Rear Stabilizers.....Requesting Input
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 3
From: Milwaukie Oregon
For what it is worth I have no dog in this fight either my only interest in this is to improve the handling of the touring frame after it almost killed me and to help others to be aware of the problem and that it can be fixed. I do not own any of the stabilizers mentioned in this thread. I made my own it resembles a TWR and a ride str-8 with my own touch that differs from each. I am not interested in manufacturing these units even though I have a CNC Mill in my home shop. I have been a member of the other forum mentioned. I have personally experienced the wobble with my ultra and posted threads over a year ago on that forum and was given a cold shoulder there in that baggers don't wobble. I was initially impressed with the TT but it weaknesses became apparent in lower ground clearance and difficulty in making one for my self. I then searched out others and found the ride str-8 which seemed to be simpler to make and followed the KISS theory. I have helped friends install both the TT and ride str-8 and then I became of TWR on ebay and from what I saw it soon became my favorite. I have directed several to ebay to buy the TWR and I found the quality of machining something I would be proud of. That said I do not have any affiliation with any of these manufacturers. I came to this forum looking for DOC1 who used to be on the other forum. I ran across Steve's attempt to put together a group buy to get a lower price on the TWR unit which he did. I watched with interest to see what became of that thread and made several posts on the other forum to google that thread. When this forum was having its technical problems many moved over there in that time. I saw Steve posting there and sugested to him that he should try the same thing there. To my surprise now stabilizers are being openly talked about over there. I do not know Steve personally but I think he feels just as passionate about curing the issues with the bikes we ride as I do, and to make them safer if possible.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 0
From: Florida
For what it is worth I have no dog in this fight either my only interest in this is to improve the handling of the touring frame after it almost killed me and to help others to be aware of the problem and that it can be fixed. I do not own any of the stabilizers mentioned in this thread. I made my own it resembles a TWR and a ride str-8 with my own touch that differs from each. I am not interested in manufacturing these units even though I have a CNC Mill in my home shop. I have been a member of the other forum mentioned. I have personally experienced the wobble with my ultra and posted threads over a year ago on that forum and was given a cold shoulder there in that baggers don't wobble. I was initially impressed with the TT but it weaknesses became apparent in lower ground clearance and difficulty in making one for my self. I then searched out others and found the ride str-8 which seemed to be simpler to make and followed the KISS theory. I have helped friends install both the TT and ride str-8 and then I became of TWR on ebay and from what I saw it soon became my favorite. I have directed several to ebay to buy the TWR and I found the quality of machining something I would be proud of. That said I do not have any affiliation with any of these manufacturers. I came to this forum looking for DOC1 who used to be on the other forum. I ran across Steve's attempt to put together a group buy to get a lower price on the TWR unit which he did. I watched with interest to see what became of that thread and made several posts on the other forum to google that thread. When this forum was having its technical problems many moved over there in that time. I saw Steve posting there and sugested to him that he should try the same thing there. To my surprise now stabilizers are being openly talked about over there. I do not know Steve personally but I think he feels just as passionate about curing the issues with the bikes we ride as I do, and to make them safer if possible.
I understand the explanations given completely regarding riding habits, swing arm design, etc. Certainly, they all seem logical and make sense. It's just hard for me to grasp the huge gap between the experience itself among riders.
Do you know specifically what the MOCO changed on the '09's to alleviate this problem? I understand that it has been fixed with the new chassis. Is this true? If it has been fixed is the fix similar in nature to the stabilizers being sold?
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 114
Likes: 0
From: Yorba Linda
It would be appropriate if people that were pushing someone's product on the forum would be up front enough to acknowledge their relationship to the seller of the product when they are giving their endorsement. I find it a little disingenuous that one individual can have dozens and dozens of posts relating to one particular item for sale and claim to have no other interest in the promotion other than the safety of other bikers.
Certainly the forum is designed for the dissemination of positive and negative information that is to benefit the members. However, it raises certain questions when this exact same pattern of behavior is duplicated on other forums in the exact same manner. That can't be just coincidence.
I'm not claiming that the product is bad or anything else. I don't own it or any competitors item either. I have no dog in the hunt. But, it certainly raises a question in my mind when the cheer-leading gets to the level that this has. It is endless and persistent. It is at this point shameless advertising disguised as testimonials. An infomercial at it's best. Ron Popeil would be proud!
If you are going to promote an item on the forum at least have the honesty to let others know that you have some interest in the product you are promoting. Please don't insult other people's intelligence by claiming you are just posting hundreds of posts because you are so in love with the product.
I am sure I'm going to take a lot of heat on this post. But, I'm willing to do so because I am a little exhausted at the turn this whole stabilizer thread(s) has been taking of late. I know I don't have to read them but the fact is I like to because I'm a biker, a forum member, and interested as the next guy in learning new things. But, just as a favor to us all why don't we chill out a bit on the constant you're a great guy I'm a great guy stuff. Give your testimonial, your experience, and let it go on from there.
Let's make a limit of like let's say 12 I'm a good guy you're a good guy testimonials per person per item.
