Bagger wobble exposed!
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 35
Likes: 2
From: Temecula CA
This "death wobble" is not speed or vibration. It does not appear to originate from the front of the bike. It is a wobble from the rear end that causes a loss of traction. Over the past 40 + years, I have ridden everything from dirt bikes, street bikes, stretched rigid choppers, to this bagger/touring bike. The only similar sensation was the rear wheel hop I used to experience on my fat tire rigid.
When I first experienced it on my 2011 SG, I googled it. As described here and other places, this particular wobble is generally experienced on long, sweeping curves. The speed l experienced it varied from about 50 - 80. Low speed, no wobble..after the first few times I did not increase my speed above what I mentioned. The long, sweeping curve was on my way home from work everyday. The wobble occurred every time, without exception, though it did seem to lessen when I was in the number 2 lane.
I am very comfortable riding bikes, fast or slow. This wobble was/is very disconcerting. It feels like the rear end of the bike is going to slide right out from underneath you. A scary feeling for an experienced, 50+ guy, with a wife, 3 kids, and a mortgage.
The wobble is real, it is not imagined, nor invented by aftermarket parts manufacturers. I would say if you haven't experienced it, good for you. It still exists though. If you have it, give a stabilizer a try. Though I did not order the specific one the OP ordered (pm him for the name-just kidding, I did read the entire thread!), I did order one this morning.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Be safe!
When I first experienced it on my 2011 SG, I googled it. As described here and other places, this particular wobble is generally experienced on long, sweeping curves. The speed l experienced it varied from about 50 - 80. Low speed, no wobble..after the first few times I did not increase my speed above what I mentioned. The long, sweeping curve was on my way home from work everyday. The wobble occurred every time, without exception, though it did seem to lessen when I was in the number 2 lane.
I am very comfortable riding bikes, fast or slow. This wobble was/is very disconcerting. It feels like the rear end of the bike is going to slide right out from underneath you. A scary feeling for an experienced, 50+ guy, with a wife, 3 kids, and a mortgage.
The wobble is real, it is not imagined, nor invented by aftermarket parts manufacturers. I would say if you haven't experienced it, good for you. It still exists though. If you have it, give a stabilizer a try. Though I did not order the specific one the OP ordered (pm him for the name-just kidding, I did read the entire thread!), I did order one this morning.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Be safe!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,178
Likes: 600
From: SoCal.....I'm only here for the weather
My wobble experience is much different. When I purchased my bike in Summer '11 with 19K miles it didn't have any wobble at all. Now I experience low speed wobble only when I have my Tour-Pak on.
(Insert head-scratch smiley here).
I don't ride much with the Tour-Pak anymore so I haven't further investigated but since it has manifested over time I have to believe it has to do with some "wear" part of the chassis (motor mounts, swing-arm bushing or similar) is the cause. Otherwise bike is solid as a rock regardless of road type/condition.
(Insert head-scratch smiley here). I don't ride much with the Tour-Pak anymore so I haven't further investigated but since it has manifested over time I have to believe it has to do with some "wear" part of the chassis (motor mounts, swing-arm bushing or similar) is the cause. Otherwise bike is solid as a rock regardless of road type/condition.
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
From: OR
Think I kindam solve my wobble issue.
It's due to my new rear tyre. Changed to a Michelin commander whereas the front tyre is abt 7mths old. Instead of 40psi, I pumped 38 psi for my rear n the wobbles is gone.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
My wobble experience is much different. When I purchased my bike in Summer '11 with 19K miles it didn't have any wobble at all. Now I experience low speed wobble only when I have my Tour-Pak on.(Insert head-scratch smiley here).
I don't ride much with the Tour-Pak anymore so I haven't further investigated but since it has manifested over time I have to
believe it has to do with some "wear" part of the chassis (motor mounts, swing-arm bushing or similar) is the cause. Otherwise bike is solid as a rock regardless of road type/condition.
