Steering stabilizer
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Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2022
Posts: 45
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From: Texas
Steering stabilizer
Good morning. Can anyone out there recommend a decent steering stabilizer for my 2008 Ultra Classic? After replacing front stock wheel/tire with a 21 inch, I've noticed a little shake in the forks etc. I checked the wheel and axle, all good there. Thanks!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,428
Likes: 30,648
From: Pennsylvania
1. A steering stabilizer is putting a band aid on the problem.
2. You have changed the rake & trail of your bike by putting a different sized wheel on it.
3. Have you changed the fork length?
4. When was the last time the forks were serviced (removed, cleaned bushings checked, new fork oil).
5. Tire may be balanced but be out of round a bit, check runout.
6. Spoke or cast wheel? Check spokes for correct tension.
7. At what speed does the shake begin? Centrifugal force shake begins at about 60 mph if the tire has a belt or section that is not true.
8. To check for rake/trail shake, when it begins to shake lean forward and lay as close to the gas tank as possible, if it stops or changes you need to adjust your rake/trail.
9. Check your engine mounts and engine alignment in the frame.
10. Check your swing arm bushings.
11. A steering stabilizer may help but you should try to identify the issue causing the shake first.
NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
2. You have changed the rake & trail of your bike by putting a different sized wheel on it.
3. Have you changed the fork length?
4. When was the last time the forks were serviced (removed, cleaned bushings checked, new fork oil).
5. Tire may be balanced but be out of round a bit, check runout.
6. Spoke or cast wheel? Check spokes for correct tension.
7. At what speed does the shake begin? Centrifugal force shake begins at about 60 mph if the tire has a belt or section that is not true.
8. To check for rake/trail shake, when it begins to shake lean forward and lay as close to the gas tank as possible, if it stops or changes you need to adjust your rake/trail.
9. Check your engine mounts and engine alignment in the frame.
10. Check your swing arm bushings.
11. A steering stabilizer may help but you should try to identify the issue causing the shake first.
NOTE:
The above information, while credible, is worth what you paid for it and should not be considered gospel.
Do due diligence, research and have a H-D Field Service Manual before working on your bike.
You will probably have many opinions and suggestions presented; make sure you research the person providing the helpful information as there are some who provide good information and some who speak out of other orifices with gibberish. You will figure out this quickly.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,946
From: Somewhere on the Bourbon trail
When I did 21"s on my '13 King, I also did the fork shocks with a lowering kit to accommodate for the bigger wheel. Could be the issue, could be not but mine rides good.
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Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 22,998
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,032
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From: South Carolina
@clevelandpat1960 How many miles are on the bike?
Before you go on a search for a steering damper, there are some standard things you should do.
Rebalance the front wheel/tire.
Check the wheel bearings (front and rear).
Disassemble the front end and inspect the steering head bearings, if they have never been serviced the grease will be dried out by now.
I disagree.
On a 2 wheel HD, a steering damper is a band-aid.
Before you go on a search for a steering damper, there are some standard things you should do.
Rebalance the front wheel/tire.
Check the wheel bearings (front and rear).
Disassemble the front end and inspect the steering head bearings, if they have never been serviced the grease will be dried out by now.
I disagree.
On a 2 wheel HD, a steering damper is a band-aid.
Last edited by Dan89FLSTC; Feb 20, 2024 at 09:32 AM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,428
Likes: 30,648
From: Pennsylvania
The term "Band-aid" was used for cause & effect.
Steering stabilizers have their purpose and use in many applications from Trikes to Super Sport Bikes and yes even some 2 wheel Harley's.
On two wheel bikes it is always best to eliminate other factors before going the stabilizer route as even with a stabilizer track & trail can cause issues that may not be overcome by a stabilizer.
Steering stabilizers have their purpose and use in many applications from Trikes to Super Sport Bikes and yes even some 2 wheel Harley's.
On two wheel bikes it is always best to eliminate other factors before going the stabilizer route as even with a stabilizer track & trail can cause issues that may not be overcome by a stabilizer.