Certainly the forum is designed for the dissemination of positive and negative information that is to benefit the members. However, it raises certain questions when this exact same pattern of behavior is duplicated on other forums in the exact same manner. That can't be just coincidence.
I'm not claiming that the product is bad or anything else. I don't own it or any competitors item either. I have no dog in the hunt. But, it certainly raises a question in my mind when the cheer-leading gets to the level that this has. It is endless and persistent. It is at this point shameless advertising disguised as testimonials. An infomercial at it's best. Ron Popeil would be proud!
If you are going to promote an item on the forum at least have the honesty to let others know that you have some interest in the product you are promoting. Please don't insult other people's intelligence by claiming you are just posting hundreds of posts because you are so in love with the product.
I am sure I'm going to take a lot of heat on this post. But, I'm willing to do so because I am a little exhausted at the turn this whole stabilizer thread(s) has been taking of late. I know I don't have to read them but the fact is I like to because I'm a biker, a forum member, and interested as the next guy in learning new things. But, just as a favor to us all why don't we chill out a bit on the constant you're a great guy I'm a great guy stuff. Give your testimonial, your experience, and let it go on from there.
Let's make a limit of like let's say 12 I'm a good guy you're a good guy testimonials per person per item.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 117
Likes: 3
From: Milwaukie Oregon
On a more positive note. Let me ask you a question on another subject than the one I raised. What I can't understand is the huge disparity between people riding the exact same bike when it comes to this instability issue. Some people like yourself have almost been killed by it and so many others have never even experienced it. I would think if there was a manufacturer's defect in the design everyone would feel it at some point or another.
I understand the explanations given completely regarding riding habits, swing arm design, etc. Certainly, they all seem logical and make sense. It's just hard for me to grasp the huge gap between the experience itself among riders.
Do you know specifically what the MOCO changed on the '09's to alleviate this problem? I understand that it has been fixed with the new chassis. Is this true? If it has been fixed is the fix similar in nature to the stabilizers being sold?
I understand the explanations given completely regarding riding habits, swing arm design, etc. Certainly, they all seem logical and make sense. It's just hard for me to grasp the huge gap between the experience itself among riders.
Do you know specifically what the MOCO changed on the '09's to alleviate this problem? I understand that it has been fixed with the new chassis. Is this true? If it has been fixed is the fix similar in nature to the stabilizers being sold?
I have spent a fair amount of time looking at the 09s and they have changed the mounting of the engine. It now has 4 rubber mounts not 3. 2 in the front and 2 at the swing arm. All look to be quite similar in size almost as if they made the front the same size as the rear and are mounted on the same plain. they allow up and down movement but resisting side to side movement. They have eliminated the lower front hime joint with this configuration but retain a non adjustable upper hime joint to the front head. I cant say if it fixed it it just looks different. The swing arm is the most noticeable change it is a lot beefier than the earlier ones.
Thread Starter
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,294
Likes: 33
From: Po-Dunk Looziana
I am taken aback at the phenomenal responses and appreciate every and all feedback. Despite a Physicist or an Engineer coming in here to give SCIENTIFIC proof for one device possibly being superior to the other I think I have enough info to make an informed purchase and for this I thank you!
My credit card has taken a ding and I'll report my findings ASAP.
My credit card has taken a ding and I'll report my findings ASAP.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
However, do you not find it unusual or just plain curious that one particular guy (not Tracy) is constantly involved in each and every single thread (which he seems to start) involving this company and product? Or, is it just me that has noticed this? I don't see any other person that has the volume of posts across multiple websites that this one person has regarding this one item. Wouldn't you call that going a little bit beyond just being happy with the product?
But, I don't appreciate being barraged by advertising, shilling, or whatever you want to call it while reading a thread, under the guise of it being a testimonial. Simple.
But, I don't appreciate being barraged by advertising, shilling, or whatever you want to call it while reading a thread, under the guise of it being a testimonial. Simple.
Last edited by iclick; Aug 21, 2008 at 11:51 AM.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I haven't ridden an '09 yet, but a friend just emailed me minutes ago that he had purchased an '09 RKC and that "it is way different." He's a former pro MC road racer and will have an opinion on this topic for sure. He promised a call this afternoon and I'll report back what I hear.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
The only thing I can say is I am using the TWR. Mainly the group price and ease of the install. I had very little wobble and most of the time I did not notice it. However, the bike does handle much better in all situations, slow speeds, long hard curves, etc... I do not ride hard most of the time. Due to my income-I am a DAV-and cost of fuel now I have really slowed down. I still play time to time but not like I did. The TWR was a good investment for me. I also thought about adding a center stand later on so the TWR meet that requirement.
Hope this helps
jim
Hope this helps
jim
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I think speed is a major issue. I have to say 80+ in my case throw in a sweeping curve and for good measure add a dip or a bump. We have a lot of roads in the hills that are not stable and often have dips caused by a slow moving slides. I think the mechanics of it are that in a turn at this speed you are side loading the frame and swing arm. So as long as you do nothing to upset that it will be OK but hitting a bump in that condition throws in a considerable amount of additional side loading which compresses the rear motor mount causing a over steer which will try to stand you up. That is the beginning of a oscillation that will increase in severity unless you can scrub the speed off quickly.