Not sure what everyone is talking about.
Not sure what everyone is talking about.
Ive seen a few threads about wobble and unstable riding on there baggers. Does it happen to every bike? I ride my RKCustom pretty hard and Im not sure I have ever experienced it. I ask because I saw an add today for www.Sta-bo.com. I checked out the site and the product seemed to be reasonably priced. My curiosity is getting the better of me. Has anyone used this product? I have seen threads about bagger brace etc... but this looks like a different approach to the problem. Just curious thanks guys
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 192
Likes: 2
From: home
I wondered the same until it happened to me. Everyone has their own opinion. I think it has to do with the bike and its setup. Some have it and some don't. When and if it happens you'll know it. I still haven't bought anything for it.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
Tons of debate on this over the last few years, dies down and then seems to come back again. 08 and older as the new frame set-up seems to have "solved" the problem. I put a tranny brace type on the 08 2 years ago but really never experienced the sweeper wobble before or after. Have not done anything to her 07.
I like the look of the Sta-Bo's and may make that upgrade on both but as much as anything for the fact we plan on keeping these bikes a long time and Sta-Bo's look like a nice upgrade for the long haul. Put them in and (hopefully) no worries about the swingarm for years.
I did have a Hell of a wobble last weekend. Heavy desert crosswinds, busy interstate ramp-on and a fast running semi throwing little rocks at me. Hit the throttle and passed him doing about 85-90. As I was caught in the trucks turbulence and crosswinds; sent the bars into wobble but rode it through, backed off to 80 (in a 75mph zone) and no problem.
I like the look of the Sta-Bo's and may make that upgrade on both but as much as anything for the fact we plan on keeping these bikes a long time and Sta-Bo's look like a nice upgrade for the long haul. Put them in and (hopefully) no worries about the swingarm for years.
I did have a Hell of a wobble last weekend. Heavy desert crosswinds, busy interstate ramp-on and a fast running semi throwing little rocks at me. Hit the throttle and passed him doing about 85-90. As I was caught in the trucks turbulence and crosswinds; sent the bars into wobble but rode it through, backed off to 80 (in a 75mph zone) and no problem.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,437
Likes: 15
In 80,000 miles it happened one time on my 04 flhtc. I think conditions have to be just right. Mine happened on a concrete interstate at about 85mph or so while into a mild sweeper (posted 60mph) it got my attention in a hurry. I never had it happen again and I have been on that same stretch of road many times. I think speed had to be just right.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,951
Likes: 6
From: Kingman, AZ
I like to keep tires a little firm also.....38F & 40B. Think I am going to try backing off to the recommended 36/36 now that we have gone from windy to mega-wind season. See if I can sense any difference.
Hmm this is good info guys. When Im in the states I ride in all weather conditions. I did lay the bike down in the rain two weeks before deploying. Emergency braking in the rain was the cause for that. They rebuilt the bike and gave me a new frame since I cracked the other one. My 07' has been through hell, but I ride her hard and would expect some trouble every now and then. She is better then new now a buddy picked her up from the dealership for me, I am more interested in such items now because I want to keep her in better shape when I get back. New tires are first on the list, I just bought some new wheels. They are being built as we speak, I have to find a tire now that works well in the rain. There is no way around it living in Florida. Anyhow thanks for the advice guys!
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Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 63
Likes: 0
From: Audubon, NJ
I havent noticed the issue with my 07 RK. I have been over 100 MPH, Been on mountain roads, through sweepers, and no issue. She is as stable as they come!
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2006
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From: Between Chicago & Milwaukee
What effect would tire pressue have ? I run my front & back in the low 40's and keep rear shock pressue high as well.I wonder how much individual riding style,the line through a turn and lean angle etc have to do with it.??? Different riders can blast through a turn equally fast at different lean angles.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,783
Likes: 10
From: Oh
The issue is a problem with the engine mount that could lead to motorcycle accidents and motorcycle injuries. The type of mount constrains the frame from motion. The reason this presents a problem is because the swing arm, the rear suspension member of the motorcycle which is the pivot point, is mounted to the aft end of the transmission on these Harley-Davidson motorcycles. If the engine is not constrained in all three axles, you can develop an elastic relationship between the swing arm and the frame of the motorcycle. While the system isn't novel, there are a lot of motorcycles that do have some sort of a system to isolate engine vibrations from the rest of the motorcycle. Harley's method is patented and somewhat unique.
This problem has become known as the rear steer and even the death wobble.
The newer bikes (starting in 09') with the new frame have all but eliminated this flexing.
This problem has become known as the rear steer and even the death wobble.
The newer bikes (starting in 09') with the new frame have all but eliminated this flexing.