Bagger wobble exposed!
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
Spot on! The Progressive uses a shorter stabilizer link which I personally am not keen on, as the geometry is compromised, but that is what choice is all about!
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 18
From: SE Michigan
Glide Pro Mod
So from what I can conclude from all this is that the glide pro firms up the engine by turning the rubber into an almost solid mount. That has to have a negative side effect. The engine would definitely transfer vibration to the rest of the bike. It would have to.
To me the True Track or the Progressive Link is the way to go. The engine remains rubber mounted so the vibration is isolated yet the link would keep it from flexing laterally when cornering.
Since I have a center stand it seems the Progressive Link is my best choice, and as a bonus for me it's half the price of the others. I like it, it seems well made and easy to install.
Any flaws in my logic or interpretation of the facts? Please advise.
To me the True Track or the Progressive Link is the way to go. The engine remains rubber mounted so the vibration is isolated yet the link would keep it from flexing laterally when cornering.
Since I have a center stand it seems the Progressive Link is my best choice, and as a bonus for me it's half the price of the others. I like it, it seems well made and easy to install.
Any flaws in my logic or interpretation of the facts? Please advise.
The Glide Pro front engine mount upgrade actually allows the engine to move more smoothly in the vertical plane. Again, just go watch the vids Jake has up and SEE the proof. He was an aviation engineer so he understands the principles involved very thoroughly and this is simple stuff for him.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
After installing the RideStr8 I did a write-up here where I gave some opinions about competitive products including the True Track. I don't know if some of those brands mentioned back then are still being made, however.
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 89
From: Vermont
Thanks for the great explanation! I was wondering if you know whether its true that adding one of the supports to the newer frames 09 and later will cause an increase in vibration as some have eluded to? Thanks again for a great and in depth explanation.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,615
Likes: 50
From: Baton Rouge, LA
I don't know of anyone who's installed one on an '09 or later bike, and my understanding is that doing so would be unnecessary. I also don't recall hearing of any complaints about this with newer bikes.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
I have deliberately ridden my own bike with and without the rear stabilizer and while the handling and stability are definitely different, I could only detect a slight difference in feel through the bike. It certainly doesn't vibrate more.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 3,832
Likes: 127
From: Coastal Carolina
You can certainly hear alot of complaints about his with newer bikes ON THE INTERNET. My suggestion is to run (don't walk) for the nearest exit from this thread and other "wobble" threads (which pop up like dandelions).
Supporter
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 4,419
Likes: 89
From: Vermont
Aw come on! Just read through some of the replies above and the many other recent bagger wobble threads.
There are not as many kits available for the later models as for earlier ones. I cannot give you firm any assurance that vibration will be different, but there are enough happy True-Track owners out there to suggest they are fine.
I have deliberately ridden my own bike with and without the rear stabilizer and while the handling and stability are definitely different, I could only detect a slight difference in feel through the bike. It certainly doesn't vibrate more.
There are not as many kits available for the later models as for earlier ones. I cannot give you firm any assurance that vibration will be different, but there are enough happy True-Track owners out there to suggest they are fine.
I have deliberately ridden my own bike with and without the rear stabilizer and while the handling and stability are definitely different, I could only detect a slight difference in feel through the bike. It certainly doesn't vibrate more.
Good read! Thanks to all who commented!
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Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
GrBrown, In your opinion does the rear mounted stabilizer work as well as a front mounted one? I'd like to hear your comments contrasting the front vs rear models. (ps if you already did that somewhere in the last 240 posts, just give me the number.
Tactical111, I'm not too excited about the Glide pro simply because I'm reluctant to change the parts that were engineered by HD. I have a notion that by firming up those mounts it might void the warranty if something went wrong, or worse could cause a failure that could be life threatening. In my opinion doing something that will amplify the vibration can have no positive outcome. I might be wrong but I don't want to loose any sleep over it. Besides the price is double, and sounds like a lot of work to get them installed properly. So I look at glide pro as a last resort.
If the rear mounted Progressive link can do a reasonable job then that's the one I'll go with.
Last edited by zeus33; Nov 19, 2012 at 02:31 PM.
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 35,506
Likes: 27
From: Calgary eh
Luisan, thanks for the info. Do you have aftermarket shocks as well?