Death wobble
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
There are 2 design features of our bikes that can be the cause of the wobs.
First make sure your machine is up to snuff, steering fall away, tire pressure and condition, tightness of swing arm nuts and such.
My current bike had a very gushy feeling *** and it was loose swing arm nuts, tighten them and all good.
The rear motormount/swing arm pivot is one area that is a cause of the wobs. It is just not a rock solid design. Adding bagger braces, tru track or any other product like this may "fix" the problem but in reality is a bandaid. You need to address the cause of the problem.
Glide Pro is on company that does this, look them up. Their stuff works and actually corrects the problem. I put one on my bike when they first came out and on several riding buddies bikes as well. I will be installing the complete kit on my current bike soon, it is waiting on the bench. Even if you never had the wobs you will notice a immediate difference with the Glide Pro.
I think there are a couple other companies that offer products to address this area as well.
The other area that contributes greatly to this problem is the upper tree, it is just a design that is not up to the task of providing a solid front end on a heavy bike.
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
Most riders will never have a wobble issue and there are some bikes that exhibit this issue quite easily. I have owned 2 2004 Road Kings, my first one was a classic and it had the wobs bad, if I had a moderate load and was in a corner at speeds over 60 and hit any irregularity the wobs were induced, no fun. Glide Pro cured this and then I really noticed the front weakness. My current 2004 is a Police model and it has never shown me the wobs even though I try to induce it. Only problem was loose nuts on the swingarm shaft.
Anyhow the issue is real and there are several methods to correct it depending on which way you choose to do it.
Now I am waiting to see a write up on someone using the 2014 trees and fork on the earlier bikes like mine.
First make sure your machine is up to snuff, steering fall away, tire pressure and condition, tightness of swing arm nuts and such.
My current bike had a very gushy feeling *** and it was loose swing arm nuts, tighten them and all good.
The rear motormount/swing arm pivot is one area that is a cause of the wobs. It is just not a rock solid design. Adding bagger braces, tru track or any other product like this may "fix" the problem but in reality is a bandaid. You need to address the cause of the problem.
Glide Pro is on company that does this, look them up. Their stuff works and actually corrects the problem. I put one on my bike when they first came out and on several riding buddies bikes as well. I will be installing the complete kit on my current bike soon, it is waiting on the bench. Even if you never had the wobs you will notice a immediate difference with the Glide Pro.
I think there are a couple other companies that offer products to address this area as well.
The other area that contributes greatly to this problem is the upper tree, it is just a design that is not up to the task of providing a solid front end on a heavy bike.
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
Most riders will never have a wobble issue and there are some bikes that exhibit this issue quite easily. I have owned 2 2004 Road Kings, my first one was a classic and it had the wobs bad, if I had a moderate load and was in a corner at speeds over 60 and hit any irregularity the wobs were induced, no fun. Glide Pro cured this and then I really noticed the front weakness. My current 2004 is a Police model and it has never shown me the wobs even though I try to induce it. Only problem was loose nuts on the swingarm shaft.
Anyhow the issue is real and there are several methods to correct it depending on which way you choose to do it.
Now I am waiting to see a write up on someone using the 2014 trees and fork on the earlier bikes like mine.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
The rear motormount/swing arm pivot is one area that is a cause of the wobs. It is just not a rock solid design. Adding bagger braces, tru track or any other product like this may "fix" the problem but in reality is a bandaid.
The other area that contributes greatly to this problem is the upper tree, it is just a design that is not up to the task of providing a solid front end on a heavy bike.
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 112
Likes: 1
From: Minnesota
I heard the best thing to do if you run into death wobble is to take your hand off the bars. Sound crazy but they say it work.
Sorry for the confusion, I'm new to the forum and still learning. So bare with me.
Just ran across this video, for you guys who think I'm nuts
On YouTube Jay Leno Garage, they talks a little about wheel wobble.
Its at the end, IT'S ABOUT 9 MINUTES INTO THE VIDEO HE TALKS ABOUT WHEEL WOBBLE. check it out
Sorry for the confusion, I'm new to the forum and still learning. So bare with me.
Just ran across this video, for you guys who think I'm nuts
On YouTube Jay Leno Garage, they talks a little about wheel wobble.
