Adjust your pre-load. A couple of clicks, then trial and error from there...
Low speed wobble when 2up
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 4,353
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From: PA
Low speed wobble when 2up
I had a passenger for the first time last week, just for a short 1 mile ride. I was really shocked by the wobble when taking turns at 10-20mph. Almost felt like a flat tire. I had the pressure at 40/30 for rear & front as recommended (same for solo or passenger). I didn't adjust shock preload for a passenger. The passenger was about 180 pounds, so significant different compared to me riding solo. As I'd start turns, the handlebars would slowly move back and forth. The passenger even noticed it.
When I'm solo, I have no issues. I rebuilt the front forks last year, new bushings, springs & fluid. Rear suspension is stock. The bike has 25K on it, really well maintained. I know the Dyna rear swingarm is connected to the trans, and that there's some inherent flex because of the rubber mounting, but man, this was really disconcerting. It can't be normal IMO.
There are pages of threads about wobble, most are higher speed. Any thoughts on this?
When I'm solo, I have no issues. I rebuilt the front forks last year, new bushings, springs & fluid. Rear suspension is stock. The bike has 25K on it, really well maintained. I know the Dyna rear swingarm is connected to the trans, and that there's some inherent flex because of the rubber mounting, but man, this was really disconcerting. It can't be normal IMO.
There are pages of threads about wobble, most are higher speed. Any thoughts on this?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 15,944
Likes: 7,037
From: Sandy Eggo's North County
Increase your front tire pressure to 36psi cold.
Rear 41psi cold.
You got saddle bags with lots of weight in them? (Even 10 lbs can make a difference.)
Or, on a rack?
Weight outside the triangle can cause this. (Front axle/rear axle/top of rider's head.)
As a last resort, maybe a steering damper...
Likely the motor mounts are getting tired.
Rear 41psi cold.
You got saddle bags with lots of weight in them? (Even 10 lbs can make a difference.)
Or, on a rack?
Weight outside the triangle can cause this. (Front axle/rear axle/top of rider's head.)
As a last resort, maybe a steering damper...
Likely the motor mounts are getting tired.
Last edited by NORTY FLATZ; Jun 7, 2020 at 11:08 PM.
Thread Starter
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: PA
Thanks everyone for the responses. I don't think there is something wrong with the bike per se, so I hope the preload is the ticket. A visual inspection of the front mount looks good. Can't see the rear one as well obviously, but I have not noticed any issues when riding solo as far as changes in vibration. I know the mounts are a weak point but I don't think they need to be replaced yet.
The tires are at half life, and there is what I'd call a minor amount of cupping on the sides.
I only had a passenger one other time for about a 10 mile ride, and that was on my Sportster. My passenger last week hasn't been on a bike since they were a teen. They were just holding on to me and mimicking my position.
I don't plan to do much 2up riding. A friend asked me to take their teen out this summer so he can experience what a bike feels like. He's barely 100 pounds wet.
The tires are at half life, and there is what I'd call a minor amount of cupping on the sides.
I don't plan to do much 2up riding. A friend asked me to take their teen out this summer so he can experience what a bike feels like. He's barely 100 pounds wet.
Supporter
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 15,787
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
I'm in the pre-load on shocks camp, if you have detents on your shocks, turn in two clicks (detents).
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2017
Posts: 223
Likes: 48
From: Ohio
Thanks everyone for the responses. I don't think there is something wrong with the bike per se, so I hope the preload is the ticket. A visual inspection of the front mount looks good. Can't see the rear one as well obviously, but I have not noticed any issues when riding solo as far as changes in vibration. I know the mounts are a weak point but I don't think they need to be replaced yet.
The tires are at half life, and there is what I'd call a minor amount of cupping on the sides.
I only had a passenger one other time for about a 10 mile ride, and that was on my Sportster. My passenger last week hasn't been on a bike since they were a teen. They were just holding on to me and mimicking my position.
I don't plan to do much 2up riding. A friend asked me to take their teen out this summer so he can experience what a bike feels like. He's barely 100 pounds wet.
The tires are at half life, and there is what I'd call a minor amount of cupping on the sides.
I only had a passenger one other time for about a 10 mile ride, and that was on my Sportster. My passenger last week hasn't been on a bike since they were a teen. They were just holding on to me and mimicking my position.
I don't plan to do much 2up riding. A friend asked me to take their teen out this summer so he can experience what a bike feels like. He's barely 100 pounds wet.
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lol Sorry, could resist! lol
Dave
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If there isn't an organization or group to speak for the rights of inanimate mechanical objects, after seeing that picture, there should be!
Last edited by Bluesrider.df; Jun 8, 2020 at 09:51 PM.