Death Wobble - Causes and Prevention
Вставка
- Опубліковано 16 жов 2024
- Have you ever experienced a speed wobble or also referred to as the death wobble? It can be a terrifying experience. This week will talk about the common causes and how to handle a death wobble if it happens to you.
MCrider Meetup 2020: www.MCrider.com...
MCrider Reflective Decals: www.MCrider.com...
Subscribe to @GotDave: www.MCrider.com...
Ways to show your support of MCrider:
Support MCrider and get the Field Guide: www.MCrider.com...
Support on UA-cam: / @mcrider Once you sign up please email at the address provided and request access to the Field Guide / Forums
Amazon: www.amazon.com... (all purchases made from this link help support MCrider, bookmark it and make all your Amazon purchases from here. :) )
Revzilla: www.MCrider.com... (make all Revzilla purchases using this link to show your support)
Make a one-time contribution to MCrider: www.paypal.me/s...
MCrider Merchandise:
t-shirts: teespring.com/...
Hats: www.MCrider.com...
MCrider Reflective Decals: www.MCrider.com...
Learn more about the MCrider Field Guide: www.MCrider.com/fg
MCrider offers free motorcycle safety training in a weekly video that helps you gain more control of your motorcycle and improve your strategy on the street.
Website: www.MCrider.com
Facebook: / mcriderskills
Twitter: / mcriderskills
Thanks for watching,
Kevin
----------------
MCrider Decals produced by www.stickercutt...
Order custom decals for your business or organization
![[UA] NAVI vs MOUZ | BO5 | IEM Rio 2024](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/CMBYk0cbGoA/mqdefault.jpg)
I was SO surprised to see all the new subs & comments on my latest vid this morning! WOW!!! I was trying to help your channel, & you totally flipped it on me! Thank you very much Kevin!!! I hope we can hang out some day! Ride safe!
Your welcome brother! I just saw your video the other night and wanted to help you out with a few subs. Looks like we might have 1,000 new ones for you by the end of today.
That is awesome, thank you to everyone for subscribing to GotDave and helping provide a gift to another MC UA-camr. :)
@@MCrider Thank you SO much, Kevin!
Subbed
2.7k subs now.
@@JMAC303 ...freaking crazy man!!! ...now I feel like I need to make better videos!
Hi Kevin, I just watched your "death wobble" video.
I was a police officer with the Toronto Police Force when I took bike training, a two week course. We were taught how to correct a speed wobble the old Harlies were known for this. We were taught to do nothing but apply the rear brake to stop the wobble. This did happen to me at least twice over the next few years, speaking of that, this was the early seventies. Once at lower speed which didn't get really severe and once on the highway and that one was severe. In both instances applying the rear brake stopped the wobble. I can't agree that waiting out the wobble is the best advice as the longer the wobble lasts the greater it can intensify and you'll be thrown from the bike. Perhaps you have some police bike training friends who might know of that technique.
I enjoy watching your channel.
I am also a retired motor officer from Dallas,TX. I was taught to just ease off the throttle and try and get up on the tank and that worked for me several times on the old Kawasaki KZ-1000's in the early 90's.
The problem with the Harley's and probably the Jap bikes also is when you have that dual shock suspension in the back you have rubber grommets on the bolts connecting the swing arm to the main part of the frame. What I have learned is that those rubber grommets get worn out and then that creates the shimmy between the main frame and the swing arm, and the rotation of the rear wheel is now out of alignment with the rotation of the front wheel, and thus you get the high speed wobble. Harley doesn't have this problem with the softtails , again from what I understand. I see now here in 2023 the new CVO Ultra and Road Glide is now gonna have a monoshock and this will probably alleviate that problem
Officer McKeon, were you referring to Japanese bikes in your comment? As a former officer I would imagine you are a reasonable person who appreciates justice so based on that you probably didn't know shortening the word Japanese is pretty offensive. We all make mistakes though. Anyway, thank you for being a reasonable person who appreciates justice.
@@avet4veterans Get over yourself mister righteous.
