Wow. Not sure why I didn't do this before.

The last several weeks, I've been searching and reading this and other forums for what swing arm stabilizer I would try on my '08 FLHTP. True Track, Ride-Str8, Touring Link, Alloy-Art, TXR, CCE, Glide Pro, Sta-Bo, etc. There are a bunch of them out there, and there are a bunch of opinions on each.

There are two main groups of stabilizers: Those installed outside the swingarm pivots and those installed inside. The prices run from $100 to nearly $500. It seemed to me after reading hundreds of posts, that almost everyone that tried any of these products was happy with the new tighter handling of their bike. Some, very few, mentioned added vibration after installation and almost all of these were able to correct that with adjustments or added grease, or re-installing the product, depending on the exact product they had chosen. A few people even put one each of both types of stabilizers on their bike. After riding mine I see no reason to add a second device.

I chose Sta-Bo for four main reasons:
1. At $110 shipped it's one of the cheapest I've found.
2. It fits completely in the frame. No loss of clearance anywhere.
3. The only people who mentioned added vibration cured it with grease.
4. No added stress to the oil pan bolts.

Installation took 15 to 20 minutes. Really. I suspect my Tru-Duals helped with this. If you've got a factory crossover pipe to deal with it may take you 45-60 minutes, but this is the most simple mod I've ever done to a motorcycle.

The handling is wonderful. I noticed the difference right away. Even at parking lot speeds the bike is much more solid. It actually feels lighter. It's easier to practice the slow speed skills taught in the DVD "Ride Like A Pro". The bike is more precise in every way.

Most people are aware the most obvious place to experience "Bagger Wobble" or "Rear Steer" is in high speed sweepers with bumps or undulations in them.

There is a 65 mph corner on the interstate on my way to work that had a seriously high "Pucker Factor" on my Glide with stock suspension. It was never a problem with my solid mount Sportster, or the hardtail I built several years ago, but I hated that bend on my bagger. Today, after installing the Sta-Bo bushings I took that bend with no excitement at all. I turned around at the next exit, went back and took it at 80mph. Awesome. What a difference.

I feel no added vibration a with these bushings (I greased them extremely well) and am very happy with their performance.

I am sure that the other brands and styles of stabilizers work well also. Anything that cancels the lateral movement of the swing arm will drastically improve the handling of rubber mount Harleys. I suppose each style has it's pros and cons.

I am happy with my decision.

 

Thanks for the review. Where do these mount? any pictures?

 

When i read the topic i thought sta_bil was misspelled .i figured you were getting your bike winterized...my misteak

 

Congrats on a great choice of a great product. I tried the supposedly better bushings and went right back to my Sta-Bos, inexpensive and effective. The have a fantastic motor mount too.

 

So I hear. Been running the new motor mount for a couple of thousand miles now and couldn't be happier. Maybe "Sta Bo" the swingarm next.

 

Mmm - steak.

OP - nice review, glad to see you did your research. Too bad more folks on this forum dont!

 

Didn't take pictures, sorry. There's really nothing to take pictures of. They simply slide in behind the passenger peg mounting blocks on both sides of the swingarm. Extremely simple install.


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I never "winterize". As long as there is no snow on the ground and the temps are double digits I ride all year.


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Wow, I never even realized that product existed. I was just on their website and saw the blue ones for my year appear to be offset/oblong??? Were yours??? Also, did you install the 16 times stronger bushings???

Thanks,
Ken

 

Website doesn't say much, do these work on the '09 and up frame?