Bagger gets Squirrely above 100mph
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 6,899
Likes: 3,412
From: OH
I have mine up that high every now and then. Don't know what the speedo was reading as I don't trust the thing but the GPS verifies the thing topping out at about 107. I run my rear suspension on the stiff side as I tend to ride a bit more aggressive and never had any time where I felt the bike wasn't stable. It's not a aero dynamic crotch rocket but it has never gotten squirly on me.
Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
Took my 01' Roadking up to top speed, which was around 110, and the front end felt really light, just as you described. I took my Roadglide up to top speed, actually buried the speedo (woods cams) and the bike still felt planted, unlike the Roadking. The difference is obviously the frame mounted fairing (RG), versus the fork mounted windshield (RK). I feel the front end does lift at high speeds with a fork mounted setup.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 42
Likes: 1
Took my 09 SG over 100mph for the first time today. Ran it between 105 and 110 for about 5 min just for the hell of it.
I was surprised how light it started feeling and how squirrely it got at that speed. Felt like I could easily start to get speed wobbles if I wasnt careful.
I know its a bagger and no i dont normally ride that fast but my Rigid 10ft long chopper handled better at that speed than this does. Just expected it to track a little better and be a little more stable.
I guess its good I dont normally go that fast because I was pretty disappointed with how it handled.
I was surprised how light it started feeling and how squirrely it got at that speed. Felt like I could easily start to get speed wobbles if I wasnt careful.
I know its a bagger and no i dont normally ride that fast but my Rigid 10ft long chopper handled better at that speed than this does. Just expected it to track a little better and be a little more stable.
I guess its good I dont normally go that fast because I was pretty disappointed with how it handled.
Just a reminder for all, the aerodynamics of the batwing were developed when the speed limit was 50mph. Which also answers a lot of questions about buffeting.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,389
Likes: 26
From: Windham,Maine
A lot of variables between machines when it comes to speeds above 100mph and with a shield.Every time you run at those speeds,consider wind,road conditions, traffic,tire pressure,steering dampening.If you plan to ride like that often build the bike up to that capacity.Not all machines are created equal,it is what it is.Under the right conditions both my machines will easily eclipse 120mph and feel good doing it,shield and all.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: alabama
I've felt the turbulence you speak of many times. I really do think it is bike specific, just haven't figured out why. As some people feel it, some don't. I did a post on here a long time ago about it and got some very good responses to checking the norm - ie: air pressure, shocks, tire wear, rake, fork bearings, and alot of other stuff. I was getting the light feel at a much lower speed though, maybe 75- 80 and only got worse the faster I went. Two of the biggest things that helped me were going to a 8 inch clearview shield as I was running a 12" and the other was something I found by mistake. You know that piece of cr@p rubber molding at the bottom of your fairing, make sure the fitment is correct or else air will come up under your fairing and I think that would have to add to the problem.
By the way I ride a rg now :-)
By the way I ride a rg now :-)
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 609
Likes: 101
From: Saskatchewan
I'm not an expert on bike aerodynamics but it is important to remember that wind resistance is a function of your velocity squared. So at 100MPH you will have 4 times the wind resistance (or effect) than you do at 50MPH. So for those saying that the faster you go the bigger the effect it is really no surprise and also why our bikes top out at around 110 or so. We are trying to push alot of air out of the way.
