Hi speed wobble
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Redwood city California
Hi speed wobble (Help)
Hello everyone need some help, I have a 1999 Fatboy bought used about 3-4yrs ago in good shape no major issues other than leakey valve giuides. My issue is a wobble at hi speed, its been wobbling for a couple years now and havnt been able to figure it out I did lower the front 1" and back was already lowerd 1-1/2" when I bought it. so, Here is what I have done to it to try to figure it out:
with stock solid wheels and proper air pressure checked run out with new timken bearings and races, No Wobble Fix
Replaced tire with new Dunlops, stock 16"'s, others were staring to crack. No Wobble fix
Checked neck bearings, then replaced with new and races, No Wobble Fix
Raised front back to stock. No Wobble Fix
Replaced wheels with fat spokes 21" front 16" rear still No Wobble Fix.
So last week rode to Reno and actually noticed that my bike didnt Wobble when I took it up to 70-75 in 4th gear but when shift in 5th gear its started Wobble. In 5th gear Wobble started at 60-85 and any time in between but not in 4th at those speed.... Can tranny shaft bearing or 5th gear bearing be bad? Any suggestion what to look for?
with stock solid wheels and proper air pressure checked run out with new timken bearings and races, No Wobble Fix
Replaced tire with new Dunlops, stock 16"'s, others were staring to crack. No Wobble fix
Checked neck bearings, then replaced with new and races, No Wobble Fix
Raised front back to stock. No Wobble Fix
Replaced wheels with fat spokes 21" front 16" rear still No Wobble Fix.
So last week rode to Reno and actually noticed that my bike didnt Wobble when I took it up to 70-75 in 4th gear but when shift in 5th gear its started Wobble. In 5th gear Wobble started at 60-85 and any time in between but not in 4th at those speed.... Can tranny shaft bearing or 5th gear bearing be bad? Any suggestion what to look for?
Last edited by JLM49; Sep 28, 2016 at 11:09 PM.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 3,830
Likes: 302
From: Lorain Ohio
I have a 99 Fatboy an never had a problem. It came with spoke wheels an new Dunlop tires. It did feel like the front end was very light feeling over 80 mph....I added a windshield an it really helped stablize the bike on highway.
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Joined: May 2013
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Everything that needs to be checked for the wobble should include, but not be limited to:
Air Pressure
Rear Wheel Alignment 0.793mm In Between Side To Side
Tires Not Balanced
Rim / Tire Out Of Round
Steering Head Bearing Incorrectly Torque
Wheel Spacers
Wheel Bearing
Engine Mount
Transmission Mount
Equal Amount Of Fluid In Both Forks
Loose Axle Nut
Caliper Alignment
Neck Bearing Adjustment
Swing Arm Pivot
Shocks Rear Aligned Equally
Top Of Forks Not Extending More Than 10.66mm - 12.7mm And Be Equal
Steering Stem Nut
Swing Arm Bushings
Air Pressure
Rear Wheel Alignment 0.793mm In Between Side To Side
Tires Not Balanced
Rim / Tire Out Of Round
Steering Head Bearing Incorrectly Torque
Wheel Spacers
Wheel Bearing
Engine Mount
Transmission Mount
Equal Amount Of Fluid In Both Forks
Loose Axle Nut
Caliper Alignment
Neck Bearing Adjustment
Swing Arm Pivot
Shocks Rear Aligned Equally
Top Of Forks Not Extending More Than 10.66mm - 12.7mm And Be Equal
Steering Stem Nut
Swing Arm Bushings
Thread Starter
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Stage IV
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Redwood city California
All of what you guys listed has been checked and redone couple time including back to stock height and swing arm bearings replaced. Engine sits on frame so no engine mounts, 99 Softail. Im thinking its in primary or transmission bearings. I have a batwing fairing also no difference in wobble other than speed when it happens but still in 5th gear. Ill post my finding after I tear into primary and bearings in a couple weeks.
Last edited by JLM49; Oct 1, 2016 at 12:49 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,883
Likes: 17
From: Williamsport, Pa
Another thing to look at is the fork fluid. Went with the 15wt se fluid made the ride ten times better. It stiffens everything up up front. It's easy to do with dear lift also. Best money I've spent in year
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
All of what you guys listed has been checked and redone couple time including back to stock height and swing arm bearings replaced. Engine sits on frame so no engine mounts, 99 Softail. Im thinking its in primary or transmission bearings. I have a batwing fairing also no difference in wobble other than speed when it happens but still in 5th gear. Ill post my finding after I tear into primary and bearings in a couple weeks.
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From: usa
Have you though about checking your front end for a bad or defective spring or inter shock parts ?
You said the back was lowered before you bought the bike , I would double check them to.
You said the back was lowered before you bought the bike , I would double check them to.
Last edited by Iron lHorse; Oct 2, 2016 at 08:05 AM.