There is no doubt the latest touring models have a better system, but in theory at least it is still flawed. Erik Buell has done the definitive study of rubber-mounted engines and concluded they need three stabilizer links, a system he patented. Since Norton patented the system they used on the Commando many of the current bike makers have been busy patenting designs to stabilize rubber-mount engines. The system on current Sportsters and Buells is the best out there at present and undoubtedly superior to the system Harley uses on the current touring models. I just think fewer owners will feel the need to improve their bikes than we owners of older models. Harley hasn't solved the problem, just patched it up better.
As long as the rear mounts allow for any lateral movement, there will be room for improvement. The new frame is stiffer, the front engine mount setup is more stable, and the swingarm is more rigid as well. All those things make for a much more stable bike with a much reduced tendency for rear steer and wobble. That is very good, and only about 30 years overdue. But, for those who are anal about such things, or who ride at a 10/10ths level, there can still be a need to tighten up that rear mount situation. For the other 98% of the rider's, however, the '09 and later stock setup seems to be doing just fine.
Twolanerider hit the nail directly on the head in his earlier post. These companies have made an excellent living selling braces for the older "flexible flyer" models, and just like any company that suddenly faces a huge decrease in their potential market, they aren't above hyping a product with a main purpose of increasing their own profitability, not solving a real problem. Maybe if they cut the prices in half it wouldn't seem so sleazy.
Jerry
Author
Topic: Suspension Stabilizer (Read 4436 times)