Diagnosing the wobble
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 110
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Diagnosing the wobble
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?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 2,840
Likes: 900
From: Philly Suburbs
Sounds like you've tried most of the things I would normally think of. What about the tires themselves? Are they still OEM? It may just be that those particular tires aren't happy in that condition. Maybe Avon Cobras or Pirelli Night Dragons? I might be reaching a little bit here, but I wonder whether there's anything you could try with your body position in fast corners? The rider is part of the overall assembly... Maybe you're unintentionally "unbalancing" things in fast corners? It also may be that you're one of the few Harley riders who has a real condition (as opposed to a "bling condition") that may actually be improved by a steering stabilizer, especially if it's really coming from the front end. Usually an actual "wobble" is the rear wheel rolling sideways enough to cause unexpected "rear steer," but it sounds like you've already chased that.
The only other thing I can think of is to go through a careful alignment procedure again, even though you've already done so. There are so many variables in chassis/drivetrain alignment... Measure twice, cut once?
Good luck, and let us know if you make progress! This stuff always intrigues me.
The only other thing I can think of is to go through a careful alignment procedure again, even though you've already done so. There are so many variables in chassis/drivetrain alignment... Measure twice, cut once?
Good luck, and let us know if you make progress! This stuff always intrigues me.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
Posts: 110
Likes: 9
From: Georgia
Sounds like you've tried most of the things I would normally think of. What about the tires themselves? Are they still OEM? It may just be that those particular tires aren't happy in that condition. Maybe Avon Cobras or Pirelli Night Dragons? I might be reaching a little bit here, but I wonder whether there's anything you could try with your body position in fast corners? The rider is part of the overall assembly... Maybe you're unintentionally "unbalancing" things in fast corners? It also may be that you're one of the few Harley riders who has a real condition (as opposed to a "bling condition") that may actually be improved by a steering stabilizer, especially if it's really coming from the front end. Usually an actual "wobble" is the rear wheel rolling sideways enough to cause unexpected "rear steer," but it sounds like you've already chased that.
The only other thing I can think of is to go through a careful alignment procedure again, even though you've already done so. There are so many variables in chassis/drivetrain alignment... Measure twice, cut once?
Good luck, and let us know if you make progress! This stuff always intrigues me.
The only other thing I can think of is to go through a careful alignment procedure again, even though you've already done so. There are so many variables in chassis/drivetrain alignment... Measure twice, cut once?
Good luck, and let us know if you make progress! This stuff always intrigues me.
Yeah I've covered so many bases already I might as well consider new tires to replace the OEM rubber, but I'll recheck the alignment too.
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Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2019
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From: Georgia
IDK if you've ever ridden an fxdls but it sits comfortably at 100mph
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From: Pennsylvania
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?
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2019
Posts: 65
Likes: 23
From: alberta canada
While not a DS I have spent tons of money on Dynas and an FXR trying to make them handle better at high speeds. In a straight line they can be ok. Pushed in corners they all pale when compared to my FJR.
And it appears even the FXDLS doesn't handle well at 100, as the original post states. Wobble when cornering at high speed.
And it appears even the FXDLS doesn't handle well at 100, as the original post states. Wobble when cornering at high speed.
Last edited by Fullcircle; Jan 8, 2020 at 08:23 PM.