@@sir.636I just merely provided an opportunity for another human to see a mistake they may not have been aware of. We have all made mistakes. Somehow you seem triggered from that so hopefully you are able to heal from whatever caused you discomfort from my message. I wish you well🙏🏾
Would this work for all bikes? I’m a new rider and trying to learn abt safety precautions n stuff
I subbed to Dave and I also had a case of the wobble passing a semi at 70mph with my wife on the back. I figured I was going to wreck but wanted to get as slow as possible before I went down. I was able to get around the semi and get over to the shoulder and somehow got stopped without going down. Turns out my back tire had gone flat (yes, I checked it before taking off) but didn't blow out. It could have ended badly but thankfully it didn't.
A buddy had same thing happen , worn out back tire blew , him and his wife went down and got hurt bad , right beside a semi as well, Gotta have good tires
@@bigworm6635 my tire was okay, just picked up a screw or nail. I had them put a new tire on anyway, just to be safe.
Glad you’re alright man!
Thank f you were both ok! Hope this hasn’t ruined biking experience for your wife
@@JustWilson lol, all the time it was happening she was slapping me on the back of my helmet because she thought I was just fooling around. We still ride every chance we get.
Right on the spot again. I was doing motocross in my younger age, and yes don't fight the wobbles, ride like a dancer, follow your partner, the best way to stay up, and use your knees to hold on the bike. Well done again Kev.
When I first started riding a motorcycle and I finally got the courage to head out on a local highway, I was extremely disheartened because at highway speeds (~60 mph), the motorcycle was "dancing" all over the lane. Not wobbling, but simply going back-and-forth. I couldn't get it to go in a straight line! It was not a pleasant experience, and I almost gave up riding because of it. I pressed on, though, and then after about a 2 hour trip one Saturday, I woke up the next morning with my forearms absolutely killing me from their soreness. That's when I realized the problem: I had a death-grip on the handlebars while I was riding. I was causing the motorcycle to "dance" because, as you clearly stated, you cannot keep the motorcycle travelling in a straight line better than the motorcycle can do itself. After I learned to relax, my overall experience improved dramatically.
look farther ahead. look where you want to go, not where you are. All will be fine.
Very true. Stay loose and comfortable and all will be well.
@@Lurch-Bot1 Absolutely, for may reasons! And conversely do not look where you do not want to go. Cheers
Relaxing will improve ALL areas of your riding. Try not to target fixate as well, that's where when you think it's going South you lock onto something and then start heading for it. Just look where you want to go and break the "lock".
I was on a new highway surface that was grooved the long way it gave the motorcycle an unsettling ride .They actually moved the motorcycle side to side a bit . Just relax , smoother roads will be ahead
As a brand new rider (at 55 yo), I really appreciate the slow, patient, understanding, and encouraging lessons and experience you offer to every level of rider. All the questions and doubts, and concerns I have as a novice are answered and addressed without making me (us) feel stupid or discouraged as I get more and more riding time logged. I'm scheduled for a riding course in a month, and feel I'll be miles ahead and comfortable on my bike as I go through the formal lessons and tests, because of your really helpful and well produced videos! I have subscribed to Got Dave, and will poke around there too - good of you to promote the competition. Keep the knowledge coming!! Thanks, Ralph
Ralph Ralph I’m 56 and just starting myself. Safe riding 👍🏽
About time, right!? Enjoy, and be safe!
Nice
Don't tell me, you bought a Harley...
We rise by lifting others 🙏🔥. Good job Kevin. Following Dave ASAP. 👍😊
Hi Kevin, I follow your videos from Brazil... thank you for sharing your road skills, making our ride safer!
I’ve plagued by death wobble 6 years ago...
I was riding a HD Ultra Limited in a highway, about 70mph, when I felt a little shimmy in the handlebar... however, I made the mistake of grab the handlebar and the shimmy gone into a death wobble!
The motorcycle was destroyed, but (thanks God) I hadn’t serious injuries!
I've been watching GotDave for a couple of years now. Nice of you to promote him.
Bought my 1st Harley from a friend, a '98 FXD, low miles, really great shape. I was 67 then. He told me not to excede 65 or it would wobble/weave & try to unsaddle me. He was spot on. It happened twice. Got off the gas and applied some rear brake. Of course You Tube offered a plethora of solutions! I am a MMI graduate of '78. Knew this problem didn't exist when these were new. I decided to look at the front&rear "isolaters". 23 year old rubber. Oil,ozone, age, so I installed new "mounts. Problem solved. She goes as fast as I dare. No more weave!!
