Chasing a wobbly ghost
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Novice
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 21
Likes: 5
From: KS
Chasing a wobbly ghost
At my wits end, can't seem to get rid of some wobble that wasn't always there (I've put 10-11k on this bike)
Two new tires, all new wheel bearings (they were bad), and the neck bearings were tightened (they were found to be loose).
Now, it is MUCH improved. However, as I get to about 80mph, I start to get this slight wobble in my handle bar. Feels like it would get worse if I kept pushing. I had a real speed wobble, on another bike, I don't want to do that again.
I wondered about surfaces catching air so, one at a time, made small changes - Switched helmets (helped a little), took my fairing off (Memphis Shades with an 11" vented), took the sissy bar and tank bag off, changed my jacket. I have done everything I can think of. There have been minor improvements but it is still there.
What would you all look at next? It is a 2013 FXDB I think a previous owner put shorter shocks on the back, not sure if they lowered the front at all
Thanks
Two new tires, all new wheel bearings (they were bad), and the neck bearings were tightened (they were found to be loose).
Now, it is MUCH improved. However, as I get to about 80mph, I start to get this slight wobble in my handle bar. Feels like it would get worse if I kept pushing. I had a real speed wobble, on another bike, I don't want to do that again.
I wondered about surfaces catching air so, one at a time, made small changes - Switched helmets (helped a little), took my fairing off (Memphis Shades with an 11" vented), took the sissy bar and tank bag off, changed my jacket. I have done everything I can think of. There have been minor improvements but it is still there.
What would you all look at next? It is a 2013 FXDB I think a previous owner put shorter shocks on the back, not sure if they lowered the front at all
Thanks
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 7,547
From: Poolville
As Nevil said, Do you have the Factory Service Manual? Start with the engine mounts, Then engine alignment then to wheel alignment.
I recently installed a Kinetic Structure rear engine mount and realigned everything. Nice difference.
I recently installed a Kinetic Structure rear engine mount and realigned everything. Nice difference.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2024
Posts: 235
Likes: 202
From: TX
I've been eyeing dynas recently because I've never owned or ridden one, but the Dyna wobble does concern me. None of the responses above surprise me, I've read enough to know where to start replacing worn items.
Are all Dynas really that wobbly?
Are all Dynas really that wobbly?
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 761
Likes: 456
From: Knob Noster, MO
Riding home Friday night on my '09 FXDC on the highway doing 65-75 I started feeling a wobble. I let off the throttle and it went away. I think it was due to the stretch of road. Pretty high crown in the middle and only in that stretch in that segment of highway but I really don't know. First time since owning her since last August. Bike has 10k on it but 16 years old. Was a pretty weird feeling that I never experienced before since riding for more than 40 years. Wasn't a pucker up death wobble. Religious about tire pressure everytime I head out. So I really don't know the cause.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 7,547
From: Poolville
Don't be confused about the difference between wobble and weave..
It's not just Dyna's that are wobbly.. A lot of bikes have the dreaded wobble/weave, " death wobble ". My Softail does that about 105 mph and my Dyna does it about 115 mph. The way it was explained to me in a video that I watched on YouTube of this older gentleman from England. It has to do with weight on the front end and the rear wheel RPM being higher than that of the front wheel. His remedy for it was laying down on the tank putting more weight on the front end It's kind of like a physics thing. And believe me it does work.. I have powered through my death wobble/weave many times by laying down on the tank and accelerating and it's gone. I have had both bikes above 130 mph and both bikes very stable, very safe.. Just lay down on the tank...
Edited: Found the video..
It's not just Dyna's that are wobbly.. A lot of bikes have the dreaded wobble/weave, " death wobble ". My Softail does that about 105 mph and my Dyna does it about 115 mph. The way it was explained to me in a video that I watched on YouTube of this older gentleman from England. It has to do with weight on the front end and the rear wheel RPM being higher than that of the front wheel. His remedy for it was laying down on the tank putting more weight on the front end It's kind of like a physics thing. And believe me it does work.. I have powered through my death wobble/weave many times by laying down on the tank and accelerating and it's gone. I have had both bikes above 130 mph and both bikes very stable, very safe.. Just lay down on the tank...
Edited: Found the video..
Last edited by 98hotrodfatboy; May 11, 2025 at 09:03 AM.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2019
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From: Unreconstructed
Mine is rock solid, never had an issue even when it was stock.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20,972
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From: The Wasteland
Mine started doing it recently but I know for a fact it needs motor mounts.
It starts around 75 mph but goes away if I back off or speed up. It seems to be worse if Im on the highway and a tractor trailer is near me.
Ive owned 3 other Dynas and never had the issue on any of them.
It starts around 75 mph but goes away if I back off or speed up. It seems to be worse if Im on the highway and a tractor trailer is near me.
Ive owned 3 other Dynas and never had the issue on any of them.
