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[DJ56]

For about the last 25 years, a lot of modern motorcycles have a common device installed from the factory called a steering stabilizer.
Its a small shock absorber that creates friction in the headset preventing oscillation. Over tightening the headset provides a similar effect.
They are simple devices that dramatically improve steering stability, rider confidence and resulting customer satisfaction when something expensive works right.
At Bonneville, you can not pass tech with out one. I'm sure one of the young guns in the Harley engineering department has suggested their use.
Most likely got shot down because they lacked cosmetic appeal.
Maybe some day.

SG

Are there any stabilizers out there specifically marketed for HD touring bikes?

[RedDevil]

Are there any stabilizers out there specifically marketed for HD touring bikes?

The Tri-Glide comes standard with one.

[DJ56]

The Tri-Glide comes standard with one.

Has anyone here used one on a bi-wheeled bike?

[RedDevil]

Has anyone here used one on a bi-wheeled bike?

I have never personally seen one on an HD, non-Tri-Glide, but I have seen them on other brands of Bikes (particularly some of the more race worthy models from the Land of the Rising Sun.)

[grc]

...........................................................
I'm sure one of the young guns in the Harley engineering department has suggested their use.
Most likely got shot down because they lacked cosmetic appeal.
Maybe some day.

SG

Actually, as long as they used the chrome version with the bar and shield emblem on the adjuster knob, Willy would probably give the green light for it as an extra cost option or accessory.  But the real reason for not offering one, or even talking about it, most likely has a lot more to do with not wanting anything that looks like an admission that there is a problem with the handling of the stock motorcycle.  Harley has been fighting lawsuits over the high speed wobble issue for 30 years, and I doubt their legal department would buy off on any sort of add-on that would call all their previous lies about the great handling and lack of any defect into question.


Jerry

[Fullsac Performance]

Actually, as long as they used the chrome version with the bar and shield emblem on the adjuster knob, Willy would probably give the green light for it as an extra cost option or accessory.  But the real reason for not offering one, or even talking about it, most likely has a lot more to do with not wanting anything that looks like an admission that there is a problem with the handling of the stock motorcycle.  Harley has been fighting lawsuits over the high speed wobble issue for 30 years, and I doubt their legal department would buy off on any sort of add-on that would call all their previous lies about the great handling and lack of any defect into question.


Jerry

Sad but very true. The description "steering stabilizer" implies a lack of stability with out one. But I do like your Bar and shield idea!  

Anybody have a pic of the Tri Glide steering stabilizer. I'm interested in seeing that.

SG

[Fired00d]

Found this online when I did a Google search - Steering Damper for FLH Harley-Davidson® Bikes/Trikes.
 
 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Midnight Rider]

Found this online when I did a Google search - Steering Damper for FLH Harley-Davidson® Bikes/Trikes.
 
 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

They had me 'till they started talking about cutting the inner fairing.  Gary, why don't you get out your Dremel tool and try this out....

[Fired00d]

They had me 'till they started talking about cutting the inner fairing.  Gary, why don't you get out your Dremel tool and try this out....

Hell No!!! I'm happy as a pig in poop w/the way my bike handles now.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

[Midnight Rider]

Hell No!!! I'm happy as a pig in poop w/the way my bike handles now.

 
Ride Safe,
Fired00d
 

That's the thing with good suspension...you didn't know what you were missing 'till you got something good on there.  Makes riding a lot more fun...

[RedDevil]

They had me 'till they started talking about cutting the inner fairing.  Gary, why don't you get out your Dremel tool and try this out....

The Road Glide doesn't have that inner fairing piece, right?    (Haven't looked at mine, too lazy to uncover it right now.)

[Fullsac Performance]

That Steering stabilizer was being installed on a Tri Glide. The fork rake is different. I don't think that will fit a two wheeler, no room. 

SG

[Fattbaggernknox]

That Steering stabilizer was being installed on a Tri Glide. The fork rake is different. I don't think that will fit a two wheeler, no room. 

SG

a local guy put one on his bike (purchased from the internet) got o the front brakes hard & destroyed the front fender. I'm not sure how he did it we just replaced/ refinished his fender.

[charles05663]

Actually, as long as they used the chrome version with the bar and shield emblem on the adjuster knob, Willy would probably give the green light for it as an extra cost option or accessory.  But the real reason for not offering one, or even talking about it, most likely has a lot more to do with not wanting anything that looks like an admission that there is a problem with the handling of the stock motorcycle.  Harley has been fighting lawsuits over the high speed wobble issue for 30 years, and I doubt their legal department would buy off on any sort of add-on that would call all their previous lies about the great handling and lack of any defect into question.


Jerry

Maybe they will sell an upgrade with the Willie G. Skull on it.   

[SMKY MTN CVO]

New guy here, THANKS (i think) for this topic and all the post/replies.  I just traded a '11 Electra Ultra Classic for a '11 Roadglide Ultra CVO.  I wasn't aware of deceleration wobble problems, but I have it and it was scary. It's at local shop for warranty repairs...but haven't gotten it back yet.  And yes, the HD-Service Manager gave me the same story "You got to keep your hands on the bars!". The Charcoal/Slate & Black appearance with the loaded accessories are tremendous, but having this situation is a drag.