Wobble Help
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,896
From: Bedford UK
There are several things that can affect handling, bearing in mind that the design has flaws that were introduced while on the drawing board. Your new tyres are yours, so check that you are using the correct pressures, by visiting the brand's website, not the owners manual. Consider using slightly different pressures, especially if you are light or heavy in weight, or routinely ride two-up. As already mentioned, check wheel bearings and swingarm bearings, also engine rubber mounts, especially the front one.
For further info on the subject read my thread on 'bagger wobble'.
For further info on the subject read my thread on 'bagger wobble'.
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 124
Likes: 34
From: Alberta
2009 ultra i had same issue three years ago. I stripped offf the fairing and tried the swing test not sure i got much info from that test. I picked up a 11/2 socket snd tightened steering column nut 1/16 of a turn and filled the neck full of high temp grease. There is a grease zert. Use high temp grease no mess. Its been good since than. Now my wobble was low speed 30 mph never have felt anything in the higher range, it would be rare for me to get above 80.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,928
Likes: 117
From: Ashby, Ma
I have a 2007 Ultra with 29k miles. On the highway(I95) bike rides normal at 70-75 mph but going at 80 or more bike becomes squirrelly and on decel it starts to wobble. Replaced the tires thinking they were the issue.New rear tire less than a month old(Shinko 777) and new front tire(Mich Cmdr)days old. Same problem. Checked brake pads and rotors were fine. Took to dealer and was diagnosed as steering nut needs to be adjusted($200) Also was told tire was mounted wrong meaning the tread direction was correct but the valve stem is on the left instead of the right. Was told not a safety issue but not standard. Since I took off the wheel and had another dealer install prior to this service, they were not going to correct it free of charge. No mention if the wheel bearings were bad. Ok, I get on the freeway and accel to about 80 83 mph the bike started the dancing again and roll off the throttle it got worse. Got home and took off wheel to take back to dealer to correct the tire mounting and will see what happens on a 150 mile ride... Any ideas or solutions to this problem??
You're going to need to unmount the front tire and reverse it so the wheel is mounted correctly and R is on the left side and L is on the right side for the disc rotors.
I'll try later to find the tech update on this but it is out there.. now 12 years old.
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 493
Likes: 92
From: NJ
It looks to me like he had a wobble issue before changing both tires...
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 462
Likes: 87
From: Southern California
Another vote for steering head bearings.
My pal's bike had a wobble that his mechanic/friend couldn't get rid of. He took it to a dealer here in So. Cal and they adjusted the steering head bearings. That did it.
I have a 2016 service manual and the procedure for adjusting it is somewhat involved, but the step by step directions should be easy to follow.
My pal's bike had a wobble that his mechanic/friend couldn't get rid of. He took it to a dealer here in So. Cal and they adjusted the steering head bearings. That did it.
I have a 2016 service manual and the procedure for adjusting it is somewhat involved, but the step by step directions should be easy to follow.
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 33
Likes: 4
From: Jacksonville, FL
Hello, Thanks again for all the good and bad info(lol) on my issue on my 07 EGU. I thought i posted a reply before this one but i don't I don't see it. Anyway... Let me review.I didn't have a wobble at all until I changed the rear tire. I had to change the rear tire cause it was getting slick. Got it mounted on the rim and put it back on the bike. Went for a ride down I95 and Then the wobble started at 75-80 or a gust of wind or passing a 18 wheeler. So I replaced the front Dunlop with a Micheln Cmdr2. Had it mounted on rim balanced(wheel bearing were good) and I put it back on and went for a test drive and at 70 it would start and around 75 it gets worse from the front and slight vibration. Took to Stealer and had them inspect and adjust the steering neck and it needed adjustmen and was tighten up at $200( I assume they also put HD grease in the fitting). Tech didn't say the wheel or neck bearings were worn when he had it off the ground. Suggested front wheel be re balanced might fix it after I remounted correctly. Apparently I mounted the wheel with the tire arrow going the wrong way. Ok done. Saturday ride down I95 to Orlando from JAX and no sooner I get up to good highway speed it starts to feel funny and i look at speedo and at 75 it starts the dance I let off the throttle and its get worse and I have to ease throttle back up to ease it out and then just try to maintain 70. I feel a little vibe on the left handlebar but i ease up speed to pass a 18 wheel truck and the gust from it and the speed starts the wobble aga, in. When the road is flat concrete I have no wobble at all at 80mph call the HD dealer and told them I bringing the bike back and I needed tested at higher speed. They said ok bring it back but I might need to get a second opinion. Could my drive belt tension be to tight?( i read on another HD site) I did use the deflection gauge per service manual.What and how about wheel alignment check?
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 1,712
Likes: 410
From: Puyallup, WA
If the issue started right after replacing the rear tire, it’s probably the rear tire or wheel. You could have a bad tire. Yes, new tires can be bad. Check rear wheel alignment and belt tension. Check tire balance. I personally would not mix tire brands, run a matching brand/set front and rear. Check neck bearings. Check wheel bearings.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 421
Likes: 71
From: Hayward Ca
Here is an option you should explore as well. I have installed their stabilizer kits on all my baggers 06,08,16 and none of them wobble.
https://glide-pro.com/
https://glide-pro.com/