Frame Sabilizer (True Track, Sputhe, Bagger Brace) on an 08 vs just buying an 09?
Thread Starter
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio, Tx
Frame Sabilizer (True Track, Sputhe, Bagger Brace) on an 08 vs just buying an 09?
I've previously owned a 2004 Road King. It wobbled at speed and while cornering.
Cousin had a 2006 EG Classic. It wobbled all the time.
I've test ridden the 2009 and 2010 touring models. I like how stable the frames are. They've pretty much fixed the wobbling.
My question is: does the improvement of adding a frame stabilizer bring a 2008 touring model up to 2009 quality? Could it be better because the 2008 is lighter than the 09?
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Cousin had a 2006 EG Classic. It wobbled all the time.
I've test ridden the 2009 and 2010 touring models. I like how stable the frames are. They've pretty much fixed the wobbling.
My question is: does the improvement of adding a frame stabilizer bring a 2008 touring model up to 2009 quality? Could it be better because the 2008 is lighter than the 09?
I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Last edited by AdvLobby; Sep 18, 2010 at 10:50 AM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 604
Likes: 2
From: Pacific Northwest
My 2 cents: I have the 2008 Ultra Classic and I am keeping it. The only problem I have with handling is road snakes, grated roads like on a draw bridge, or fresh construction where they have grooves in the road. I may have felt a wobble or two at higher speeds, but never felt I was in danger of loosing control. I done a lot of research, mostly on this forum reading what other HD enthusiasts had to say about the bagger brace, and decided that it was time to buy. If everything I am reading is true, then the brace is worth its weight in gold. Another interesting point I read from another thread stated that rider just increased the air in his rear suspension on a 2008 EG and all wobble went away. (sorry I could not find the original post to give the author credit, the subject was about owning a HD air pump though). Its raining hard here in Seattle or I would have given the air in the rear shocks a test to confirm what he said. I did check the air pressure and it was only at 7 lbs, when I should be riding at about 15 to 20 lbs according to the owners manual. Hopefully I will receive my BB and get back on here and give an update. I will also try and give an update on the air in the suspension to see if that helps over uneven surfaces before I install the BB.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,092
Likes: 1
From: USA
I have rode with my air pressure ranging from 10bs to 28lbs and nothing changed,I thought my wife and I were going to loose it coming through Arkansas once on those grooved roads. The *** end of my bike was squirling all over the road. The bad thing it,H-D has been made aware of this. I was talking with my salesman about the new RGU and he was telling me he had an 08' RG but had traded it in 09' for a RG Custom with the new frame and he was really suprised at how much better it handled. The only thing he could suggest was the difference in the design of the swingarm might be the cause. I never thought to ask him about a Bagger Brace of some kind. I wouldl like some more info as well.
Last edited by Jukebox; Sep 18, 2010 at 01:16 AM. Reason: Spelling
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 7
From: Daytona, Fla.
I have an '07 with a Missing Link stabilizer. I have a friend with an '08 with the same stabilizer. They make both bikes *MUCH* better. Enough so that I'm keepin' mine for the time being. However, the '09 & later frame is better. The difference isn't enough to justify the price of changing bikes, but if you're buying anyway, buy '09 or later.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
First of all..You need to get rid of those POS Dunlop tires that Harleys come with...Dunlop E3s,Metzlers 880s,Avons anything is light years ahead of the 402s,407s,408s that HD puts on their bikes...Second...loose the so called HD air ride shocks..its a junk system if you are an aggressive rider...some Progressive 440s,the new 940s hell even some $250 412s with heavy springs is much better than the HD air ride garbage...Third...Up the weight of the fork oil...what comes standard is too light for a 900lb bike...You do these three things on any Touring bike from '02 to '08 and it will plant the bike under you regardless of how hard you ride it in the corners...I never once felt a "wobble" or experienced so called "rear steer"...I made these changes to my '04 RK one year after buying it...It was like I bought a different bike...I know several guys that also have made these changes and can not believe the difference it made.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 217
Likes: 2
From: Liverpool, NY
I've felt the rear wobble on my 04 Road Glide enough. Never real scary but it was there sure enough. I don't ride hard or fast but some grooved pavement on a long sweeper at speed and it'll let you feel like the front and back are headed in different directions.
I put a Bagger Brace on about a month or so ago and brother let me tell you this is like a different scoot! Especially riding 2-up. I've ridden a couple of 2010's recently and my bike now feels just as planted. I have not experienced any additional vibration as others have mentioned with the brace. All the stabilizers appear to accomplish the same thing in different ways.
One last comment though on the 2010's I rode. They seem to be a bit harder of a ride. As if you feel more of the road and every bump and dip. I'll keep my comfy 2004.
Good luck in your research!
I put a Bagger Brace on about a month or so ago and brother let me tell you this is like a different scoot! Especially riding 2-up. I've ridden a couple of 2010's recently and my bike now feels just as planted. I have not experienced any additional vibration as others have mentioned with the brace. All the stabilizers appear to accomplish the same thing in different ways.
One last comment though on the 2010's I rode. They seem to be a bit harder of a ride. As if you feel more of the road and every bump and dip. I'll keep my comfy 2004.
Good luck in your research!
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 764
Likes: 42
From: Pensacola, FL
For those that are having issues with grooved roads, I changed out my original Dunlops for Avon Venoms. Problem went away.
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Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 519
Likes: 1
From: woburn,ma
I also have the twr missing link on my 08 sg and love the change it made to the bikes handling.Feels like a tighter and more stable ride just my 2 cents.
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Banned
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 2,492
Likes: 10
I had an 07 with a Bagger Brace. The brace made a different bike from the stock configuration, I was extremely happy.
I just purchased a 2011 Limited, and the improvements are substantial.A combination of the new frame, bigger tire, LONGER frame,added motor mounts etc. the difference is amazing. The new bike soaks up rough spots I actually thought they had fixed the road..
Mark
I just purchased a 2011 Limited, and the improvements are substantial.A combination of the new frame, bigger tire, LONGER frame,added motor mounts etc. the difference is amazing. The new bike soaks up rough spots I actually thought they had fixed the road..
Mark