(Insert head-scratch smiley here). I don't ride much with the Tour-Pak anymore so I haven't further investigated but since it has manifested over time I have to
believe it has to do with some "wear" part of the chassis (motor mounts, swing-arm bushing or similar) is the cause. Otherwise bike is solid as a rock regardless of road type/condition.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 12,656
Likes: 8,261
From: Ottawa, Ontario
Thread Starter
|
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,897
From: Bedford UK
It's more complicated than that, which is why this thread was started! Tyre brands do have very different approaches to how they design and manufacture their tyres, so sometimes mixing them can cause problems, but in over half a million miles I have only had a couple of bad experiences (not on Harleys) and a long time ago.
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 5,323
Likes: 37
From: NJ
The short version.
Bought bike in 09. No wobble
Few years later, wobble on right leaning sweepers or pulling power changing lanes.
Installed True Track AFTER....DOING MANY THINGS. Only thing that got rid of wobble was true track or trac or however it's spelled.
No more wobble.
Ever.
Bought bike in 09. No wobble
Few years later, wobble on right leaning sweepers or pulling power changing lanes.
Installed True Track AFTER....DOING MANY THINGS. Only thing that got rid of wobble was true track or trac or however it's spelled.
No more wobble.
Ever.
Tourer
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 256
Likes: 2
From: The D
This "death wobble" is not speed or vibration. It does not appear to originate from the front of the bike. It is a wobble from the rear end that causes a loss of traction. Over the past 40 + years, I have ridden everything from dirt bikes, street bikes, stretched rigid choppers, to this bagger/touring bike. The only similar sensation was the rear wheel hop I used to experience on my fat tire rigid.
When I first experienced it on my 2011 SG, I googled it. As described here and other places, this particular wobble is generally experienced on long, sweeping curves. The speed l experienced it varied from about 50 - 80. Low speed, no wobble..after the first few times I did not increase my speed above what I mentioned. The long, sweeping curve was on my way home from work everyday. The wobble occurred every time, without exception, though it did seem to lessen when I was in the number 2 lane.
I am very comfortable riding bikes, fast or slow. This wobble was/is very disconcerting. It feels like the rear end of the bike is going to slide right out from underneath you. A scary feeling for an experienced, 50+ guy, with a wife, 3 kids, and a mortgage.
The wobble is real, it is not imagined, nor invented by aftermarket parts manufacturers. I would say if you haven't experienced it, good for you. It still exists though. If you have it, give a stabilizer a try. Though I did not order the specific one the OP ordered (pm him for the name-just kidding, I did read the entire thread!), I did order one this morning.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Be safe!
When I first experienced it on my 2011 SG, I googled it. As described here and other places, this particular wobble is generally experienced on long, sweeping curves. The speed l experienced it varied from about 50 - 80. Low speed, no wobble..after the first few times I did not increase my speed above what I mentioned. The long, sweeping curve was on my way home from work everyday. The wobble occurred every time, without exception, though it did seem to lessen when I was in the number 2 lane.
I am very comfortable riding bikes, fast or slow. This wobble was/is very disconcerting. It feels like the rear end of the bike is going to slide right out from underneath you. A scary feeling for an experienced, 50+ guy, with a wife, 3 kids, and a mortgage.
The wobble is real, it is not imagined, nor invented by aftermarket parts manufacturers. I would say if you haven't experienced it, good for you. It still exists though. If you have it, give a stabilizer a try. Though I did not order the specific one the OP ordered (pm him for the name-just kidding, I did read the entire thread!), I did order one this morning.
That's my story and I'm sticking to it! Be safe!
Hopefully you've had an opportunity to get some miles on that other stabilizer. How do you like it thus far?
I have a 2016 RGS that has, on several occasions to varying severity, gotten wobbly on sweeping turns. I would honestly describe it as more of a hinge effect where the front portion of the bike and rear wheel seem to be working against each other causing the *** end to wag back and forth. It is not the same as a speed wobble or "tank slapper" common on sport bikes. I have not changed any suspension components...yet. Obviously, I'd like to correct this issue as best as possible and the product I choose to do so will likely impact other future mods (oil cooler). So G92069, any input or experiences would be greatly appreciated.
Last edited by ShiftyCapone; May 15, 2017 at 11:39 AM.