High speed driving
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
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High speed driving
Mornin',
Granted, I'm a new rider. Relatively speaking. I've got @2500 miles on a 2010 FXDWG. I'm 6'4" with most of my height in my upper body. I make a big sail. Most of my riding has been on interstate type roads with very little traffic; either when I'm alone or when I go with friends riding. Without my windshield, my top "comfy" speed is @70; with it @80. After 80 or so, my front end sems to get a little squirrelly. Now while its well above the legal limit, some of my friends will, while riding, push the speed up to @100+ from time to time, while I seemingly cruise back at 75-85. I'm potentially planning a trip in the summer with these friends and REALLY don't want to be left way in the back ALL the time.
QUESTION: Is this just my comfort/inexperienced level that will increase with riding experience; or maybe not. Or do you think I may have something wrong with the alignment/front end that makes it a little lighter than normal should be?
Granted, I'm a new rider. Relatively speaking. I've got @2500 miles on a 2010 FXDWG. I'm 6'4" with most of my height in my upper body. I make a big sail. Most of my riding has been on interstate type roads with very little traffic; either when I'm alone or when I go with friends riding. Without my windshield, my top "comfy" speed is @70; with it @80. After 80 or so, my front end sems to get a little squirrelly. Now while its well above the legal limit, some of my friends will, while riding, push the speed up to @100+ from time to time, while I seemingly cruise back at 75-85. I'm potentially planning a trip in the summer with these friends and REALLY don't want to be left way in the back ALL the time.
QUESTION: Is this just my comfort/inexperienced level that will increase with riding experience; or maybe not. Or do you think I may have something wrong with the alignment/front end that makes it a little lighter than normal should be?
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
A few suggestions. One is that as speed increases so does noise, which can create tension in you and your arms, which in turn can be transmitted back into the bars. You hang on and tighten up. The cure is earplugs. The noise you hear is reduced and so your tension is also reduced, or the threshold at which tension builds up moves to a higher speed. Been working for me for decades! That is the cheapest solution out there.
Windshields are not all created equal. Some can introduce high speed weaving, simply because they are also rather like a sail. If you have the flattish oval shield typical of Road Kings in style I suggest you try something more airflow friendly, also large enough to reduce the effect you yourself have, as a sail!
Dyna models have inadequate engine stabilizers, just one at the heads. The swingarm is mounted on the rear of the transmission, so the entire assembly, of engine/transmission/wheel, can move sideways slightly. I strongly recommend a True-Track stabilizer kit. This adds front and rear stabilizer links that will tighten up the handling of your bike and give you a superior ride.
Finally tyres! Forget silly high mileages, what you need is grip. I suggest Avon Venoms. Fit these in addition to a TT kit and your bike will feel like new!
Hope that all makes sense. Sorry to spend so much of your money, but it is the only way to travel!
Windshields are not all created equal. Some can introduce high speed weaving, simply because they are also rather like a sail. If you have the flattish oval shield typical of Road Kings in style I suggest you try something more airflow friendly, also large enough to reduce the effect you yourself have, as a sail!
Dyna models have inadequate engine stabilizers, just one at the heads. The swingarm is mounted on the rear of the transmission, so the entire assembly, of engine/transmission/wheel, can move sideways slightly. I strongly recommend a True-Track stabilizer kit. This adds front and rear stabilizer links that will tighten up the handling of your bike and give you a superior ride.
Finally tyres! Forget silly high mileages, what you need is grip. I suggest Avon Venoms. Fit these in addition to a TT kit and your bike will feel like new!
Hope that all makes sense. Sorry to spend so much of your money, but it is the only way to travel!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
When you say unstable, do you mean wobble or just feel like you have a little less control?
If wobble, have the balance checked, if control, that will come with experience.
Also, not sure what tires you have, but if they are Dunlops, they are not the best tires, especially the 90x21 up front. When I swapped to a Metzeler 90x21 the front end was dramatically better performing. The Dunlop tends to follow grooves much more so than Metzelers.
If wobble, have the balance checked, if control, that will come with experience.
Also, not sure what tires you have, but if they are Dunlops, they are not the best tires, especially the 90x21 up front. When I swapped to a Metzeler 90x21 the front end was dramatically better performing. The Dunlop tends to follow grooves much more so than Metzelers.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 242
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A few suggestions. One is that as speed increases so does noise, which can create tension in you and your arms, which in turn can be transmitted back into the bars. You hang on and tighten up. The cure is earplugs. The noise you hear is reduced and so your tension is also reduced, or the threshold at which tension builds up moves to a higher speed. Been working for me for decades! That is the cheapest solution out there.
Windshields are not all created equal. Some can introduce high speed weaving, simply because they are also rather like a sail. If you have the flattish oval shield typical of Road Kings in style I suggest you try something more airflow friendly, also large enough to reduce the effect you yourself have, as a sail!
