2018 Fat Bob High speed wobble
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Portugal
Hi,
I have the same issue on my 2012 FatBoy Lo... but it happens when I release the throttle and the speed goes from 50 to 40 mph.
My front tire is worn... it will be replaced next week and I'll be addressing this issue.
I'll post back what was the problem if we find it.
I have the same issue on my 2012 FatBoy Lo... but it happens when I release the throttle and the speed goes from 50 to 40 mph.
My front tire is worn... it will be replaced next week and I'll be addressing this issue.
I'll post back what was the problem if we find it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,132
From: Texas
After examining the rear tire, it's quite flat. The front tire appears to have worn unevenly, so I pulled the trigger on some Pirelli Night Dragons
While installing them, the indie shop reported that the front wheel bearing had gone bad. He couldn't say if the bad bearing caused the front tire to wear unevenly, or if the front tire wear caused the bearing to go bad.
Either way, I am hopeful that between the bearing and the tire wear, the wobble will hopefully be resolved.
Tech said that they see this issue a lot. The bearings Harley uses are technically sealed, but there is no additional dust shield on them, apparently the metric bikes provide additional shielding . I have heard of others with failed or failing bearings way earlier than ever expected; we just may have to assume the bearings aren't going to last, and plan on changing them out when you get new tires.
While installing them, the indie shop reported that the front wheel bearing had gone bad. He couldn't say if the bad bearing caused the front tire to wear unevenly, or if the front tire wear caused the bearing to go bad.
Either way, I am hopeful that between the bearing and the tire wear, the wobble will hopefully be resolved.
Tech said that they see this issue a lot. The bearings Harley uses are technically sealed, but there is no additional dust shield on them, apparently the metric bikes provide additional shielding . I have heard of others with failed or failing bearings way earlier than ever expected; we just may have to assume the bearings aren't going to last, and plan on changing them out when you get new tires.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 357
Likes: 68
From: ontario canada
Just recently was talking to a Harley sales guy who went down on his 18 fatbob, hit a pot hole (luckily moving fairly slow) and bars went into a bit of a tank slapper, wrong instinct he pulled the clutch in and went down..caught it all on tape.
Ive ridden a few of these fatbobs and they are fun but that light front end is begging for a steering dampener I think..especially if you like to ride fast and hard.
Ive ridden a few of these fatbobs and they are fun but that light front end is begging for a steering dampener I think..especially if you like to ride fast and hard.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 690
Likes: 121
From: On my motorcycle
At highway speeds, every little gust of wind is causing you to make unintended steering inputs.
That's your wobble.
If you want to get rid of the wobble, fix the ergonomics. Get your feet under you, so that you can distribute your body weight. Correct the seat height and/or handlebar height to put the grips waist high.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,132
From: Texas
After getting new tires and having the bearing replaced, my Fat Bob is back to rock solid stability.
I've had it to high speeds, with the windscreen and the fat front tire, and it's been perfectly stable even on the stock tires (before they wore unevenly and the bearing went bad, obviously). I doubt your windscreen or fat front wheel are to blame. If it's not the front bearing, check how your front tire is wearing; if the contact patches aren't even, then that may be it.
I've had it to high speeds, with the windscreen and the fat front tire, and it's been perfectly stable even on the stock tires (before they wore unevenly and the bearing went bad, obviously). I doubt your windscreen or fat front wheel are to blame. If it's not the front bearing, check how your front tire is wearing; if the contact patches aren't even, then that may be it.
1st Gear
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Portugal
Hi,
changed the tire and it fixed the issue. The guy said it is usual for this to happen. He has seen it many times, he also mentioned that some times it is required to change the oil (front suspension).
Regarding bearings... I've had a significant amount of issues on my previous bike - XL 1200N on the back wheel. Replaced the bearings several times. The guy said that for some reason they changed the type of bearings a few years ago and since then, they have been seeing more of this.
changed the tire and it fixed the issue. The guy said it is usual for this to happen. He has seen it many times, he also mentioned that some times it is required to change the oil (front suspension).
Regarding bearings... I've had a significant amount of issues on my previous bike - XL 1200N on the back wheel. Replaced the bearings several times. The guy said that for some reason they changed the type of bearings a few years ago and since then, they have been seeing more of this.
Last edited by Miguel Vieira; Sep 13, 2018 at 05:46 PM. Reason: clarify
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 309
Likes: 186
I have a bit of shimmy at 90mph on a brand new bike, just realized I've been riding around with the rear preload cranked way too high, which is one possible cause other than those mentioned, and might be worth checking if others are having this issue. I'm on a LR so it's apples to oranges -- tires, fork geometry and head angle are all different -- but it's one place worth checking on any bike really
See https://www.sportrider.com/suspensio...andling#page-8
Also, came across this, thinking "cmon people are riding around on nekkid Aprilias at a million miles an hour without this happening" but, not so much. Good discussion of the differential diagnosis https://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/...-in-high-speed
See https://www.sportrider.com/suspensio...andling#page-8
Also, came across this, thinking "cmon people are riding around on nekkid Aprilias at a million miles an hour without this happening" but, not so much. Good discussion of the differential diagnosis https://www.apriliaforum.com/forums/...-in-high-speed
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