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Reducing Wobbling???

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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 12:53 PM
  #1  
RKCFED's Avatar
RKCFED
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From: Saint Petersburg, FL
Default Reducing Wobbling???

I just got rid of my '05 Road Glide for an '07 Street Glide and cannot believe how much the SG wobbles at a measly 80 mph!! My old RG was so stable that it was ridiculous and now I'm wondering if I made the correct choice. But, that's neither here nor there.

But anyways, what is the best method/idea to reduce wobbling? MY SG is stock with regard to the wheels, suspension, forks, etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:04 PM
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It's the wind. The frame is the same except for the lower shocks. I don't think they even lowered the front to match and retain the same trail. But I would think this would not cause that much of a noticeable problem. You added a bunch of weight and force to the bars and you changed the effective weight distribution due to the fairing now being sprung weight.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:23 PM
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Originally Posted by RKCFED
I just got rid of my '05 Road Glide for an '07 Street Glide and cannot believe how much the SG wobbles at a measly 80 mph!! My old RG was so stable that it was ridiculous and now I'm wondering if I made the correct choice. But, that's neither here nor there.

But anyways, what is the best method/idea to reduce wobbling? MY SG is stock with regard to the wheels, suspension, forks, etc.

Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Check that the boneheads that did setup and/or service actually put some lube in the neck. It's a PIA on the SG and is sometimes "overlooked".
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 01:38 PM
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Most wobbles have to do with alingment. Tire balance & fork neck adjustment also come into play. Causes can also combine. If it always wobbles, all condition all speeds, something is amiss. A batwing can handle a little more "twitchy" in winds, but at some point it should be stable.
Rini
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 02:14 PM
  #5  
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Had the same problem with my 08 this is what I have done to fix it
Alignment, new fork emitters, new fork oil, re torque the front end, adjusted the neck bearings, new rear tire, and a bagger brace. It’s now like it should have been from day 1. I have just finished a 3500+ mile trip bike cruised at over 90 miles an hour with out a wobble, took it up to over 110 and rode great.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 04:11 PM
  #6  
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You could also buy the front end stablizer that they are using on the Tri-Glide. I wanted to get one for my RG even thought I don't think it is neccessary but it would require to much modification. It should be a simple bolt on for the SG since it is the same front end as the Tri-Glide. I'm sure it is super expensive from HD but if you can buy the mounting kit seperatley just buy a steering damper seperatly and mount it up. Other than that there isn't too much you can do. I had a Ultra before my Road Glide and it is night and day difference.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:13 PM
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I've been putting some miles on my son's new SG while he's been working.
Both are great bikes, but I really notice the difference when a semi comes at you at 80 mph.
The RG is great in cross wind too.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 05:52 PM
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I have a 09 and it does the same thing. Gets touchy at over 80. I have road a sporty and dyna at 100 with one hand for miles on bumpy roads, and this big TOURING rig gets hairy at that speed. Could be the neck bearings to tight or they did'nt grease it.
 
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Old Aug 14, 2009 | 07:52 PM
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From: eastern oklahoma
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my 08 sg does just fine up to 100 mph, haven't found the need to go any faster. no problems at all with wobble. neck bearings loose, tire pressure, or tire balance? all of these could cause issues you've described. and no, the neckbearings are easy to grease. not with the stock greasezert though. swap that out for a 45 degree one and you'll be happy. grease it with the wrong stuff and you'll regret it. hi temp grease only. otherwise there is a good chance that your front fender and number one cylinder will get a coating.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2009 | 07:34 AM
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From: Boston, MA
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all depends on the winds. I have been up to 100 a few times with no stability issues and other days with more cross winds @ 80 and I thought the front end was loose. Anyone done the damper from the triglide yeT?
 
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