Its at the end, IT'S ABOUT 9 MINUTES INTO THE VIDEO HE TALKS ABOUT WHEEL WOBBLE. check it out
Last edited by little5150; Mar 27, 2014 at 11:33 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 345
Likes: 27
From: Ohio
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
Amen to that !!
And if it happens you will be happy motorcycle seats are made of good vinyl and or leather, tough and resilient, resistant to being sucked up your hiney! All you will have a little soreness from pulling your chonies or jeans out.YIPES ! hahaha I crack me up
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
There are 2 design features of our bikes that can be the cause of the wobs.
First make sure your machine is up to snuff, steering fall away, tire pressure and condition, tightness of swing arm nuts and such.
My current bike had a very gushy feeling *** and it was loose swing arm nuts, tighten them and all good.
The rear motormount/swing arm pivot is one area that is a cause of the wobs. It is just not a rock solid design. Adding bagger braces, tru track or any other product like this may "fix" the problem but in reality is a bandaid. You need to address the cause of the problem.
Glide Pro is on company that does this, look them up. Their stuff works and actually corrects the problem. I put one on my bike when they first came out and on several riding buddies bikes as well. I will be installing the complete kit on my current bike soon, it is waiting on the bench. Even if you never had the wobs you will notice a immediate difference with the Glide Pro.
I think there are a couple other companies that offer products to address this area as well.
The other area that contributes greatly to this problem is the upper tree, it is just a design that is not up to the task of providing a solid front end on a heavy bike.
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
Most riders will never have a wobble issue and there are some bikes that exhibit this issue quite easily. I have owned 2 2004 Road Kings, my first one was a classic and it had the wobs bad, if I had a moderate load and was in a corner at speeds over 60 and hit any irregularity the wobs were induced, no fun. Glide Pro cured this and then I really noticed the front weakness. My current 2004 is a Police model and it has never shown me the wobs even though I try to induce it. Only problem was loose nuts on the swingarm shaft.
Anyhow the issue is real and there are several methods to correct it depending on which way you choose to do it.
Now I am waiting to see a write up on someone using the 2014 trees and fork on the earlier bikes like mine.
First make sure your machine is up to snuff, steering fall away, tire pressure and condition, tightness of swing arm nuts and such.
My current bike had a very gushy feeling *** and it was loose swing arm nuts, tighten them and all good.
The rear motormount/swing arm pivot is one area that is a cause of the wobs. It is just not a rock solid design. Adding bagger braces, tru track or any other product like this may "fix" the problem but in reality is a bandaid. You need to address the cause of the problem.
Glide Pro is on company that does this, look them up. Their stuff works and actually corrects the problem. I put one on my bike when they first came out and on several riding buddies bikes as well. I will be installing the complete kit on my current bike soon, it is waiting on the bench. Even if you never had the wobs you will notice a immediate difference with the Glide Pro.
I think there are a couple other companies that offer products to address this area as well.
The other area that contributes greatly to this problem is the upper tree, it is just a design that is not up to the task of providing a solid front end on a heavy bike.
There are maybe 2 companies that offer a proper fix for this.
CCE, Custom Cycle Engineering offers a new top tree and extended fork tubes.
Is the other a forum member Howards ??
Most riders will never have a wobble issue and there are some bikes that exhibit this issue quite easily. I have owned 2 2004 Road Kings, my first one was a classic and it had the wobs bad, if I had a moderate load and was in a corner at speeds over 60 and hit any irregularity the wobs were induced, no fun. Glide Pro cured this and then I really noticed the front weakness. My current 2004 is a Police model and it has never shown me the wobs even though I try to induce it. Only problem was loose nuts on the swingarm shaft.
Anyhow the issue is real and there are several methods to correct it depending on which way you choose to do it.
Now I am waiting to see a write up on someone using the 2014 trees and fork on the earlier bikes like mine.
This seemingly little known problem was written about years ago MCNews on a road test on a Road King, when the writers discovered the wheel tracks were off by 3/4". It turned out the powertrain was misaligned at the factory on a whole run of bikes. A friend of mine had an '02 Road King that he had to take back in to the dealer and have it realigned.
Our dealer made a point in telling us at the point of sale about his shops laser alignment machine, and every bike coming through his dealership is checked and set to specs. My '06 has been rock solid since day one up to the present 70,000 miles...in fact, I've even tried to induce a wobble in curves by a quick press on the handle bars, and I can't get it to wobble at all.
