High Speed Wobble...When?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 2,263
Likes: 36
From: Georgia Mountains
The lean angle on your bike looks to be so restricted that I don't know if you could recreate it. With my new Elite III tires I don't know if I could recreate it.
Tourer
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 285
Likes: 0
From: Charlotte NC
06 Ultra rider here and no wobble yet noticed. I do get wobble from the front when hitting paint stripes and tar lines, but this is normal on any bike. you will always get some wobble because you are riding only two tires.
I have been told by a very good mechanic not all bikes are affected by this. He stated many baggers are when the rear shocks are lowered, lowering kits are applied and some rear suspensions are just not as tight. He alos stated you can replace the rear stabilizer bushings with newer upgraded ones that will tighten the suspension as well. He also sells and installs the progressive stabilizer kit.
I have been told by a very good mechanic not all bikes are affected by this. He stated many baggers are when the rear shocks are lowered, lowering kits are applied and some rear suspensions are just not as tight. He alos stated you can replace the rear stabilizer bushings with newer upgraded ones that will tighten the suspension as well. He also sells and installs the progressive stabilizer kit.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
All Buells and the latest Sportsters all have three stabilizers. They allow the engine to vibrate vertically in the rubber engine mounts, but prevent any lateral movement which might give poor handling. These bikes are known for riding and handling very well. All touring model Harleys have two stabilizers, not three, the rear one near the swingarm pivot is missing. True-Track in particular provide that missing link, so your rear mount cannot move sideways.
The system used by Harley is better than the system Norton used on the Commando (a friend of mine was a development engineer with Norton). Buell's three stabilizer system is even better and their patent for it refers to Norton's, as do several other bike manufacturers on their similar patents.
Harley has made a few changes over the years, but the lack of a rear stabilizer affects all rubber mount touring and FXR models. If you have never suffered from it think yourself lucky, but your bike is still capable of doing it some day!
I have a TT kit on my '90 Glide and another on my Dyna, so with my Firebolt I have three bikes and all three of them have three stabilizers. These things improve ride quality and handling even in a straight line. Once fitted never removed - it is the only way to travel!
The system used by Harley is better than the system Norton used on the Commando (a friend of mine was a development engineer with Norton). Buell's three stabilizer system is even better and their patent for it refers to Norton's, as do several other bike manufacturers on their similar patents.
Harley has made a few changes over the years, but the lack of a rear stabilizer affects all rubber mount touring and FXR models. If you have never suffered from it think yourself lucky, but your bike is still capable of doing it some day!
I have a TT kit on my '90 Glide and another on my Dyna, so with my Firebolt I have three bikes and all three of them have three stabilizers. These things improve ride quality and handling even in a straight line. Once fitted never removed - it is the only way to travel!
6th Gear
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
I have an 05 FLHR and have only felt the wobble once. I was following a friend to Charleston, SC on I26. We were doing about 90 mph and were passing a tractor trailer. My front end felt like it was getting lose. I let off the throttle and it went away. Never felt it since!
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 1
I experienced this tank slapper wobble just yesterday. Been riding a bagger for 12 years and this is the first time. 2006 Ultra, well maintained. Was going about 85 on the freeway and had to let off the throttle for a car in front of me. The front end shook hard back and forth for about 5 seconds. Scared me to death. Scared my buddy that was riding behind me also. This is a completely different situation than the "normal" tail wagging from the frame twisting around corners. I must admit I am now skiddish about taking this bike on a high speed cross country trip. I have been ridding all my life and have owned many bikes. This is the first tank slap experience I have ever had. Hope it will be my last.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 1,290
Likes: 20
From: Salem, Or
After reading through all the posts it seems to me that the problem shows up on 2008 and older bikes. Did Harley fix the issue with the new frame???
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 417
Likes: 6
From: Fargo ND
Got a wobble a few weeks ago on a two lane from phoenix to las vegas, I was going about 105 around a long sweeper and hit a bump, This is on my 2010 rk. I've had the wobble from the neck bearings on my vrod, 120 straight down the road and I almost lost it. The wobble on my king was not nearly as bad as the vrod but still made me pucker. I think some suspension upgrades will help alot, I also tightened the risers on my handlebars, they were a bit loose and with apehangers this amplified the wiggle, I had to let off the throttle and loosen my grip on the bars to get the wobble to stop, it sounds wierd but holding the bars tight actually makes the wobble worse.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 5,356
Likes: 8
From: Roswell, NM
I think it occurs going through a sweeper at too high of a rate of speed. I have an 08 Ultra, and have never had a wobble. of course the fastest I've gone through a long sweeper is around 75. that being said, I do intend to put on a BB to make it safer for when my wife rides with me. She is my prized cargo and she's worth all the safety measures I can put on.