bagger wobble question
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
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From: oklahoma
bagger wobble question
2012 SG, Ohlins and rider sag set ups for solo and 2up, progressive drop in fork springs, neck bearings checked and lubed, tire pressure checked and tire wear is even, progressive touring link
well the bike handles great in pretty much every situation except for high speed turns (80mph and over) and hit a little bump and then she gets some wiggle to her backend. sometimes if im about 85-90mph she does it without hitting a bump. its definitely bagger wobble but i was wondering if anyone else has this type problem? i know its mostly induced by road conditions but im trying to see if this is normal or do i need to keep checking things. i have looked at the engine mounts and they look ok. my speedometer is 3mph fast and yes i know i should slow down. when i am going that fast its on the highway
well the bike handles great in pretty much every situation except for high speed turns (80mph and over) and hit a little bump and then she gets some wiggle to her backend. sometimes if im about 85-90mph she does it without hitting a bump. its definitely bagger wobble but i was wondering if anyone else has this type problem? i know its mostly induced by road conditions but im trying to see if this is normal or do i need to keep checking things. i have looked at the engine mounts and they look ok. my speedometer is 3mph fast and yes i know i should slow down. when i am going that fast its on the highway
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Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 654
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From: oklahoma
i just read another thread and im going to try the swingarm bearings and bushings. by process of elimination of things ive replaced the swingarm bearing and bushings, steering head bearings, and motor mounts are all thats left. after talking to someone i remembered that on the way home from sturgis last year my rear tire got down to 35 instead of 40psi and the wobble would happen at every curve above 50mph.
Last edited by escalade6103; May 3, 2015 at 10:49 PM.
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"Bagger wobble" as you call it was largely found on pre 2009 model year touring bikes. In 2009 the bikes got new frames and many other improvements. I can not say what is causing your "wobble" but I would not think it was frame/swing arm related. I can't help but think that if you are schenning down the highway everyday at 85-90 mph that might be at least some of your problem. These bikes are not engineered for those kinds of speeds unless you change the steering geometry and suspension.
Other than that, I got nothing.
Other than that, I got nothing.
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Road Captain
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From: oklahoma
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Sacramento
While the 2009 has the better frame (compared to my 2007) but a type of true track will still improve things. However, the same issue will continue to plague both of our bikes. The flimsy front end. Particularly when you're applying counter steer in a fast bumpy sweeper, you have considerable fork flex and the upper bolt to the fork triple tree is about as rigid as a door hinge. I went bagger brace to tie in the rear and a good set of Works rear shocks. Up front, I went with race tech internals and just took off the cowbells and went to gatored fork boots. My next purchase will be a fork brace. It's been said the 41 mm 2005 and earlier Wide Glide brace that fits that bike will work on ours with the cowbells off. If anyone else has experience, let me know.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Bedford UK
Read the introduction to my thread on bagger wobble, an oldie but goodie. The later bikes are better in some ways than '08 and earlier, but by no means cured in the handling department.
My other comment is that the MoCo are not good on tyre pressures, so if you are travelling 2-up, have loaded bags and tourpak, or are heavier than average, boost your rear tyre pressure a little, which may help (both tyres if 2-up).
My other comment is that the MoCo are not good on tyre pressures, so if you are travelling 2-up, have loaded bags and tourpak, or are heavier than average, boost your rear tyre pressure a little, which may help (both tyres if 2-up).