Question About Bagger Wobble
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Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 297
Likes: 12
From: Los Angeles County
It stopped as soon as I exited the turn and went straight. I didn't slow much in the turn because I didn't want braking making it worse.
I need to go back and look at what exactly the road does, because I've never really encountered a bump like that before either. I think it kind of threw the rear end up, rather than slamming it. I've certainly never felt any instability on this bike at 50mph.
I need to go back and look at what exactly the road does, because I've never really encountered a bump like that before either. I think it kind of threw the rear end up, rather than slamming it. I've certainly never felt any instability on this bike at 50mph.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmw6QppXnEY
Youtube vid shows "rear steering". I put a Ride Str8 on a long time ago (think they are no longer in business)....it helped.
Youtube vid shows "rear steering". I put a Ride Str8 on a long time ago (think they are no longer in business)....it helped.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Thanks, G, I've read your fine expose a few times over the years.
The thing I found unusual, compared to any wobble I've experienced before, was the vertical motion. I guess it could be because the bump threw it up hard enough to start with, and that exacerbated the wobble while the vertical motion damped (pogo from the bump, wobble because I was in a turn tweeking the rubber mounts).
I take it you still like the true-track the best?
The thing I found unusual, compared to any wobble I've experienced before, was the vertical motion. I guess it could be because the bump threw it up hard enough to start with, and that exacerbated the wobble while the vertical motion damped (pogo from the bump, wobble because I was in a turn tweeking the rubber mounts).
I take it you still like the true-track the best?
So having installed your T-T kit (I haven't tried any others) I suggest you seriously consider new quality shocks. You will find we can help you in all manner of interesting ways to spend your pocket money!
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
Keith, while it is true they have different frames they have similar rubber-mount systems, the problem has not been totally done away with - which is one reason why I wrote my thread, linked in post #4.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
If you are experiencing something like that on an 09+ bike, there is a repair that is needed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,145
Likes: 6,168
From: SE Michigan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmw6QppXnEY
Youtube vid shows "rear steering". I put a Ride Str8 on a long time ago (think they are no longer in business)....it helped.
Youtube vid shows "rear steering". I put a Ride Str8 on a long time ago (think they are no longer in business)....it helped.
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
I have an 08 RKC and a 13 Limited that I jump back and forth on all the time. The new frame definitely helped but didn't totally eliminate it. I have had a similar issue on the same high speed sweeping curve going home on my commute but it's usually only happens at 70 mph or over. The 08, extremely noticeable. The 13, not so much but it is still there and exaggerated when a bump is hit while in the turn. Under 50 it's none existent on either bike.
You did perfect by not over reacting and just maintained speed and rode it out. I think the people that have had accidents panicked when it happened. The last thing you want to do is grab a handful of brake. I ride through it on the 08 all the time.
I do agree with everyone here to spend some time checking tire wear, tire pressure, shock pressure, etc... If everything checks ok and it happens again that drastically, I'd have an indy look at it just to be sure.
The best thing is you now know what it is, what it feels like, and how to carefully ride through it without any panic reaction if it happens again.
Good luck!
You did perfect by not over reacting and just maintained speed and rode it out. I think the people that have had accidents panicked when it happened. The last thing you want to do is grab a handful of brake. I ride through it on the 08 all the time.
I do agree with everyone here to spend some time checking tire wear, tire pressure, shock pressure, etc... If everything checks ok and it happens again that drastically, I'd have an indy look at it just to be sure.
The best thing is you now know what it is, what it feels like, and how to carefully ride through it without any panic reaction if it happens again.
Good luck!
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 520
Likes: 37
From: houston, tx
When my bike was stock i rode through a wobble and crossed 4 Lanes of traffic until it was back under control... was lucky!
Guess the only thing left is to change out the swingarm inserts or to install solid rear mounts for the swingarm bolt. Or might be cheaper just slow down... Already running the GlidePro rear mount setup and Alloy Art rear stabilizer.
Guess the only thing left is to change out the swingarm inserts or to install solid rear mounts for the swingarm bolt. Or might be cheaper just slow down... Already running the GlidePro rear mount setup and Alloy Art rear stabilizer.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 609
Likes: 159
From: Allover
I've had two Rushmore Street Glides that wobbled at very high cornering speeds and one that was rock solid.
Changed up to a new M8 in 2017 and tried everything to get it to behave.Ripped the back end apart and took the swing arm off. As reported before,Harley made the swing arm shaft undersized! Spherical bearing fitment is critical as only the fit on the shaft keeps them aligned.I built up the shaft and machined to a tight press fit.
Added two 1/8 x 2" stainless washers and squished them between the swing arm and the rubber. Going great this whole year. Just love this bike with full Stage111.Now nobody stays with me on the twisties or sweeps.😃
Changed up to a new M8 in 2017 and tried everything to get it to behave.Ripped the back end apart and took the swing arm off. As reported before,Harley made the swing arm shaft undersized! Spherical bearing fitment is critical as only the fit on the shaft keeps them aligned.I built up the shaft and machined to a tight press fit.
Added two 1/8 x 2" stainless washers and squished them between the swing arm and the rubber. Going great this whole year. Just love this bike with full Stage111.Now nobody stays with me on the twisties or sweeps.😃