Death wobble question
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 683
Likes: 3
From: Florida
Death wobble question
In reference to other threads that have compiled evidence as to what combination of items contribute to the dreaded death wobble that has claimed the lives or skin from some of our brethren. It is like the shadowman in the closet of every biker. It appears to be caused from a combination of lack of maintence (mainly front end and alignment), pre-ride inspections, rider weight etc.
In addition I have the following question for comment:
Has anyone had (or heard of ) the front end Wobble without a windshield or Fairing ?
In addition I have the following question for comment:
Has anyone had (or heard of ) the front end Wobble without a windshield or Fairing ?
Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,468
Likes: 1
From: San Marcos, Texas
The death wobble is while entering turns at high rate front end or rear wobbles. I cured that with the True Track.
There is a lot of threads that address this issue
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
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From: Long Island, NY
Can also develop a 'death wobble' or 'tank slapper' when riding on straight roads at high speeds.
Club Member
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 4,192
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From: Knoxville, Tn
Woooooooooobbbbbbbbllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeee
Had it on my bike till I changed the bars...it's fine now. Mine had to do with the wind on the front of me and the bike and a windshield was not the answer. When the wind hits you or your windshield, it has to have somewhere to go and in my case it would just alternate sides. I couldn't tighten my fall away enough to prevent it, so the bars were the next step. Solved...Wind buffeting or death wobble have the same outcome.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 4,082
Likes: 11
From: Long Island, NY
Which bars did you change from and which did you change to?
Had it on my bike till I changed the bars...it's fine now. Mine had to do with the wind on the front of me and the bike and a windshield was not the answer. When the wind hits you or your windshield, it has to have somewhere to go and in my case it would just alternate sides. I couldn't tighten my fall away enough to prevent it, so the bars were the next step. Solved...Wind buffeting or death wobble have the same outcome.
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Club Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 2,468
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From: San Marcos, Texas
There is several differant reason for the dreaded death wobble.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
There are two distinct causes of handling or wobble problems. One starts at the front and can be caused by high bars, some windshields, even noise. Buffetting of the windshield or the rider's arms gets transferred into the handlebars. This can also happen when travelling at speed, when high noise levels make the rider tense arm muscles and hold the bars tight, which can also cause handlebar wobble.
As others have already stated, a change of windshield or bars can cure these problems, or using ear-plugs for high noise levels (the best and cheapest tuning aid out there!).
The other source is from the rear wheel and happens when cornering at speed, but can also be caused by hitting bad road surfaces, when the rubber mounts the engine/trans/rear wheel are mounted on flex sideways. This can affect Dynas and touring models and can be cured with a True-Track kit.
As others have already stated, a change of windshield or bars can cure these problems, or using ear-plugs for high noise levels (the best and cheapest tuning aid out there!).
The other source is from the rear wheel and happens when cornering at speed, but can also be caused by hitting bad road surfaces, when the rubber mounts the engine/trans/rear wheel are mounted on flex sideways. This can affect Dynas and touring models and can be cured with a True-Track kit.
Last edited by grbrown; Dec 3, 2010 at 11:19 AM.
