2009 Upgrades : V-Twin Forum: Harley Davidson Forums

hatrad · 07-23-2008, 05:09 PM

Hi Folks, I'm a new guy to this site & as of tomorrow a new Electra Glide Classic [Raider colors] owner/orderer. I'm wondering if y'all think the new frame will cure the high speed 'wandering' problem I've been reading about or is this a problem with having a rubber mounted motor? And does anybody know how they're shutting the rear cylinder down, is it fuel or ignition? Anyway, great site & thanks for any info.

Gunny4Sawx · 07-23-2008, 05:26 PM

Welcome to the forum. I'm thinking you will love it. Who knows about any fixes and issues, some are real, some are riders perspective. Read around the forum and you'll get a feel for things. This would have been a very good post for the new members / intro section of the forum

Jeffytune · 07-23-2008, 05:56 PM

Hi.

First off, congrats and welcome to the Asylum.

As with any new design, time will tell if it's the fix, or if there will be a new issue we will have to deal with.

airmann6 · 07-23-2008, 06:11 PM

I think the wobble is WAY blown out of proportion on newer bikes . Yes , on Interstate at 76 mph around trucks and cars mine might be a little less stable but what isn't . I had mine (2008 FLHX) to 110 and was as solid as any sport bike I have had . I don't know anyone who had issues with this around my neighborhood . But yes it will make the bike more stable .

nytryder · 07-23-2008, 06:46 PM

My 08 Road Glide shows no wobble at any speed. Not saying others don't have a problem, just that I don't. I normally cruise at 75 mph and short runs in excess of 100 mph. Generally with 2 aboard and often saddle bags and trunk are full, with cargo nets holding crap on top of the tour pack. I'm wondering if tire pressures could contribute to the problem?

MountainMan · 07-23-2008, 09:30 PM

I've got 12000 miles on my FLHX and I've ridden it under all kinds of conditions, fast and slow, and I have yet to experience even a hint of wobble. Personally I don't like the new frame because it adds weight to an already very heavy motorcycle, and weight hurts performance. The new 09 SE Ultra Classic weighs in at over 900 lbs and that's just obese if you ask me

If that thing falls over there will be quite a few who can't get it back up on their own.

MM

Shoe · 07-24-2008, 12:16 AM

What wobble. I never had a problem. I know others talk about it, but I never experienced it at all on any of my bikes.

Only time will tell if this new frame and swingarm fixes or creates issues.

Sorry, I dont mean to paint a bad picture, welcome to the forum.

Dave

rmd · 07-24-2008, 02:58 AM

I feel wobble sometime and because of big fairing it seems normal to me.

Unome · 07-24-2008, 07:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nytryder

My 08 Road Glide shows no wobble at any speed. Not saying others don't have a problem, just that I don't. I normally cruise at 75 mph and short runs in excess of 100 mph. Generally with 2 aboard and often saddle bags and trunk are full, with cargo nets holding crap on top of the tour pack. I'm wondering if tire pressures could contribute to the problem?

Our current bike - '07 EGC, and prior ones - '04 EGC & '01 RK - never showed any signs of any kind of wobble. Was this something only experienced in '08 models by some people. You describe our riding style.

I'm kind of wondering if the new frame design isn't a prelude to going to water-cooled in 2011. The way they describe the way the frame is bent, welded, etc. is exactly how they do the frame on the V-Rod.

MountainMan · 07-24-2008, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unome

I'm kind of wondering if the new frame design isn't a prelude to going to water-cooled in 2011. The way they describe the way the frame is bent, welded, etc. is exactly how they do the frame on the V-Rod.

What I've been told from people in the know is that the new frame is for one thing and one thing only and that is to accommodate the new trike. H-D wanted a stiffer frame for their trike, and didn't want to have to deal with two different frames.

MM

jward · 07-24-2008, 07:28 AM

there is no "wandering problem"....the wobble is when hot footing on curves, hit a little road undulation and a wobble (not serious) occurs-doesn't last....if you are aware of this it is no problem-just cuts down on some cornering speed....never not never had a wobble or wander at any speed straight line....the new frame appears to totally address the cornering wobble...in the right hands the glide should run twisties with the BMW LT and Wing quite well now....j

kwas · 07-24-2008, 07:51 AM

I've done 85+ for many miles and never experienced it on my Ultra. From what I've read, if it occurrs, it's on a curve (exit-merge ramp or sharp sweeper). I get the feeling is occurring when traveling way over the posted curve speed and/or hitting tar cracks.

ultranut · 07-24-2008, 08:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainMan

I've got 12000 miles on my FLHX and I've ridden it under all kinds of conditions, fast and slow, and I have yet to experience even a hint of wobble. Personally I don't like the new frame because it adds weight to an already very heavy motorcycle, and weight hurts performance. The new 09 SE Ultra Classic weighs in at over 900 lbs and that's just obese if you ask me

If that thing falls over there will be quite a few who can't get it back up on their own.

MM

I know I can't get mine back up on my own, I need my wifes help

Sorry, I couldn't resist

Like someone else said, they thought the new frame was for the anticipated radiator that is coming eventually. What is an Ultra gonna weigh in at with a radiator added? Heavy!!

ultranut · 07-24-2008, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hatrad

Hi Folks, I'm a new guy to this site & as of tomorrow a new Electra Glide Classic [Raider colors] owner/orderer. I'm wondering if y'all think the new frame will cure the high speed 'wandering' problem I've been reading about or is this a problem with having a rubber mounted motor? And does anybody know how they're shutting the rear cylinder down, is it fuel or ignition? Anyway, great site & thanks for any info.

I have almost 7000 miles om my 08 Ultra and have never experienced a "wandering problem at high speeds". I have experienced a slight wobble passing semi's at 80mph or blasting into a 35mph curve at 70mph and came across an indentation in the curve. I don't know of any dresser style bikes that won't wobble some when pressed to extremes. As far as wandering, are you actually referring to high speed wobble? When did your dealer tell ya your bike would come in, or is it in stock? Is this your first Glide? This is my first HD ever after riding over 40 years

I can tell ya your gonna love it. Whenever I get on mine I always take the longest route to destinations

airmann6 · 07-24-2008, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MountainMan

What I've been told from people in the know is that the new frame is for one thing and one thing only and that is to accommodate the new trike. H-D wanted a stiffer frame for their trike, and didn't want to have to deal with two different frames.

MM

I can see that , interesting to see if it helps the handling . BUT ITS HEAVIER !!