Progressive Touring Link
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I took a lot of time reading up on stabilizer kits and found about a dozen all claiming to solve the wobble. But they are not all created equal IMHO and I have a True-Track, which gets closest to a sound engineering solution.
As Locomotive says, it is a great shame Harley hasn't sorted this problem properly. All Buells and the current Sportsters have a rear stabilizer as original equipment.
As for 09-on bikes, they have a better design in some ways, but the motor/trans is still rubber mounted. True-Track also has those models covered in their range!
As Locomotive says, it is a great shame Harley hasn't sorted this problem properly. All Buells and the current Sportsters have a rear stabilizer as original equipment.
As for 09-on bikes, they have a better design in some ways, but the motor/trans is still rubber mounted. True-Track also has those models covered in their range!
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 4
From:
I installed on a 2005 Road King, at first it wasn't too bad on vibration and it did stabilize my rear end. But then something happened and the vibration got worse. I removed the link and the vibrations got better. Maybe I have something else going on that is causing the vibrations. Maybe I need a new motor mount or something, not sure.
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 910
Likes: 0
From: State of Confusion, SE PA
I put the ride-str8 on at 35K miles, it's just like the progressive link. It was a vast improvement on my EVO frame with a twin cam motor 99 Ultra. At 45K miles I did the upgrade on the swing arm bearing too... Rides like it's on rails...even though it's 1200lbs with me on it...
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 4
From:
An update on why I had the bad vibrations with the Progressive Touring Link. Apparently my front motor mount is shot. If you put this kit on, make sure your front motor mount is in good shape. Mine is in need of replacement. I went ahead and ordered the Glide Pro front motor mount and their rear motor mount. Since my progressive system vibrated so bad it is shot, the threads in the mount are so screwed up I can't use it so I guess that is a good lessen to learn. Don't install this product on a bike with a bad motor mount.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Az
Fixed my wobble!!!!
I fixed my wobble, I traded it in for a Road Glide Custom with the power pack and I love it.
I did however do one last thing to the old bike before I traded it in and ALL but eliminated the wobble. I changed the rear shocks! Afterwards it ran like I remember it when it was new. It had 67,000 and thought about cars with worn shocks that continue to bounce after a bump, well I am not certian the theory is correct but it sure did help a lot!
I did however do one last thing to the old bike before I traded it in and ALL but eliminated the wobble. I changed the rear shocks! Afterwards it ran like I remember it when it was new. It had 67,000 and thought about cars with worn shocks that continue to bounce after a bump, well I am not certian the theory is correct but it sure did help a lot!
Tourer
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 377
Likes: 3
From: Canada
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Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
For what it's worth, I installed the Progressive Suspension Touring Link on my 2005 Road King (FLHRI). It has definitely helped handling in the sweepers at speed, but vibration has increased dramatically, and yes, the Touring Link is installed correctly with the washers in the correct location on the Heim joint and all bolts torqued per specification. So what Progressive has done is reverse engineered what Harley tried to eliminate, which was excessive vibration. I am debating whether to go back to my wobbly handling versus enduring the vibration.
Another note I would like to add to this thread. I purchased the Touring Link from J&P Cycles for $199 and they proudly advertise it as "USA Made" including an American Flag next to the item in the catalogue. Much to my disdain, the box said "Made In Taiwan". I did email J&P, and they responded saying initially, the Touring Links were made in the US, but have now been outsourced without their knowledge.
Another note I would like to add to this thread. I purchased the Touring Link from J&P Cycles for $199 and they proudly advertise it as "USA Made" including an American Flag next to the item in the catalogue. Much to my disdain, the box said "Made In Taiwan". I did email J&P, and they responded saying initially, the Touring Links were made in the US, but have now been outsourced without their knowledge.
True-Track, though more expensive, is patented and truely made in america. Sometimes paying less for a product ends up costing you more!
