I have a 08' SG. It has about 4500 miles on it. It runs great except that I notice a little steering head wobble when at freeway speeds. It happens when I'm changing lanes, entering the freeway, or when running across pavement with a slight height difference. It is real quick then goes away. I feel it at the bars. It is not terrible but I feel it and almost anticipate it just before it happens. I can also induce it by shaking the bars left and right while riding.

The front tire is in good shape and properly inflated. I brought it into the dealer and they did a fall test. They said it was within tollorence. They decided to tighten the head set anyway and found it to be a little loose. They tightened it and it seemed to help for a while but it is definatly still happenning.

Is this normal? I have ridden other bikes and don't notice it. It seems wrong to spend the kind of money that I spent on this bike and have it handle the way it does. I have heard of frame braces to help the handling of the touring models but this feels more like it is in the front end. I'm not sure if a brace would help or not.

Anybody have any suggestions.

Thanks

 

I also have a 08 SG, and except for the rain grooves that are ground into the freeways here in Ca, I don't feel any wobble. It makes one wonder if the headset is still too loose.
If you mean it shakes back and forth continually, regardless of the surface of the road, then take it to another dealer. Some are better than others. But it will tend to jog back and forth when changing levels of asphalt. The question is, does it keep going?

 

I also have an 08 Street Glide, and yes, it does 'wobble' at certain speeds and road conditions. It often does feel like it is the front end, especially if if you shake the bars side-to-side.

However, the root of the problem is the rubber mounted swing arm in the back which move horizontally, affecting the steering. I have put a Bagger Brace on mine at about 12,000 miles. Have abut 22,000 on it now and it has greatly, but not completely, removed the wobble.

For more info check out this and many other threads on the forum.


https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...-the-deal.html

 

This may go without saying but it made a huge difference in the handling of my Ultra. Did you pump up your rear shocks? I was having the same problem. I was just about to buy a baggar brace. I bought the little harley pump and pumped up the shocks to 20psi (they were at 5psi). That made the wobble go away. I had mine into the dealer as well and they did that stupid fall test. Funny I was in spec as well but they tightend up the neck as well. There have been other posts of people with bad bearings and poor installation of bearings, all in "08. But if you have not done so check the air in your rear shocks. Street guides have higher pressures than ultras I believe so you will have to check your manual.

 

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...ng-damper.html
http://www.bkrider.com/cross4/produc...&sku=C01150167

 

The forks will flex and the rear rubber engine mount (rubber swingarm bushes) will flex at speeds on uneven sweeping corners. I have progressive fork springs, progressive 416 air shocks and a progressives stabilizer brace that improved the handling 100% on my 2007 tourer.

 

08 flhxrider: I see that this is your first post. Easter sunday I went down due to a condition know as bagger wobble. Do yourself a favor and research this on google and take this seriously. As i sit here writing this I have a broken hip and a busted femur. I have been riding most of my life and am 62 years old. I am not an agressive rider. All it takes are the right conditions and this can get out of hand. If I new what I know about this today you could besure that I would of put a bagger brace on for a little extra peace of mind.

 

Are your wheels mag or spoke? If spoke wheels, check to see if there are any loose spokes.

 

08FLHXRYDER still has only one post, but here's hoping he passes by again to pick up our hints and tips!

I don't own an 08, but I agree that the basics are rear suspension and tyre pressures. I am no great weight, but run my tyres a couple of pounds higher than stock. Heavy riders should perhaps put in a couple more, also ensure that suspension pressure is adjusted as well. Lowered rear shocks on a dresser are not a good idea and can contribute, as they alter steering geometry.

I also support the extra stabilizer and have True-Track kits on both my Glide and Dyna. It's the only way to travel!

 

Thanks for all the replies. This forum is a great place to find information.

I have not had the chance to check the rear suspension air pressure yet but will do so this weekend. The tires I know are at 40psi. I will put a few extra pounds in them to see if it helps. The next step will be looking into getting a brace. It doesn't sound like a brace will completly eliminate the problem but if it reduces it then it could be worth it.

Thanks again, ride safe.