Wobble question
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,246
Likes: 19
From: Cypress, TX
The avatar doubles as a hypnotic device... now cluck like a chicken. :icon_biggrin
I have experienced wobbles on my '09 SG and '13 RG. Causes - neck bearing out of adjustment, tire pressure low or tire worn bald, and bad wheel bearing. Any of these things can happen on a new model bike. If you experience a wobble take it to the shop and get it fixed. I would not add something if I did not need it. I ride my bikes over a lot of country roads and highways at what most would consider the limit of the bike and have never experienced a wobble when the bike is in spec. That said, you might experience it and if everything was in spec I would try a stabilizer. I just wouldn't worry about it either way when I was purchasing.
I have experienced wobbles on my '09 SG and '13 RG. Causes - neck bearing out of adjustment, tire pressure low or tire worn bald, and bad wheel bearing. Any of these things can happen on a new model bike. If you experience a wobble take it to the shop and get it fixed. I would not add something if I did not need it. I ride my bikes over a lot of country roads and highways at what most would consider the limit of the bike and have never experienced a wobble when the bike is in spec. That said, you might experience it and if everything was in spec I would try a stabilizer. I just wouldn't worry about it either way when I was purchasing.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 20,919
Likes: 19,005
From: The Wasteland
There's no need to worry about the wobble on the newer bikes. With the new frame it only happens every couple hundred miles or so. You'll get used to it after the first couple of times. LOL
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 653
Likes: 116
From: Texas
I have a 13 Road Glide Ultra and the only time I have experienced a wobble was on the way home from picking up at the dealership where I bought it. The main issue was due to low tire pressure and neck bearings.
So with less than 20 miles on a new bike I pulled the front end and adjusted the bearings. I have not had any issue since.
My bad for Not check the air pressure when taking delivery. I would advise everyone to have their salesperson to bring an air gauge on signing and delivery day!
So with less than 20 miles on a new bike I pulled the front end and adjusted the bearings. I have not had any issue since.
My bad for Not check the air pressure when taking delivery. I would advise everyone to have their salesperson to bring an air gauge on signing and delivery day!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,896
From: Bedford UK
It only afflicts the rubber mounts, from '80 to today. My shovel had a wobble of sorts, but that was because it had a flexi-frame, as did other brands back then!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 10,274
Likes: 7,754
From: West Central FL
....over 100,000 miles on these bikes. up, down, straight, turning, winds etc many problems come down to poor vehicle condition & or loading ( 50 pounds of crap in one saddlebag...overloading a rack or tourpak) or owner modifications, such as changing rake and trail thru wheel or suspension mods.
In the case of CHP vs Kawasaki, it was found that the loading of the radio pack and electrics compromised the vehicle we had one rider on here a few years ago screaming about suing everybody in the world....he had 10 PSI in his front tire that's my take on it.
a motorcycle is dynamic and is more subject to conditions. the rider needs to manage traction.
one thing to know about the Harley batwing fairing on the FLHT series is that it will lift the front end ( reducing traction) at AIR speeds above about 85 mph...the faster, the more lift. the front end can skip around and a side gust can be interesting.
the fairing is also attached to the forks, so wind action can become "steering input". this "steering input" would also apply tp the windscreen mounted on the forks- like a road king ( some of the "recurve" windscreen manufacturers claim their product increases downforce
the touring bike is a poor choice for 110 MPH runs, there are other bikes which are designed to do that and more from scratch.
Mike
In the case of CHP vs Kawasaki, it was found that the loading of the radio pack and electrics compromised the vehicle we had one rider on here a few years ago screaming about suing everybody in the world....he had 10 PSI in his front tire that's my take on it.
a motorcycle is dynamic and is more subject to conditions. the rider needs to manage traction.
one thing to know about the Harley batwing fairing on the FLHT series is that it will lift the front end ( reducing traction) at AIR speeds above about 85 mph...the faster, the more lift. the front end can skip around and a side gust can be interesting.
the fairing is also attached to the forks, so wind action can become "steering input". this "steering input" would also apply tp the windscreen mounted on the forks- like a road king ( some of the "recurve" windscreen manufacturers claim their product increases downforce
the touring bike is a poor choice for 110 MPH runs, there are other bikes which are designed to do that and more from scratch.
Mike
See, it's answers and explanations like this that I've come to love about this forum. Well stated. Thanks.
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