Rear Stabilizers.....Requesting Input
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 195
Likes: 0
From: Death Valley, Arizona
I did the shocks first and although they are a vast improvement over stock they did nothing for the wobble. I personally would never run stock shocks as I've had Progressive's on my last 3 Harleys but If I had to make a decision between new shocks and a stabilizer the shocks would come in second.
Rick
Rick
Last edited by kmvallee; Aug 30, 2008 at 12:00 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda
With the exception of the Alloy Art device, I think these basically achieve the same net result, which is to restrict only lateral movement. The only variable I can think of is that the long bolts and stand-offs on the TT-type design might have some flex and thus might be marginally less effective. I would think this would be a matter of microns and would be a difference that would only be seen on a micrometer.
You don't need to restrict longitudinal (front-to-back) movement and doing so in addition to lateral movement will cause increased vibration. If you'll look at how these devices are made, with the exception of the Alloy Art, you'll notice that the heim joints will allow full longitudinal and vertical movement. The only movement restricted by these devices is that which is parallel to the stabilizer rod, which is lateral (left and right). In any other direction the heim joints allow movement. This is why the Alloy Art design seems so illogical, because it restricts movement in two directions, doing so best from front to back which isn't even needed.
You don't need to restrict longitudinal (front-to-back) movement and doing so in addition to lateral movement will cause increased vibration. If you'll look at how these devices are made, with the exception of the Alloy Art, you'll notice that the heim joints will allow full longitudinal and vertical movement. The only movement restricted by these devices is that which is parallel to the stabilizer rod, which is lateral (left and right). In any other direction the heim joints allow movement. This is why the Alloy Art design seems so illogical, because it restricts movement in two directions, doing so best from front to back which isn't even needed.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
Guys, I do apologize for the personal lack of feedback regarding this subject. My Bagger Brace is not here yet, it is taking a little longer to finish than I had anticipated but Ron, developer of Bagger Brace, has given me a tenative ship date as early as Mon. or Tues of next week.
HOWEVER, living on the Gulf Coast and a MAJOR potential threat to this area named Gustov is going to force me and the family to possibly seek shelter elsewhere so forum visitations may very well be limited or absent till this Hurricane has declared itself and eventually becomes a time in history.
HOWEVER, living on the Gulf Coast and a MAJOR potential threat to this area named Gustov is going to force me and the family to possibly seek shelter elsewhere so forum visitations may very well be limited or absent till this Hurricane has declared itself and eventually becomes a time in history.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 629
Likes: 3
From: Mission, Texas
Ditto with Iclick. I have the Ride Str8 on my 08 and it makes a good fit, does not interfere with Cross member brace, oil pan cooling fins, and it makes for a more stable ride especially on those fast curves.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 697
Likes: 0
From: *Orange County*SoCal*
I have never felt this WOBBLE, I think these stabilizers are a fad! Funny how the 09s don't have a stabilizer like these. I have an 05 Roadglide and have never had a problem with this WOBBLE I keep reading about. I keep a close eye on tire and shock air pressure,I have had this bike since 1/11/05 and have never felt the WOBBLE 2-up or solo.I think you could find better things to spend your HEC on. Just my thoughts???????
I purchased the Alloy Art rear stabilizer in July and I have to say between the stabilizer, Meltzer tires and air ride my bike handles like its on rails. Before putting this on I had a couple scary wobbles and if I let off the gas the bike always corrected itself but now with the stabilizer on there I can drag my floorboards and brackets with confidence knowing my bike isn't gonna try to buck me off if I hit a dip half way through a curve. I can't say that any one stabilizer is better than another since I've only experienced the ride with the Alloy Art on my bike but I'm a firm believer, stabilizers are worth every penny.
BTW, mine was $400 installed at the Long Beach bike show and knowing how my bike handles the curves now I would have paid double that!
Ride safe,
nastyHD
Last edited by nastyHD; Aug 30, 2008 at 10:40 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 697
Likes: 51
From: Clarington, Ontario
Some people think the stabilizers are a fad, just another gimmick. If I have read things correctly, HD redesigned and added mounts to the drivetrain of the 09's to keep things lined up.
I never felt the wobble bad on my RG but last few weeks with my 02 EGC, I had a couple of times where it felt like the back tire was going flat or that the bike was hinged in the middle. At the time I was going through a highway stretch where the concrete was badly grooved prior to being repaved. Yesterday I ordered the T.W.R. Missing Link kit from Tracy and am looking forward to putting it on.
I never felt the wobble bad on my RG but last few weeks with my 02 EGC, I had a couple of times where it felt like the back tire was going flat or that the bike was hinged in the middle. At the time I was going through a highway stretch where the concrete was badly grooved prior to being repaved. Yesterday I ordered the T.W.R. Missing Link kit from Tracy and am looking forward to putting it on.
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Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
Ok the Phenomenon that was spoken of if youve never felt it is a rotation caused from the bike being put into a lean at what ever speed doesnt really matter if its gonna do it its gonna. but the point is that it sends the rear of the bike into a rotation not just side to side but up and down and wiggling front to back. a little hard to explain but thats what makes them so scary if it were predictable then you could just compensate and be on with it no discussion as to which one works better. I personally have the alloy art cause I talked to the guy that made the device and the way its designed is to stop the gyration-al effect of the rear end the device has bushings that are patented as part of his line of vibration dampening bushings just like the goodntight product found on his website. so you see gentlemen, The alloy art may or may not be your choice but when picking the right one for your ride I sugest that you not talk to people that own one and want to justify their purchase. but take some time and have the manufacturer walk you through their reasoning for their design. BTW I am Very pleased with mine as I have this one curve that was in my commute and every time I would go into the curve I never knew when it would hit me but I would say it hit at least every other time. since the Allot art device I ride through the same curve and many others with absolute confidence. BTW I dont really care for the center stand but if you did I did some checking and if you go with the one for a 1 inch lowered bike then it will work with the alloy ate cause the holes do match up.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
HOWEVER, living on the Gulf Coast and a MAJOR potential threat to this area named Gustov is going to force me and the family to possibly seek shelter elsewhere so forum visitations may very well be limited or absent till this Hurricane has declared itself and eventually becomes a time in history.
BTW, I enjoyed watching your Little League team play in the LL World Series last week. Impressive bunch of kids, especially Fontenot and the tall kid that pitched a no-hitter.
Last edited by iclick; Aug 30, 2008 at 11:33 AM.