Dyna models have inadequate engine stabilizers, just one at the heads. The swingarm is mounted on the rear of the transmission, so the entire assembly, of engine/transmission/wheel, can move sideways slightly. I strongly recommend a True-Track stabilizer kit. This adds front and rear stabilizer links that will tighten up the handling of your bike and give you a superior ride.
Finally tyres! Forget silly high mileages, what you need is grip. I suggest Avon Venoms. Fit these in addition to a TT kit and your bike will feel like new!
Hope that all makes sense. Sorry to spend so much of your money, but it is the only way to travel!
Windshields are not all created equal. Some can introduce high speed weaving, simply because they are also rather like a sail. If you have the flattish oval shield typical of Road Kings in style I suggest you try something more airflow friendly, also large enough to reduce the effect you yourself have, as a sail!
Dyna models have inadequate engine stabilizers, just one at the heads. The swingarm is mounted on the rear of the transmission, so the entire assembly, of engine/transmission/wheel, can move sideways slightly. I strongly recommend a True-Track stabilizer kit. This adds front and rear stabilizer links that will tighten up the handling of your bike and give you a superior ride.
Finally tyres! Forget silly high mileages, what you need is grip. I suggest Avon Venoms. Fit these in addition to a TT kit and your bike will feel like new!
Hope that all makes sense. Sorry to spend so much of your money, but it is the only way to travel!
I had read about a True-Trac stabilizer before but didn't want to lead anyone anywhere. Kinda had the thought about the factory tires as well. Being the the car parts business for years, automakers put the tires on that gives them the best deals....not necessarily the best tires out there. $$$$ speaking, what kinda of cash are we talking about?
As far as hd's not being for speed and getting a crotch rocket, thats not happeneing. I really just want to know if this is a safety issue at even leagl speeds, with the occasional roll-on up to 90+.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
I had read about a True-Trac stabilizer before but didn't want to lead anyone anywhere. Kinda had the thought about the factory tires as well. Being the the car parts business for years, automakers put the tires on that gives them the best deals....not necessarily the best tires out there. $$$$ speaking, what kinda of cash are we talking about?
As far as hd's not being for speed and getting a crotch rocket, thats not happeneing. I really just want to know if this is a safety issue at even leagl speeds, with the occasional roll-on up to 90+.
As far as hd's not being for speed and getting a crotch rocket, thats not happeneing. I really just want to know if this is a safety issue at even leagl speeds, with the occasional roll-on up to 90+.
True-Track is a HDF sponsor and may offer a discount to members, so hopefully you can save a little there. You just have to shop around for tyres - personally I get mine at my local Yamaha dealer because they are very close and offer good prices.
As for safety, Harley has had the benefit of Erik Buell for many years. Every Buell, plus rubber-mount Sportsters, have three stabilizers, to control the rubber-mounts. Harley seems blind to fitting them to their other models, but we can do that ourselves. A TT kit is the most significant thing you can fit to your Dyna. It won't handle like a Buell (I have one of those as well) but it will be transformed and FEEL far safer.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
Before you spend the money on a TT, get some better tires and experience. I have never used a TT or any such device in over 40 years on bikes and have never felt a need for such a device, just my personal opinion, your mileage may vary...
I have no issues at all on my bike or other HD's I have owned hitting 100 and feeling comfortable, but again I have many years, of course the first few times on a big sled it felt a bit uneasy, that's natural.
I do think you will find a world of difference just changing the rubber.
I have no issues at all on my bike or other HD's I have owned hitting 100 and feeling comfortable, but again I have many years, of course the first few times on a big sled it felt a bit uneasy, that's natural.
I do think you will find a world of difference just changing the rubber.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
IMHO, head to cvs and get a pair of earplugs first. Bet this changes things a lot. Next step is tires and have the spokes checked for trueness. get an Avon or Metzeler 90/90-21 instead of the MH90-21(essentially an 80/90-21). Also be sure to check your air pressure as well. If your above 220 or so, bump up the recommended pressure in your current tires to 35 front and 40 rear. There can be many things that give you this feeling, it would be impossible to diagnose over the internet. Your front end could also be a tad loose as well. Of course everything could be fine and it is just the wind noise and your tension level causing this feeling.
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Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,450
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From: El Cajon Ca.
If you are not comfortable doing 100 mph to keep up with your buds then don't push it. Stay in your comfort zone. I used to ride at 120 mph many years ago. Do i ride my Harley that fast? Hell no I don't. If the only reason you feel uncomfortable is your bike gets twitchy then you might think about some tires. Good tires make all the difference at speed. Or you might need to get yours balanced. or it could be you are to uptight about riding at that speed. if thats the case then by all means don't.