Wobbly/Bagger Brace
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 739
Likes: 2
From: St. Louis
With the new frame you shouldn't have any wobbles. Make sure the basic platform is sound before buying any unecessary parts. I think I'd go through the basics first to make sure everything is up to par. I'd start with the tire pressure, check tire wear, are the steering head bearings tight or are they binding at all? (mine tends to "fall" into turns more easily when they're loose) Motor mounts OK? Are they worn or loose? Are the shocks at the correct pressure? Is one "blown" and leaking oil? Have you changed the front fork oil since new? Any leaks? I'm sure there is much more to do/check, but this should get you started.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,846
Likes: 171
From: Simi Valley, CA
With the new frame you shouldn't have any wobbles. Make sure the basic platform is sound before buying any unecessary parts. I think I'd go through the basics first to make sure everything is up to par. I'd start with the tire pressure, check tire wear, are the steering head bearings tight or are they binding at all? (mine tends to "fall" into turns more easily when they're loose) Motor mounts OK? Are they worn or loose? Are the shocks at the correct pressure? Is one "blown" and leaking oil? Have you changed the front fork oil since new? Any leaks? I'm sure there is much more to do/check, but this should get you started.
The new frames definitely still have the issue under the right conditions. I never rode a pre '09 bike so I don't know how much worse they were, but I experience the wobble with my '11 through sweepers at higher speeds (approximately 75 mph and up). If you ride a new framed bike without ever exceeding the speed limit you may never feel it, but push the bike hard enough and it's there.
From what I've read regarding the older framed bikes, the new frame is a definite improvement but I can assure you that the wobble is not completely eliminated.
A lot of riders have experienced this on their touring bikes. I've read where it may be associated w/the "new" rubber-mounted swingarm. There are fixes for it.
I was just reading this thread yesterday. The Sta-bo seems like a decent product.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...installed.html
Good luck!
I was just reading this thread yesterday. The Sta-bo seems like a decent product.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/touri...installed.html
Good luck!
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 855
Likes: 1
From: Puyallup, WA
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 276
Likes: 1
Its probably tire pressure or fall away on your steering. But, I have a bagger brace and it is less bucks than some of the other systems and a 30 minute install.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
when i picked my 2008 flhrc from the dealer . it wobbled bad around sweeping corners . turned out both tires were ten pounds low and only 5lb in the airshocks .
proper air pressure in all three wobble gone.
proper air pressure in all three wobble gone.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 3,156
Likes: 41
From: So Cal
I had a thread on this a while ago. The new frame bikes IMO are a great improvement but they will still get the wobbles in the right situation. For me its high speed sweepers if I hit a little dip to compress the suspension usually at or above 70mph.
Ive checked everything and its to spec, shocks, tires, fall away, swing arm bushings and mounts.
I have not ordered a stabilizer yet but will soon. Im leaning toward a "Alloy Art" not too expensive at about $ 140.00 and easy install without loosing any clearance. In the meantime Im keeping an open eye to see if anyone comes out with something better.
Ive checked everything and its to spec, shocks, tires, fall away, swing arm bushings and mounts.
I have not ordered a stabilizer yet but will soon. Im leaning toward a "Alloy Art" not too expensive at about $ 140.00 and easy install without loosing any clearance. In the meantime Im keeping an open eye to see if anyone comes out with something better.