Bagger Wobble: Dealer Explanation...
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
If it was me I'd put the stock shocks back on. Just for the record I kept mine and never lowered my front end after adding a 21" and I've never felt anything even close to a wobble. I routinely cruise at 85-95 mph and most of my riding is commuting and travelling on highways. I have 35000 miles and I did add a true-track type stabilizer but never had wobble before. Stabilizer was for twisties riding improvement.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Anybody who takes the time to read my posts knows I am not a fan of Harley dealership service depts. and their overall competency, but come on guy, how can you complain about handling and expect the dealer to fix it with the non factory mods you have made?
All you need to understand is that if you would call Harley and ask them if with your mods would they cover suspension issues they would have told you NO! No wonder Harley always takes a CYA stance with most warranty complaints, with guys like you expecting what you are expecting.
That's awesome! "Guys like" me..? What exactly was I expecting in reference to what guys like me expect? LOL! I wasn't even going to respond to your ignorant post but, it did give me a good chuckle which I can appreciate right about now. So thanks for that.
In turn, I will do you a solid and help you avoid the short bus. Read Post #1 through #39. You will see that I purchased the bike from the same dealer that did all the mods to the bike. As it was explained to me then by the dealer; it would be better for them to do the mods I wanted which would alleviate any warranty issues. This means I asked them about all the mods I wanted to make prior to purchasing anything that they would add to the bike. They were even kind enough to point me to outside sources to save money parts that they would install without warranty issues. Again, I still don't know what guys like me are expecting but, this was never a question about warranty issues..
I know its complicated but, stick with me here. I am just a excited, new to me, first time Harley Davidson owner trying to find a fix for a little bump in the road. No fingers are being pointed here. Only trying to analysis statements that have been made and looking for solid information to correct the issue I am experiencing with my bike. I like my Dealer. I still think they are fair. They did a poor job in this case; having my bike for 2 months and not having more solid data on what may be causing the bike to handle the way it does under the conditions I explained to them.
BTW, I paid for all parts, installation and services performed by my dealer at the going rate. I didn't ask for a discount. I didn't ask for favors. In return for my hard earned money, I expect quality service in return. Sometimes it has to be asked for but, I suspect there are other guys out there that would except this as well...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Just from reading what others have said (I have no experience in suspension mods) perhaps now is the time for new swing arm bushings, or perhaps the entire Glide-Pro engine mount and swing arm bushings and shaft. Unless there is a broken weld somewhere, optimizing the basic set up couldn't hurt, especially since your mods are reputed to add to, rather than decrease the tendency to wobble.
If it was me I'd put the stock shocks back on. Just for the record I kept mine and never lowered my front end after adding a 21" and I've never felt anything even close to a wobble. I routinely cruise at 85-95 mph and most of my riding is commuting and travelling on highways. I have 35000 miles and I did add a true-track type stabilizer but never had wobble before. Stabilizer was for twisties riding improvement.
I probably should have made it more clear in the first post, so I take full responsibility for that but the bike is perfect on/ off highway, at cruising speed and even in the 90 to 100 mph range which is not hard to do here in Arizona during extended rides on open highway, it tracks straight with no wobble. I have taken my hands off the bars at 65 coming off the freeway coasting and the bike rode straight no wobble issue. I am only getting the wobble in long sweepers. This is my only handling issue. I have a feeling it will get sorted shortly. As I said, I will post back my findings. Just gives me something else to look forward to is the way I see it. I wouldn't trade my bike for any other..
PFO out...
Road Master
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 7
From: USA
Too bad you did not take the time to read mine but, then again reading and comprehension are two different things....
That's awesome! "Guys like" me..? What exactly was I expecting in reference to what guys like me expect? LOL! I wasn't even going to respond to your ignorant post but, it did give me a good chuckle which I can appreciate right about now. So thanks for that.
In turn, I will do you a solid and help you avoid the short bus. Read Post #1 through #39. You will see that I purchased the bike from the same dealer that did all the mods to the bike. As it was explained to me then by the dealer; it would be better for them to do the mods I wanted which would alleviate any warranty issues. This means I asked them about all the mods I wanted to make prior to purchasing anything that they would add to the bike. They were even kind enough to point me to outside sources to save money parts that they would install without warranty issues. Again, I still don't know what guys like me are expecting but, this was never a question about warranty issues..
I know its complicated but, stick with me here. I am just a excited, new to me, first time Harley Davidson owner trying to find a fix for a little bump in the road. No fingers are being pointed here. Only trying to analysis statements that have been made and looking for solid information to correct the issue I am experiencing with my bike. I like my Dealer. I still think they are fair. They did a poor job in this case; having my bike for 2 months and not having more solid data on what may be causing the bike to handle the way it does under the conditions I explained to them.
BTW, I paid for all parts, installation and services performed by my dealer at the going rate. I didn't ask for a discount. I didn't ask for favors. In return for my hard earned money, I expect quality service in return. Sometimes it has to be asked for but, I suspect there are other guys out there that would except this as well...
That's awesome! "Guys like" me..? What exactly was I expecting in reference to what guys like me expect? LOL! I wasn't even going to respond to your ignorant post but, it did give me a good chuckle which I can appreciate right about now. So thanks for that.
In turn, I will do you a solid and help you avoid the short bus. Read Post #1 through #39. You will see that I purchased the bike from the same dealer that did all the mods to the bike. As it was explained to me then by the dealer; it would be better for them to do the mods I wanted which would alleviate any warranty issues. This means I asked them about all the mods I wanted to make prior to purchasing anything that they would add to the bike. They were even kind enough to point me to outside sources to save money parts that they would install without warranty issues. Again, I still don't know what guys like me are expecting but, this was never a question about warranty issues..
