Went down, hard, in a soft spot
Thread Starter
|
Road Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 833
Likes: 0
From: Corpus Christi Texas Area
Went down, hard, in a soft spot
Well, I've experienced the death wobble on two prior occasions, but both times I was able to regain control. The third time was the charm. Partway into a curve it started wobbling on me at about 70 mph. I was on a road I ride to and from work 5 days a week. This time, by the time I regained control I was going out the topside of the curve into a crop field. When I hit the dropoff into the soft field, the front tire dug in and I was done. I'm not real sure what happened after that, but the bike was damaged on all sides, both fenders were pushed in against the tires, one saddle bag was on the ground, the fairing was scratched all across the front and the left rear pipe was packed full of dirt and the bike was pointed in the opposite direction I was originally traveling. I had landed on the left side of my skid lid and my left shoulder and had extreme pain through my body, front and back. I got up but couldn't lift my bike, I could almost get it up, but not quite. A passerby picked it up for me, unclogged the pipe and loaned me a pry bar to get the fenders off the tires. I rode it the 20 miles to the house (rural farm road), but when I got home my son and wife had to help me off the bike. To the ER we go to find out I fractured my back in 2 places, T10 and T11. So ... I'm out of commission for at least 6 and possible 12 weeks. I've gotta wear a back brace any time I'm not in bed and it SUCKS! But, I'm on the right side of the grass, and I can walk. The bike was totaled, but I got a pretty damn good check from Progressive and, since I'm laid up, I'm looking for my next dresser! Keep the rubber side down, guys, and ride safe!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 5,072
Likes: 104
From: Prescott, AZ
so very sorry to hear of you accident and wobble... I have heard about these and read about them - Been on my 04 FLHTCI since Feb 04 - 85,000... CA to DC 4 time in the past 6 years... all over the western states. three Ironbutt rides where I really pushed it for 24, 36 hours straight...
I wish you well and hope you can find some reason for your accident. again, good luck
I wish you well and hope you can find some reason for your accident. again, good luck
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Tennessee
Trending Topics
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Novice
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Connecticut
This death wobble scares me.
dhincc, you said you were going about 70 on a curve, how many miles on this bike? The reason I ask is I never experienced the death wobble but I wonder if any Harley can snap out of control or is it more do to worn parts, or other mechanical issues (like engine mounts vibrating, or an out of balance tire, low tire pressure etc) that can cause this?
I'm just trying to educate myself and to try and keep the rubber side down. Thanks and get well soon.
dhincc, you said you were going about 70 on a curve, how many miles on this bike? The reason I ask is I never experienced the death wobble but I wonder if any Harley can snap out of control or is it more do to worn parts, or other mechanical issues (like engine mounts vibrating, or an out of balance tire, low tire pressure etc) that can cause this?
I'm just trying to educate myself and to try and keep the rubber side down. Thanks and get well soon.
Road Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 762
Likes: 14
From: Bellevue, NE
Sucks being laid up for the summer, but it beats being laid down for good! Glad to hear you're already thinking about your next ride! Maybe a stabilizer for the next one? I had a true-track on my 2012. Wobble was not an issue after installing that. Hope you heal quickly and completely.