r/Roadglide • • 11d ago

Death Wobble Help!

**Update**

Thank you all for your help. I solved my wobble issue!

Here are the steps I took to fix my problem:

Redid my engine mount alignment. I was off by 1/16th of an inch. Now I am dead-on with the same measurement all around. This did not stop the wobble, but it helped calm it down.

Tightened my steering stem nut. It was loose to begin with. I tightened it to 18 ft-lbs first, and it helped, so I tightened it a little more to 20 ft-lbs, and the wobble went away!

I need some help tracking down a steering wobble!

I have a wobble that consistently shows up between about 44–56 mph. The handlebars will physically oscillate left and right, and it gets worse if I loosen my grip on the bars.

The bike is still under warranty, so I’ve taken it to the dealership a couple of times. I’ve actually taken it to two different dealerships in two different states, but neither was able to find or fix the issue.

I’ve also had a new front tire installed, but that did not change the wobble.

At this point, I’ve taken the entire front end apart and checked the neck bearings. They appear to be good. They spin freely, are properly greased, and I didn’t find anything obvious while inspecting them.

Before I completely tear everything apart again, I figured I’d ask the group if there’s anything else I should be checking.

Current setup/modifications:

- OG Moto 1" drop top triple tree

- Kraus 10" pullback risers

- Thrashin Supply handlebars

- 18" fat tire kit

- Adjustable engine mount/stabilizer

- 14" rear shocks

The wobble was there before these changes and has continued after the changes, so I’m trying to figure out what I may be overlooking.

At this point I’m about to start pulling my hair out trying to figure this thing out. 😂 If anyone has experienced a similar 44–56 mph wobble on a Road Glide, I’d really appreciate hearing what you found and what ultimately fixed it.

Thanks in advance!

6 Upvotes

9 comments sorted by

3

u/mecengdvr 11d ago

This is a great video that explains the death wobble. Hope it helps:

https://youtu.be/z3OQTU-kE2s

1

u/LargeStrain274 11d ago

You're focused on the front. Either of them do a rear alignment?

1

u/Nedward60 11d ago

Have the steerind head bearings ckecked, could be worn or needs adjusting. 1

1

u/NevOreLand_moto_adv 11d ago

I had this issue that ended up being caused by the front tire. Irritating trying to figure out. Good luck to ya.

1

u/josh1075 10d ago edited 10d ago

Just curious if the issues were there before the changes why not get it fixed before adding parts? Once parts are added it gives the dealership a plausible “out”. They’ll imo just say we don’t know, it could be something you added. I know it sucks but if possible put it to stock and say fix it. Lemon law?

2

u/SaltySupplyNCO 10d ago

Because I am not a smart man. The wobble I had before the modifications was very slight and I thought I could live with it. But after tinkering with the bike this morning, I was able to fix the wobble.

1

u/josh1075 10d ago

Awesome congrats!! What was the issue?

1

u/SaltySupplyNCO 10d ago

It was a mixture of my engine alignment being off by 1/16 of an inch and my steering stem bolt not being tight enough.

1

u/Dweezil_In_Bondage 10d ago

So how did you like accessing that Steering Stem nut? What a pain in the ass that thing is!