I know its complicated but, stick with me here. I am just a excited, new to me, first time Harley Davidson owner trying to find a fix for a little bump in the road. No fingers are being pointed here. Only trying to analysis statements that have been made and looking for solid information to correct the issue I am experiencing with my bike. I like my Dealer. I still think they are fair. They did a poor job in this case; having my bike for 2 months and not having more solid data on what may be causing the bike to handle the way it does under the conditions I explained to them.
BTW, I paid for all parts, installation and services performed by my dealer at the going rate. I didn't ask for a discount. I didn't ask for favors. In return for my hard earned money, I expect quality service in return. Sometimes it has to be asked for but, I suspect there are other guys out there that would except this as well...
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
Just because a dealer installs aftermarket parts doesn't mean that it won't void the factory warranty (did the dealer put this on paper?). So if you took the time to look into this before you bought the dealers B.S. you would know that when you boil it all down it is on you. Never trust what a dealer said unless you have it in writing.
Please allow me to let you in on the secret that most folks who posted here already know and I promise you, I did not conceal this information in my original post or in my original response to you..
OK. You ready? There is NO warranty issue here that is being discussed. I must say though, you got me thinking, I had to go back and read my posts. LOL! I will keep in mind your advise with respect to obtaining written documentation on anything questionable I have done to my bike in the future....So, thanks for that..
Kind Regards,
LW
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Wobble in long sweepers means you need a stabilizer like Tru Track or one of the other ones. Maybe some Sta-Bo bushings int eh swing arm as well. The wobble that we get in high speed sweepers is a result of the engine being mounted directly to the swing arm. The engine vibrates back and forth but side ways as well. A frame stabilizer will keep the engine from moving sideways which is what causes the problem. The Sta Bo bushings are polyurethane and also supposed to help in keeping the swing arm from flexing sideways. I don't have either on my bike yet but plan on adding both as time and money allows.
http://www.sta-bo.com/id2.html
http://www.true-track.com/
http://www.sta-bo.com/id2.html
http://www.true-track.com/
Former Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 10,968
Likes: 54
Wobble in long sweepers means you need a stabilizer like Tru Track or one of the other ones. Maybe some Sta-Bo bushings int eh swing arm as well. The wobble that we get in high speed sweepers is a result of the engine being mounted directly to the swing arm. The engine vibrates back and forth but side ways as well. A frame stabilizer will keep the engine from moving sideways which is what causes the problem. The Sta Bo bushings are polyurethane and also supposed to help in keeping the swing arm from flexing sideways. I don't have either on my bike yet but plan on adding both as time and money allows.
http://www.sta-bo.com/id2.html
http://www.true-track.com/
http://www.sta-bo.com/id2.html
http://www.true-track.com/
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,090
Likes: 7
I know this is going to sound crazy at this point, but change the front tire. I had the same issues you are having but mine is an 06 (identical bike) I chased all the aforementioned offerings, and when it was all said and done, taking a brand new tire off of the front and installing a different brand fixed my bike 100%. Seriously. I have a bagger brace, adjusted the neck bearings 7 ways from Sunday, checked
The alignment, new swing arm bushings, the whole 9. Nothing, and I mean nothing affected the handling. Anything over 55-60 mph was dangerous. New tire, no problems!
The alignment, new swing arm bushings, the whole 9. Nothing, and I mean nothing affected the handling. Anything over 55-60 mph was dangerous. New tire, no problems!
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 2,283
Likes: 4
From: nebraska
The day I picked my used road king up .it wobbled around sweeping curves .scary
As soon as I got home I discovered both tires only had 26lb in them an 4 lb in shocks .
I put 28lb in the air shocks 38lb in front 16" tire and 42lb In rear 16" tire that solved most of it.
Interesting Later I put 11" bitchin bagger modified air shocks on it and it tracked even better ??
I didn't lower the front or put a giant wagon wheel on it .
I guess it changed the rake a little?
As soon as I got home I discovered both tires only had 26lb in them an 4 lb in shocks .
I put 28lb in the air shocks 38lb in front 16" tire and 42lb In rear 16" tire that solved most of it.
Interesting Later I put 11" bitchin bagger modified air shocks on it and it tracked even better ??
I didn't lower the front or put a giant wagon wheel on it .
I guess it changed the rake a little?
Road Warrior
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,392
Likes: 21
From: Delaware
We have long sweepers on the highways around here, still no wobble at speed.
I understand the front drop to get back closer to stock stance, but then you lowered the back to get it out of balance again?
I dont think a 1" drop up front completely makes up for the 16" to 21" wheel conversion, even considering the tire profile is narrower on a 21". In fact I'm certain of it, I had to put a kickstand wedge on mine since it leaned so hard.. First thing ought to be think for yourself on this thing a little more and take the dealer's word with a grain of salt. Get that back end up and try it out.
Just trying to offer help here.
I understand the front drop to get back closer to stock stance, but then you lowered the back to get it out of balance again?
I dont think a 1" drop up front completely makes up for the 16" to 21" wheel conversion, even considering the tire profile is narrower on a 21". In fact I'm certain of it, I had to put a kickstand wedge on mine since it leaned so hard.. First thing ought to be think for yourself on this thing a little more and take the dealer's word with a grain of salt. Get that back end up and try it out.
Just trying to offer help here.