Death Wobble at high speeds
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
- The simple stuff is to use high quality tyres, but especially set the pressures correctly. Add a little extra air for high speeds, also adjust them further to suit your weight. If you are a heavy chap, add a little extra pressure. Numbers could be an extra 2psi in each tyre, for each of those conditions, in other words up to 4psi extra. Experiment a little, to get things 'just so'.
- The next step is to use a stabiliser kit. True-Track is my preferred brand, to tighten up handling and stability.
- Upgrade your suspension, front and rear, to a superior brand such as Ohlins.
Last edited by grbrown; Jun 3, 2019 at 11:34 AM.
Thread Starter
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Advanced
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 84
Likes: 14
From: Bolingbrook, IL
Problem solved
As mentioned by most it was the steering bearings that needed to be adjusted/tightened. My tech said they were loose and its very common. He also said he has had very good success with going one tighten further then Harley specs if that helps anyone.
He he mentioned that a stabilizer isnt real necessary but would not hurt. In all of my countless hours of research I havent found a company that makes a full from system for 17 and new touring models.
He he mentioned that a stabilizer isnt real necessary but would not hurt. In all of my countless hours of research I havent found a company that makes a full from system for 17 and new touring models.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
It would be worth contacting True-Track. They are the original makers of such things, copied my many other brands, and still make kits for more models than the others.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 791
Likes: 386
From: New York
All great points...not sure if this is even a factor since you didn't mention it but i recently saw a video on wobbles and another cause i discovered is if you load too much weight on the rear of the bike it can cause the front to lift and create the wobble. If your saddle bags are loaded to the hilt, and you're perhaps a bigger guy who leans back in the saddle and maybe strap a bag to the rear, use a full tour pak, or do two up riding with heavy packed bags....just thought it was worth mentioning.
****edit**** looks like you solved your problem!
****edit**** looks like you solved your problem!
Last edited by Craigny; Jul 10, 2019 at 06:56 AM.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 492
From: Heart of Georgia
As mentioned by most it was the steering bearings that needed to be adjusted/tightened. My tech said they were loose and its very common. He also said he has had very good success with going one tighten further then Harley specs if that helps anyone.
He he mentioned that a stabilizer isnt real necessary but would not hurt. In all of my countless hours of research I havent found a company that makes a full from system for 17 and new touring models.
He he mentioned that a stabilizer isnt real necessary but would not hurt. In all of my countless hours of research I havent found a company that makes a full from system for 17 and new touring models.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
All great points...not sure if this is even a factor since you didn't mention it but i recently saw a video on wobbles and another cause i discovered is if you load too much weight on the rear of the bike it can cause the front to lift and create the wobble. If your saddle bags are loaded to the hilt, and you're perhaps a bigger guy who leans back in the saddle and maybe strap a bag to the rear, use a full tour pak, or do two up riding with heavy packed bags....just thought it was worth mentioning.
****edit**** looks like you solved your problem!
****edit**** looks like you solved your problem!
Last edited by grbrown; Jul 10, 2019 at 07:20 AM.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 410
Likes: 20
From: Frederick Maryland
My Steering head bearings were shot at 11,000 miles on my 2017 Road Glide. It took me a while to figure out. It caused an uneasy weaving sensation and was enhanced in wet weather. It occurred at speeds greater than 30 MPH. Once replaced, the bike performed as it should....
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,833
From: Western South Dakota
Gonna add one that no one else yet.
Do you have the stock front end springs in then?
Yes that is what the stock front end is, springs.
Unbelievable right?
I replaced my front end springs w/Progressive Monotubes and that helped tighten up the front end for me.
Make sure your front end has grease/lubricant in it too.
Do you have the stock front end springs in then?
Yes that is what the stock front end is, springs.
Unbelievable right?
I replaced my front end springs w/Progressive Monotubes and that helped tighten up the front end for me.
Make sure your front end has grease/lubricant in it too.