Bagger Wobble
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Bagger Wobble
I traded bikes with a buddy who was riding his low mileage '05 Road King and he said he could tell the difference right away with my tru trac. I couldn't get comfortable enough on his bike to give it a good try but he has been riding forever also and was impressed. "on Rails" pretty much describes it. Feels like the old swing arm frame with the new geometry of the neck built in. A little harder on tires because of no rear steer but definitely a huge improvement.
Banned
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 847
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Bagger Wobble
had to roadking customs both had wobble at hight speed.My 05 did so at 110 or so and the 06 does it at 120.Its bad enough that my crazy ***(or so Ive been called )shuts down.I posted question about the things out for it mostly got bunch of flack for going that fast.If bikes not surpose to go 120 whys it on the speedometer?Im trying the str8 thing first then the sto bros bushings.Id like it to be able to run the motor out.Right now as soon as 4ths wound out its time to lift.
RE: Bagger Wobble
I had an 86 Voyager (Kaw) that at speeds uner 30mph you had to hold on or the bars would do a steering oscilation that would put you down. But this Ultra is not as scary, just a bit un nerving. And as for pulling my trailer it is impossible. As I weave in the lane so does the trailer as it should, but guys following say I look like a drunk on the weaving. I just want the machine to go straight. Is that too much to ask? I'm going to do steering head bearings first then throw a set of swing arm bushings in and see if problm improves. If now I may have a 99 ultra for sale. Shame, nice looking bike.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 3,698
Likes: 10
From: Longview, Washington
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 0
From: SW Florida
RE: Bagger Wobble
ORIGINAL: HEMSPLT
I've felt the wobble on my '02 UC. I think a few people are talking apples when the problem is oranges. IMHO, most people refer to the wobble as an instability in the rear of the motorcycle rather than a steering/front suspension issue. I have felt the wobble more than a few times and it can be unsettling. I have only experienced it when I was loaded heavy and taking a wide turn (sweeper)at high speed. Some people have never felt it and may not depending on how they ride and the configuration of their motorcycle. I added Sta-Bo bushing to mine and haven't felt it but I also haven't had the bike under the same conditons that I have felt it in the past. The one thing I noticed after I installed the Sta-bo is more vibration seems to be transfered from the engine through the frame. Others have stated that this will go away with time or as the bushings wear in a little bit.
IMHO, the MOCO uses the rubber biscuits on the swing arm to reduce the engine vibration through the frame. Sta-Bo bushings or any of the other "fixes" adds rigidity to the swing are so that the rubber biscuits no longer flex under high stress. I used the Sta-Bo because they were cheaper and looked like they would work. I am sure all of the other fixes work just as well but are more expensive. I don't believe I have seen any complaints about any of the "fixes". I have read where some people have used the Sta-Bo bushings in conjunction with the RideStr8 but I don't think that is necessary or recommended.
If you don't have a problem with the wobble don't spend money on a solution. You may never feel it. If you do feel it, you will know what it is. It appears to be caused by putting a heavy load on the motorcycle so if you do feel it the best thing to do is reduce throttle (re: speed)thereby reducing the load. I don't think it is a good idea to use heavy braking if your bike feels unstable. I don't consider bagger wobble to be asafety issue. It is just one of those things that may get your attention. Only you can decide whether it is worth your money and time to do anything about it.
BTW, I have never felt a steering wobble but it does happen. A few people have had full blown tank slappers resulting in an accident.
Disclaimer: I could be completely wrong about everything I just wrote.
I've felt the wobble on my '02 UC. I think a few people are talking apples when the problem is oranges. IMHO, most people refer to the wobble as an instability in the rear of the motorcycle rather than a steering/front suspension issue. I have felt the wobble more than a few times and it can be unsettling. I have only experienced it when I was loaded heavy and taking a wide turn (sweeper)at high speed. Some people have never felt it and may not depending on how they ride and the configuration of their motorcycle. I added Sta-Bo bushing to mine and haven't felt it but I also haven't had the bike under the same conditons that I have felt it in the past. The one thing I noticed after I installed the Sta-bo is more vibration seems to be transfered from the engine through the frame. Others have stated that this will go away with time or as the bushings wear in a little bit.
IMHO, the MOCO uses the rubber biscuits on the swing arm to reduce the engine vibration through the frame. Sta-Bo bushings or any of the other "fixes" adds rigidity to the swing are so that the rubber biscuits no longer flex under high stress. I used the Sta-Bo because they were cheaper and looked like they would work. I am sure all of the other fixes work just as well but are more expensive. I don't believe I have seen any complaints about any of the "fixes". I have read where some people have used the Sta-Bo bushings in conjunction with the RideStr8 but I don't think that is necessary or recommended.
If you don't have a problem with the wobble don't spend money on a solution. You may never feel it. If you do feel it, you will know what it is. It appears to be caused by putting a heavy load on the motorcycle so if you do feel it the best thing to do is reduce throttle (re: speed)thereby reducing the load. I don't think it is a good idea to use heavy braking if your bike feels unstable. I don't consider bagger wobble to be asafety issue. It is just one of those things that may get your attention. Only you can decide whether it is worth your money and time to do anything about it.
BTW, I have never felt a steering wobble but it does happen. A few people have had full blown tank slappers resulting in an accident.
Disclaimer: I could be completely wrong about everything I just wrote.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
