denial fan boi either. A jump on my Yamaha Tenere reinforces just how behind they were in being a hauling *** chassis. Sound like youve done most. A stabilizer wont make it handle better, but itll keep you from getting hurt when it starts to wallow hauling ***.
Last edited by Highwaymans; Jan 10, 2020 at 09:49 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,925
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
I should have looked closer at the model. You got the fancy one HD with the gold mags. Don't know if they are flexing but assuming they are OK, I would look some other stuff. The FXDL has the short travel / fat forks and 5.1 inches of rake. That should make for a stable bike front end wise assuming you got the forks set up right. I doubt a fork brace will help. You don't mention rear shocks. They can cause a bit of a bobble if they are too soft. Another issue is swingarm bearings and attachment to the tranny. If that area is allowed to shift you can get some dancing. I recently found a big issue on a heavy bagger.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...er-bobble.html
Another issue might be alignment. IIRC the newer Dynas don't have an adjustable top link to get the rear tire in the same plane as the front. It's worth checking and going to an adjustable one if the alignment is off. Get the bike upright, front wheel straight, use levels on disk rotors to check.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...er-bobble.html
Another issue might be alignment. IIRC the newer Dynas don't have an adjustable top link to get the rear tire in the same plane as the front. It's worth checking and going to an adjustable one if the alignment is off. Get the bike upright, front wheel straight, use levels on disk rotors to check.