Bagger wobble exposed!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 14,156
Likes: 11,244
From: San Diego, CA
Thank you for sharing this. I dont have Touring (currently m8 Heritage) and started lurking on this forum and yes I wont lie this post make me question my decision if I should jump ship to Touring.
Was this corrected on latest models as I noticed this is quite an old post.
Was this corrected on latest models as I noticed this is quite an old post.
With the introduction of the '09 Touring frame upgrades, the wobble complaints/incidents decreased, but the improvements were not a total fix. There is still no rear stabilizing link, which in grbrown's opinion (shared by many) would be the complete and proper engineering solution to the bagger wobble...
I am totally unfamiliar with the M8 bikes, as I have not owned, ridden, or worked on one... but I don't believe they have a rear stabilizing link...
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
Yes I am really curious about these 2017 and up Touring platform as I was considering buying one lately but this makes me worry and if this was not corrected I might stay with my 2019 Heritage as it is solid bike. From what I researched seems on Touring models engine changed but not overall design of the frame.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
Yes I am really curious about these 2017 and up Touring platform as I was considering buying one lately but this makes me worry and if this was not corrected I might stay with my 2019 Heritage as it is solid bike. From what I researched seems on Touring models engine changed but not overall design of the frame.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
If you're interested in stability at 110 mph, its a different story, but not because there's a flaw. I've owned 3 M8 touring bikes, with exactly zero wobble issues (as has most everyone else), but I (as well as most everyone else) ride like a sane person.
Stop looking for trouble.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 3,586
Likes: 889
From: Nowhere
Gimme a break. There is no flaw. A lot of variables can affect the stability of a bike. Air pressure, wheel alignment, tire choice, shocks, etc etc etc.
If you're interested in stability at 110 mph, its a different story, but not because there's a flaw. I've owned 3 M8 touring bikes, with exactly zero wobble issues (as has most everyone else), but I (as well as most everyone else) ride like a sane person.
Stop looking for trouble.
If you're interested in stability at 110 mph, its a different story, but not because there's a flaw. I've owned 3 M8 touring bikes, with exactly zero wobble issues (as has most everyone else), but I (as well as most everyone else) ride like a sane person.
Stop looking for trouble.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 3,837
Likes: 1,430
From: NJ
Yes I am really curious about these 2017 and up Touring platform as I was considering buying one lately but this makes me worry and if this was not corrected I might stay with my 2019 Heritage as it is solid bike. From what I researched seems on Touring models engine changed but not overall design of the frame.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
Hope others can chime in to let me know so I wont make move to frame with such flaw. Please share your thoughts.
I def wouldn't let this prevent you from buying an M8 touring. WAY better ride then the Heritage, IMO having ridden both.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,921
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
With the introduction of the '09 Touring frame upgrades, the wobble complaints/incidents decreased, but the improvements were not a total fix. There is still no rear stabilizing link, which in grbrown's opinion (shared by many) would be the complete and proper engineering solution to the bagger wobble...
I am totally unfamiliar with the M8 bikes, as I have not owned, ridden, or worked on one... but I don't believe they have a rear stabilizing link...
I am totally unfamiliar with the M8 bikes, as I have not owned, ridden, or worked on one... but I don't believe they have a rear stabilizing link...
Many think that the reason for the 09 up frames being stronger is the reason why they seem more stable. That's not true (IMO). The main reason what they are stabler is they added about 0.4 inches of trail to the steering. The main reason for changing the frame was to make it cheaper.. The new frames were set up making it easier to be mass produced by robots. The frames still have pretty much the same rubber donuts as the ealy frames. In fact, they got rid of the single front mount and link and replaced it with donuts.. Easier assembly..
The main thing is the additional rake. It allows for more slop in the chassis before wobbles occur. It also makes the motorcycle feel heavier, harder to steer. I personally like the handling of the earlier bikes when the suspension and drivetrain / rear wheel have been tightened up.. Steering is lighter and the bikes feel quicker.. Still the newer bikes have less of an issue with the bike dancing.
Parts do wear on all HD touring. The rubber donuts collapse, swingarm bearings, wheel bearings.. With more trail, the later frames show less bad characteristics for longer.
HD did the same thing in 2006 with the Dyna frames.. Added more trail...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 19,921
Likes: 8,027
From: poway
You mean the 79D mount? In 2009 the front mount changed to 2 donuts..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,170
From: SE Michigan
I'm not aware that those engine mounts have been particularly problematic, but of course they'd wear out over time. I highly doubt there were wobble issues attributed to those on bike when they were new.