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[mhjimh]

Had a friend and club brother crash this weekend from the well known H-D wobble. This one started in a curve which is the only time I've experienced them. He has a few concutions a cracked rib and a bad cut on his face. My question is does any one now if there is any thing published about this problem other than magizen opinions? Most of my friends have never heard of this problem where I've been reading for years about it.

  Thanks Jim

[Chief]

Had a friend and club brother crash this weekend from the well known H-D wobble. This one started in a curve which is the only time I've experienced them. He has a few concutions a cracked rib and a bad cut on his face. My question is does any one now if there is any thing published about this problem other than magizen opinions? Most of my friends have never heard of this problem where I've been reading for years about it.

  Thanks Jim

I've never seen anything like you're looking for. Sorry.

[RedDevil]

I've been riding HD's for quite awhile and have never experienced the "infamous harley wobble", nor have I seen anything on it.  Sorry I can't help ya either. 
Cheers ,
 

[mhjimh]

Ya I've had 5 baggers since 1996 and only my 2007 have I felt it.

[murphy]

There are threads here that describe it... you just need to locate them.

It used to happen to me when I first got my Ultra.

[DavidB]

The only time I have seen the wobble was on a guys bike that had really low
front tire pressure and it happened while decelerating. Guess the tire was squishing
out like mashing on a water baloon from the down force.

[Ceej]

It's not just a HD thing - Years ago I had the same wobble on my Yamaha Venture....

[Screamin]

Search the threads for High Speed Wobble.  I think you'll find plenty.

[mhjimh]

Thanks; I've read every thing on the site, but I was more looking for something offical possable from the DOT, government or (GOD FORBID) H-D on the problem.

[Midnight Rider]

I've never seen anything about it referencing DOT, and forget about HD.

Lot's of discussion on various forums though.

[spydglide]

Thanks; I've read every thing on the site, but I was more looking for something offical possable from the DOT, government or (GOD FORBID) H-D on the problem.

I can tell you it's a frightening experience that you won't be soon forgetting even if you're successful in not experiencing the full blown tank slapper, rather the wobble that feels like you've pretty much lost control a do whatever you can to ride it out.  I think there are many causes......but I'm not sure where you'd look for a 'offical' discussion.  spyder

[Ironhorse]

Google it. You will find links to lots of info.

I had a wobble with my Ultra two years ago. Doing 75-80 on the freeway passing cars when it just started. I think wind buffeting was a factor, but I can't say for sure. I got it under control and have not had a wobble since. It does stick in the back of my mind though.

[ccr]

My husband and I virtually have the same bikes, except for the color.  He has never had a wobble on his. I get a wobble on mine.  I have found though, that I can bring it on and somewhat control it too, as long as it has not gotten too bad.  It always is a surprise when it happens, it is not at all times in the same conditions.  Usually only happens when you are in a slight curve going quite fast.  For me, if I wiggle around in my seat - front to back - I can find the good spot that pulls the bike back to straight and not wobbling.  Otherwise I gotta slow down.  I only had the tank slap thing happen one time, and that was three years ago and I slowed waaaaaaaaayyyyyyy down.  Never had it that bad again.  I also keep the fall over in the neck tighter than HD recommended.  That is what works for me.  Everyone has their own tricks, if they have the problem at all.  Hubbard said he put his foot out on the crash bar and stabilized his.  But as for official? ,from my understanding no one is admitting that it really happens at all from the MoCo point of view. I've never been in a position though that I could not recover from it.  Hope your buddy and his bike heals quickly. 

[Midnight Rider]

Yea, Candy...the only time mine might "wiggle" just a little bit is 85-90 in big sweepers like interstate exchanges.  Loosening up the grip on the bars helps.  Fortunately, I've never experienced what others describe, but I've only had mine up to 115 or so for a few minutes at a time...I just don't run my machine like that...I get the thrill, then I'm done.

There have even been reports of this happening on Vrods, so it's not isolated to the FL bikes.  My V is rock solid up to speeds that scare me.

[Chief]

Yea, Candy...the only time mine might "wiggle" just a little bit is 85-90 in big sweepers like interstate exchanges.  Loosening up the grip on the bars helps.  Fortunately, I've never experienced what others describe, but I've only had mine up to 115 or so for a few minutes at a time...I just don't run my machine like that...I get the thrill, then I'm done.

There have even been reports of this happening on Vrods, so it's not isolated to the FL bikes.  My V is rock solid up to speeds that scare me.

  I've been there, but for time that can be measured by counting Mississippis, not minutes.