Bagger wobble exposed!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 3,873
Likes: 13
From: NW Arkansas
In the majority of the unexplained vehicle crashes involving Harleys crashes I am guessing the authorities simply write off the crash as pilot error and the investigation goes no further. Perhaps it should now that there seems to be ample evidence that a design flaw exists.
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
As for the cause of a crash, the rider will have lost of control of his bike due to circumstances beyond his ability to correct, quite likely without any outside interference, but how to identify and confirm that I cannot help with.
Supporter
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,752
Likes: 2
From: Indianapolis
I run with many folks who altered their bikes one way or another, with that said, many of my friends including myself have the following issue, the use of PROGRESSIVE FRONT SPRINGS, these springs might be OK, for a Road King, but a bagger the front end is too heavy. these springs are compressed due to the weight, when I go around a corner, I still get a wobble, matter of fact, it scares the hell out of me!
Many of my friends have installed the Progressive springs, just to have them removed for the stock ones, or the NEW Harley springs, that give 1" lower capacity, the improved results put smiles on their faces.
One test I found is to work to see if the Progressive shocks don't work is to turn the wheel to the left, measure the length of the forks, them have someone grab the right side of the handlebar, and lift up, this will show how the Progressive springs are compressed!
I found 3" lift in mine when I lifted my bike, the softness of these springs causes the weight to compress.
My new Harley springs will be in Friday, so this weekend, it's replacement time.
Another complaint I receive is using the larger front wheel, causes wobbling.
I had two friends put an aftermarket triple tree on their bagger, only to send them back because of wobbling issues.
I put new engine mounts on my 02, and a Bragger brace, the handling improved, but still dealing with the wobbling till this weekend!
Many of my friends have installed the Progressive springs, just to have them removed for the stock ones, or the NEW Harley springs, that give 1" lower capacity, the improved results put smiles on their faces.
One test I found is to work to see if the Progressive shocks don't work is to turn the wheel to the left, measure the length of the forks, them have someone grab the right side of the handlebar, and lift up, this will show how the Progressive springs are compressed!
I found 3" lift in mine when I lifted my bike, the softness of these springs causes the weight to compress.
My new Harley springs will be in Friday, so this weekend, it's replacement time.
Another complaint I receive is using the larger front wheel, causes wobbling.
I had two friends put an aftermarket triple tree on their bagger, only to send them back because of wobbling issues.
I put new engine mounts on my 02, and a Bragger brace, the handling improved, but still dealing with the wobbling till this weekend!
Thread Starter
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Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
Likes: 2,898
From: Bedford UK
David, there are several spring suppliers who can provide fork springs matched to your weight. I have a set for mine I intend installing soon.
Where suspension is concerned I recommend buying from a dealer who ensures that what he supplies matches you and your bike. Don't guess, get advice in person, over the phone or in their shop!
Where suspension is concerned I recommend buying from a dealer who ensures that what he supplies matches you and your bike. Don't guess, get advice in person, over the phone or in their shop!
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 127
Likes: 5
From:
Please PM
I sold my 08 Street Glide due to the problem and have since moved on to a BMW r1200GS. I am thinking about returning to a 2012 Street Glide in the hopes that the wobble was fixed by the new frame. Apparently not.
Please include me in the discussion and recommendation of braces.
Please include me in the discussion and recommendation of braces.
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 161
Likes: 1
From: East Coast Shore
I doubt this California Highway Patrol motor officer is "death gripping" the bars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmw6QppXnEY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gmw6QppXnEY