Bagger Wobble Exposed...
HDF Community Team
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 1,434
Likes: 800
From: Colorado
Wobble comes from two areas.
The first, is you have a front linkage, a top linkage, but no third point linkage in back to hold the drive line (engine/trans/rear swing arm/rear tire) that is all one piece that is not actually bolts to the frame (just rubber isolators). so rear tire torque, or even side torque to the rear end in a corner, will allow rapid changes to the drive line at the rear tire, to move withing the frame that is isolated from. Hence rear end wobble.
The second form of wobble, can happen back up at the head seat that can cause handle bar slap, and this is from the fairing causing the front end to lift (in bikes like the ultra's, back end to be pushed down) at speeds to cause the front end to be lighter/less pressure to the road.
In the case of rear end wobble, all kinds of ways to add in a third link or extra isolator stiffeners to hold the back end of the drive line solid to frame.
In regards to front end, something like fork fangs that will push the front end down from wind pressure against them, go a long way to resolve the front end lift head shake problems.
Bottom line, this is not rocket science, and just comes down to if your trying to use the bike as a touring road bike and minimize vibration to the frame, or if trying to use the bike for strip use, where you don't want the stock isolators in play alone, but more ridgid ways of holding the drive line straight in line with the frame isntead.
Note, neither are going to work for a high speed standing 1 mile runs, since your talking of speeds over 130MPH and in territory that HD never aerodynamic designed the bikes to run in the first place.
The first, is you have a front linkage, a top linkage, but no third point linkage in back to hold the drive line (engine/trans/rear swing arm/rear tire) that is all one piece that is not actually bolts to the frame (just rubber isolators). so rear tire torque, or even side torque to the rear end in a corner, will allow rapid changes to the drive line at the rear tire, to move withing the frame that is isolated from. Hence rear end wobble.
The second form of wobble, can happen back up at the head seat that can cause handle bar slap, and this is from the fairing causing the front end to lift (in bikes like the ultra's, back end to be pushed down) at speeds to cause the front end to be lighter/less pressure to the road.
In the case of rear end wobble, all kinds of ways to add in a third link or extra isolator stiffeners to hold the back end of the drive line solid to frame.
In regards to front end, something like fork fangs that will push the front end down from wind pressure against them, go a long way to resolve the front end lift head shake problems.
Bottom line, this is not rocket science, and just comes down to if your trying to use the bike as a touring road bike and minimize vibration to the frame, or if trying to use the bike for strip use, where you don't want the stock isolators in play alone, but more ridgid ways of holding the drive line straight in line with the frame isntead.
Note, neither are going to work for a high speed standing 1 mile runs, since your talking of speeds over 130MPH and in territory that HD never aerodynamic designed the bikes to run in the first place.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,442
Likes: 3,716
From: backwoods
Is this the same as the death wobble for 30 years ago, that some said Harley should have recalled touring bikes?
Key is a shot of kessler before getting on the bike to loosen up your grip.
Key is a shot of kessler before getting on the bike to loosen up your grip.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2020
Posts: 8,152
Likes: 9,564
From: central NC
Ive bought four HD touring bikes in the past four years. I ride about 1000 miles a month. Less than some, more than some.
I live in NC where the speed limit is 70MPH or less, so I typically pass at 90mph or less. 95 if Im feeling saucy.
I might ride into to TN, VA and SC. Speed limits same I think.
No wobble.
I live in NC where the speed limit is 70MPH or less, so I typically pass at 90mph or less. 95 if Im feeling saucy.
I might ride into to TN, VA and SC. Speed limits same I think.
No wobble.
Last edited by gonemad; Oct 16, 2024 at 09:24 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,157
Likes: 11,247
From: San Diego, CA
Years ago on my 2012 Ultra Limited, I was on a freeway interchange from one freeway to another. It was a long, downward sloping curve. I took it probably at about 70 mph. It felt comfortable and reasonable at that speed, albeit higher than the suggested limit. I'm definitely not a canyon carver, nor do I try to be.
That was the one & only time I got the rear wheel wobble. It was pretty scary...
After checking all the usual suspects, I got a True-Trac for that bike. I never had the issue again.
I've since upgraded to a 2016 Ultra Classic. I have travelled that very same interchange dozens of times. I've never felt that wobble on the 2016...
That was the one & only time I got the rear wheel wobble. It was pretty scary...
After checking all the usual suspects, I got a True-Trac for that bike. I never had the issue again.
I've since upgraded to a 2016 Ultra Classic. I have travelled that very same interchange dozens of times. I've never felt that wobble on the 2016...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,923
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
For anyone having a high speed wobble on their bagger check out this great video from Traveling Tall.
He was having a wobble from around 95 mph to 120 mph..
You'll be surprised what was causing it.
https://youtu.be/CRYXFMwhB5U?si=2rDvISmJjZhGimUD
He was having a wobble from around 95 mph to 120 mph..
You'll be surprised what was causing it.
https://youtu.be/CRYXFMwhB5U?si=2rDvISmJjZhGimUD
It's pretty cool that he god Dan Fitzmaurice (Zipper's Performance) to ride the bike..
Add:
Not surprised.. The windshield is only one way it can wobble. There are 100 others..
Last edited by Max Headflow; Oct 17, 2024 at 10:48 AM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 1,528
Likes: 646
From: Saint Charles, Missouri
I've added the Alloy Art stabilizer to all 3 of the Touring bikes I have owned, it made a big difference in how the bike handles by keeping the engines movement controlled to rocking fore and aft taking out any side to side rocking.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2021
Posts: 18,442
Likes: 3,716
From: backwoods
I have been tempted to think it is nerves, holding on tight and getting freaked when hitting something funny. But I dunno. I thought the frame and members dieing off, natural or otherwise, but this to rest. I am not a supper aggressive rider.