Bagger wobble-what's the deal?
Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
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From: Franklin, TN
Bagger wobble-what's the deal?
Maybe this has been covered before and I missed it, after all, until recently I've been riding Dynas and softails so I'm a recent convert to the Touring gang.
I keep hearing of this problem, especially since the 09 came out. People buying after market kits to fix it and trading perfectly good one and two year old bikes to get the new frame so they won't be veering down the road. I occasionally cruse on the Interstate at 80mph and my 02 King is rock steady. Isn't my scoot a true touring bike?
Do I have to go faster than 80 to experience this wobble everyone is so afraid of? If so, I guess I won't be experiencing it.
Do I not have a touring bike?
Jeeze, I thought I did. What's the deal? Or is it all hype? If we ride at just a tiny bit over the speed limit are we OK?
Marsh
I keep hearing of this problem, especially since the 09 came out. People buying after market kits to fix it and trading perfectly good one and two year old bikes to get the new frame so they won't be veering down the road. I occasionally cruse on the Interstate at 80mph and my 02 King is rock steady. Isn't my scoot a true touring bike?
Do I have to go faster than 80 to experience this wobble everyone is so afraid of? If so, I guess I won't be experiencing it.
Do I not have a touring bike?
Jeeze, I thought I did. What's the deal? Or is it all hype? If we ride at just a tiny bit over the speed limit are we OK?
Marsh
Last edited by Marsh; Nov 19, 2008 at 10:24 PM.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
The most commonly observed symptom is in long, fast curves, especially on less than perfect pavement. The rear end wobbles - the engine/transmission shifts in it's rubber mount, the swingarm moves against it's rubber bushings, and the frame flexes. This, in it's sometimes severe form, can result in unscheduled lane changes, etc. MANY riders never experience it, or don't recognize it if they do.
The variety of braces on the market all attempt to keep the engine/transmission from shifting side-to-side. I have yet to hear of anyone who installed one who didn't like the results.
The '09s are a different (stiffer) design and appear to not have the issue.
The variety of braces on the market all attempt to keep the engine/transmission from shifting side-to-side. I have yet to hear of anyone who installed one who didn't like the results.
The '09s are a different (stiffer) design and appear to not have the issue.
Thread Starter
|
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,163
Likes: 2
From: Franklin, TN
The most commonly observed symptom is in long, fast curves, especially on less than perfect pavement. The rear end wobbles - the engine/transmission shifts in it's rubber mount, the swingarm moves against it's rubber bushings, and the frame flexes. This, in it's sometimes severe form, can result in unscheduled lane changes, etc. MANY riders never experience it, or don't recognize it if they do.
The variety of braces on the market all attempt to keep the engine/transmission from shifting side-to-side. I have yet to hear of anyone who installed one who didn't like the results.
The '09s are a different (stiffer) design and appear to not have the issue.
The variety of braces on the market all attempt to keep the engine/transmission from shifting side-to-side. I have yet to hear of anyone who installed one who didn't like the results.
The '09s are a different (stiffer) design and appear to not have the issue.
You have me thinking I should get this kit, but which one?
Marsh
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,352
Likes: 7
From: Keene, CA
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 674
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From: Vancouver Island
OK, so do ALL touring bikes have this problem? I ride my RG pretty hard and I've never felt this 'wobble' that everyone talks about? Am I lucky or just not observant?
I've gotta say that I've ridden a lot of bikes, with the last being an '05 Roadster and I find my '08 RG to be very stable and predictable in any cornering situation that I've put it in and I do ride some serious twisties.
Is this something that developes after lots of miles?
I've gotta say that I've ridden a lot of bikes, with the last being an '05 Roadster and I find my '08 RG to be very stable and predictable in any cornering situation that I've put it in and I do ride some serious twisties.
Is this something that developes after lots of miles?
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 600
Likes: 2
OK, so do ALL touring bikes have this problem? I ride my RG pretty hard and I've never felt this 'wobble' that everyone talks about? Am I lucky or just not observant?
I've gotta say that I've ridden a lot of bikes, with the last being an '05 Roadster and I find my '08 RG to be very stable and predictable in any cornering situation that I've put it in and I do ride some serious twisties.
Is this something that developes after lots of miles?
I've gotta say that I've ridden a lot of bikes, with the last being an '05 Roadster and I find my '08 RG to be very stable and predictable in any cornering situation that I've put it in and I do ride some serious twisties.
Is this something that developes after lots of miles?