A google search for FLH wheel alignment will get you pages of articles and threads on this subject.
Last edited by MNPGRider; Mar 26, 2014 at 08:05 PM. Reason: corrected name of magazine
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 6,336
Likes: 67
From: SW Minnesota
That search also came up with this...something I had posted on eBay Motorcycle Blvd way back in 2005 !
Arthur Davidson of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Corporation died and went to heaven. At the gates, St. Peter told Arthur, "Since you've been such a good man and your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward is that you can hang out with anyone you want in Heaven."
Arthur thought about it for a minute and then said, "I want to hang out with God."
St. Peter took Arthur to the Throne Room, and introduced him to God.
Arthur then asked God, "Hey, aren't you the inventor of woman?"
God said, "Ah, yes."
"Well," said Arthur, "professional to professional, you have some major design flaws in your invention.
1. There's too much inconsistency in the front-end protrusion.
2. It chatters constantly at high speeds.
3. Most of the rear ends are too soft and wobble too much.
4. The intake is placed way too close to the exhaust. And finally,
5. The maintenance costs are outrageous."
"Hmm, you may have some good points there," replied God, "hold on." God went to his Celestial super computer, typed in a few words and waited for the results. The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it quickly.
"Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed," God said to Arthur, "but according to these market survey numbers, more men are riding my invention than yours."
Arthur Davidson of the Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Corporation died and went to heaven. At the gates, St. Peter told Arthur, "Since you've been such a good man and your motorcycles have changed the world, your reward is that you can hang out with anyone you want in Heaven."
Arthur thought about it for a minute and then said, "I want to hang out with God."
St. Peter took Arthur to the Throne Room, and introduced him to God.
Arthur then asked God, "Hey, aren't you the inventor of woman?"
God said, "Ah, yes."
"Well," said Arthur, "professional to professional, you have some major design flaws in your invention.
1. There's too much inconsistency in the front-end protrusion.
2. It chatters constantly at high speeds.
3. Most of the rear ends are too soft and wobble too much.
4. The intake is placed way too close to the exhaust. And finally,
5. The maintenance costs are outrageous."
"Hmm, you may have some good points there," replied God, "hold on." God went to his Celestial super computer, typed in a few words and waited for the results. The computer printed out a slip of paper and God read it quickly.
"Well, it may be true that my invention is flawed," God said to Arthur, "but according to these market survey numbers, more men are riding my invention than yours."
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,976
Likes: 49
From: Northern California
I've read this entire thread, and I can't see where one person has mentioned a major cause of wobble, and that is powertrain/frame alignment issues on the old frame (pre-09). There is a whole chapter on this in your service manual (my '06 manual starts on page 2-28 and it takes six pages of directions to fully check the alignment) which includes diagrams showing how far off your wheels can be, both horizontally and vertically, if your bike has not been properly aligned.. That's what the turnbuckles are for on the mounts.
This seemingly little known problem was written about years ago MCNews on a road test on a Road King, when the writers discovered the wheel tracks were off by 3/4". It turned out the powertrain was misaligned at the factory on a whole run of bikes. A friend of mine had an '02 Road King that he had to take back in to the dealer and have it realigned.
Our dealer made a point in telling us at the point of sale about his shops laser alignment machine, and every bike coming through his dealership is checked and set to specs. My '06 has been rock solid since day one up to the present 70,000 miles...in fact, I've even tried to induce a wobble in curves by a quick press on the handle bars, and I can't get it to wobble at all.
A google search for FLH wheel alignment will get you pages of articles and threads on this subject.
This seemingly little known problem was written about years ago MCNews on a road test on a Road King, when the writers discovered the wheel tracks were off by 3/4". It turned out the powertrain was misaligned at the factory on a whole run of bikes. A friend of mine had an '02 Road King that he had to take back in to the dealer and have it realigned.
Our dealer made a point in telling us at the point of sale about his shops laser alignment machine, and every bike coming through his dealership is checked and set to specs. My '06 has been rock solid since day one up to the present 70,000 miles...in fact, I've even tried to induce a wobble in curves by a quick press on the handle bars, and I can't get it to wobble at all.
A google search for FLH wheel alignment will get you pages of articles and threads on this subject.
You are correct here but even after this some bikes may still have issues. With Harley manufacturing tolerances being what the are it is no surprise.