Bagger Wobble: Dealer Explanation...
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
So with a 2013 the front is an 18" wheel going to a new 21" wheel raises the front 1.5" on center. With progressive monotubes I lowered the front end 2" thus it should be well within factory spec. for the rake/trail. Sure I'd like to lower it a bit more in the rear to help my vertically challenged legs but I plan on changing seats again to help accommodate rather than changing the suspension height.
here's a decent tire size calculator that might help you get this sorted out....
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/tirecalc.php
again, good luck.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,630
Likes: 185
From: Mountain West, Big Sky Country
Correct. For 09 up no need. Call Kevin he will walk you through what you need he's a great guy
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 498
Likes: 28
From: Iowa
I go thru a lot of Harley dealers out on the road and there are quite a few younger techs working in a lot of them. I'm not at all knocking the younger ones but I wonder if they have the background and knowledge in this area. Again, not trying to take a shot at the young guys, but if you could find an indy or tech with more knowledge / background in this area, it might go a long ways to getting this resolved.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 520
Likes: 37
From: houston, tx
I purchased an '09 FLHT from the second owner with 14k miles on it, Ohlins rear shocks, intiminators/riccor special parts in the front forks, and lowered to lower than a FLHX, rode GREAT! Started to wobble a bit in long sweepers and noticed the rear tire was feathered, so replaced the rear tire... Bike was AWESOME again! Bike started to wobble again in long sweepers.... and in straight line fast acceleration. Replaced tires as they were worn out in 8k miles, added a King Tour Pack and front lowers.... 
Still WOBBLED! 
Installed AlloyArt rear brace, a little change but still wobbled. Installed GlidePro complete kit front/rear mounts and axle, now wobbles above 80mph in long sweepers, and only when it hits a bump or when transitioning/changing lanes. Below 80 and everything seems to be fine, even with 12" mini-apes. My next step is to check my steering stem for bearing slack and change out all of my wheel bearings... If not then will upgrade to Inverted forks/brakes from MotorcycleMetal and some triple adjustable Penske rear shocks. The advantage of the MotorcycleMetal inverted front end kit is ALOT but also because it comes with better tree's that actually clamp the fork tubes... Bike has 34k+ miles on it now. I am thinking it is a combination of a loose steering stem and possibly bad wheel bearings. If not then "FastHarley" will get some money from me, hopefully I can get promoted soon to get that extra cash...
Still WOBBLED! Installed AlloyArt rear brace, a little change but still wobbled. Installed GlidePro complete kit front/rear mounts and axle, now wobbles above 80mph in long sweepers, and only when it hits a bump or when transitioning/changing lanes. Below 80 and everything seems to be fine, even with 12" mini-apes. My next step is to check my steering stem for bearing slack and change out all of my wheel bearings... If not then will upgrade to Inverted forks/brakes from MotorcycleMetal and some triple adjustable Penske rear shocks. The advantage of the MotorcycleMetal inverted front end kit is ALOT but also because it comes with better tree's that actually clamp the fork tubes... Bike has 34k+ miles on it now. I am thinking it is a combination of a loose steering stem and possibly bad wheel bearings. If not then "FastHarley" will get some money from me, hopefully I can get promoted soon to get that extra cash...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,598
Likes: 19
From: Naples FL / Pine TWP PA
Sorry, but exactly my thought.
You made major changes to the geometry, suspension and unsprung weight. tires, tread pattern, sidewall (and as above leaky front valve stem so inconsistent pressure)
so the "problems" are now "yours".
so dreaded this and that, the take away is that you now do not get the function and enjoyment of this machine as you should.
Money wasted.
as for driveability, is this a stock bike or has something been down to the motor tuning etc as well.
you don't talk about speeds, the front end on a batwing bike will unload above 85ish MPH wind speed- this makes the front end loose
mike
You made major changes to the geometry, suspension and unsprung weight. tires, tread pattern, sidewall (and as above leaky front valve stem so inconsistent pressure)
so the "problems" are now "yours".
so dreaded this and that, the take away is that you now do not get the function and enjoyment of this machine as you should.
Money wasted.
as for driveability, is this a stock bike or has something been down to the motor tuning etc as well.
you don't talk about speeds, the front end on a batwing bike will unload above 85ish MPH wind speed- this makes the front end loose
mike
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Portland
Just a heads up for the wobble Mine was having, ME880 front MUST be at 50psi as HogPro had said a few posts ago in this thread. That cured about 95% of it.
Rear at 46psi was ok front at 40psi was not.
Granted I still get the "Bagger Wobble" under long sweepers under extreme power. That's to be expected since it was always there. I think the brace would cure that as well. But that's not the wobble I was experiencing with the under inflated front tire. That particular wobble feels like you're loading and unloading the rear suspension. I agree it shouldn't happen either but at least it's explainable, avoidable, and most likely curable.
Rear at 46psi was ok front at 40psi was not.
Granted I still get the "Bagger Wobble" under long sweepers under extreme power. That's to be expected since it was always there. I think the brace would cure that as well. But that's not the wobble I was experiencing with the under inflated front tire. That particular wobble feels like you're loading and unloading the rear suspension. I agree it shouldn't happen either but at least it's explainable, avoidable, and most likely curable.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 154
Likes: 1
From: Aberdeen MD
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,034
Likes: 127
I am going out on a short limb here and say the problems from the most part are from the parts you changed out. Changing that front wheel geometry is probably the problem. Go back to stock or learn to live with it.