Death Wobble on turns (2008 FXDB)
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
What Bikerlaw and Foxster stated is very true, especially about bolting on another part to mask a major issue.
Fix the problem first a TT may help mask it, but won't fix what you are experiencing.
Also check your spokes, make sure they are tight and that the holes for them in the hubs are not out of round at all.
Fix the problem first a TT may help mask it, but won't fix what you are experiencing.
Also check your spokes, make sure they are tight and that the holes for them in the hubs are not out of round at all.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,572
Likes: 5
From: Templeton California
I had a similar experiance when going to lower shocks in the rear.First try adding preload that should help then lower the front by sliding the tubes up in the triples about 1/2". This totally cured mine but of course "Your Milage May Vary"
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Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 65
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From: SoCal
Thanks all, some good advice and I will start checking these things. Prob add some preload in the rear and lower front forks a bit. I just re read my original post and I DO NOT have 10.5 inch shocks they are 11.5 inch. Half an inch lower than stock. Tires are in great shape, worn but good. I will recheck my spokes and have to look into the rear motor mount. Bike has 30,000 miles and has been trouble free except for this issue in turns. These new shocks just made it more pronounced. I forgot to mention it is the same when riding two up. Before it was the same. I have had this issue since I bought the bike at 9,500 miles. Just thought it was the Dyna quirk, to much to live with now.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Smack Dab in the Middle of Louisiana
I only needed 3/8's and inch to solve mine after lowering the back of the bike with shorter shocks. It threw the trail off just enough to have a similar situation.
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Joined: Apr 2010
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From: SoCal
That was what I was thinking...geometry issues. How is trail measured? I know it is extremely important with the handling of a bike just dont know how or how to measure or what acceptable tolerances are.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
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From: Smack Dab in the Middle of Louisiana
I believe 4-6" is except-able..........correct me if I am wrong.
http://rawge.bravepages.com/minichop...Rake_Trail.htm
http://puppascott.hubpages.com/hub/F...Rake-and-Trail
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle...cycle_geometry
http://rawge.bravepages.com/minichop...Rake_Trail.htm
http://puppascott.hubpages.com/hub/F...Rake-and-Trail
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle...cycle_geometry
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 5,542
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From: In your head rent free
Make sure those 440s are set exactly the same.
There is so little adjustment room from softest to hardest that even a 1/4 turn makes a differance.
Wind them all the way down and then turn them back in equal increments to set. I put hash marks on the set I have on my RK because it's so sensitive.
There is so little adjustment room from softest to hardest that even a 1/4 turn makes a differance.
Wind them all the way down and then turn them back in equal increments to set. I put hash marks on the set I have on my RK because it's so sensitive.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 6,642
Likes: 48
From: Ogden, UT
The 440's have marks on them for that from the factory, at least mine do, on the top of the adjuster
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2011
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From: New Braunfels, Texas
Good advice here. I'd start with the state of the tyres and wheels, then check the fallaway.
Bolting on a Truetrak to overcome a major problem like this doesn't seem sensible to me. They are for reducing vibration and improving the handling a bit, not for fixing a major instability issue like you have.
If you eliminate faults with the front end and still have the problem then you may have to think about backing out some of your mods. You could have a bad combination of too hard front end, too hard rear end and too low a bike now. All these can lead to wobbles, especially on bends.
Bolting on a Truetrak to overcome a major problem like this doesn't seem sensible to me. They are for reducing vibration and improving the handling a bit, not for fixing a major instability issue like you have.
If you eliminate faults with the front end and still have the problem then you may have to think about backing out some of your mods. You could have a bad combination of too hard front end, too hard rear end and too low a bike now. All these can lead to wobbles, especially on bends.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 837
Likes: 1
From: Radcliff, Ky
i think you screwed with the trail, you can slide the tubes , or raise the back, or just check and make sure nothings loose.. but one of the most often negeleted, check your spokes.. the should ring when you tap them not a dull thud..
funky tires will cause you to wobble for sure as well,
funky tires will cause you to wobble for sure as well,