What are you talking about? What are isolators?
@@daviddenson3324 Engine mounts.
I have a 92 wide glide and it does the same. Tires are dry rotten and won't hold air in the front. Would that cause the problem?
@@Jacobowitness Need to get you some safe new tires g
I got Dave too. I had one memorable death wobble, early in my riding career. There were not too many traffic lights in my home town, so at rush hour , particularly after work, when I made a left turn to enter the roadway I had to cross two lanes of traffic. My Yamaha XT 350 dual sport, was geared for torque in 1st and 2nd gear, with tires that were also dual purpose, but soft and more trail than street. It seems that I was spinning the tire all the time, while taking that left turn and I wore the tread on that side of the tire. I didn't do much highway riding at that time so I never noticed any wobbling until I went to pass a car on the highway. The bike was fine at 90km/h but I sped up to pass the car to 110 or 115km/h when the bike began violently wobbling, taking up nearly the entire lane. I didn't really hit either brake, just rolled off the throttle. I regained control as I slowed down. I checked the rear axle, it was straight and the nut was tight. The Yamaha shop changed out the tire and showed me the wear when the tire was off the bike, I couldn't believe how much wear was on the left side of that tire!
it is unbelievable how much influence tires can have on the handling
About a week ago I started my trip from VA to CA, first long haul by myself, first time using a full on tourpack as well. I Loaded my newly added tourpack and off I went. It was a rainy day so it was a slow start but all good. On my second day the rain cleared so I was able put some speed, started to notice a small wobble issue at 75Mph even on the slightest curve, tested how bad it was by going a bit faster and soon found out how quickly one can go from 0 to crapping my pants😅, got into a bad death wobble at just over 77mph, luckily I had watched many videos on the subject and was able to stabilize the bike and stop. I had a new back tire which I initially blamed, I had 2300 more miles to go so decided to just slow down, didn't quite help, started getting a weak wobble but enough to make me worried. After much thought decided to move my backpack from the tourpack to the passenger seat and BAM!, wobble was gone, for testing I got the bike up to 85mph and still good. I learned how crucial it is to load the bike properly, my backpack was slightly set to the right side of the tourpack, once I readjusted that and put the backpack in the middle of the tourpack and lighter jackets holding it in place, all went to normal. I am now in CO, still not in CA, taking my time to enjoy this beautiful state and happy to have learned a lesson that will help me stay safer.
Scary stuff
What were you riding? And how was the trip? Have a write-up anywhere?
@@lovetoflylovetofly3843 the ride was amaizing, a great experience I want to re-live again some day. I ride a 2012 Victory Cross country
One of the first weeks after I took the MSF course I was out exploring the backroads and ended up on a road where they had a gravel section for about a mile in between the paved areas. That sure felt weird, but doing what I learned - roll off the throttle and relax and let the bike find its own path - it all worked the way it should. Thanks for all the reminders on these videos!
By roll back on throttle ,you mean slowed down to just the power of the engine propelling the bike not throttled correct?
Gravel and sand on the road is almost as bad as ice
Good discussion, thanks for sharing. I've experienced the wobble twice in my years of riding. The first in 1967 on Royal Lane in Dallas when it was still a two lane black top. Two of us on bikes had pased a truck and as we were pulling back into our lane the other riders back tire just barely touched my front one, the wobble began and I went down around 50 mph, skipping like a rock across a pond I lost about a yard of skin but broke nothing. Rider caused obviously. The 2nd was on the race track when trying to avoid a small hole in the pavement. As I swerved at high speed I put a fair amount of lean into the bike and as I brought it up vertical the gyroscopic action of the front tire wobbled twice, slung me off and the bike continued on for about 60 yards straight down the track without me before it lost speed and fell over.
I subscribed! Thank you for all of your great information. Your way of speaking leaves no opportunity for someone not to like/trust you. You are teaching me so much and your concern for everyone's safety is fantastic. I hope you have a year full of fantastic New rides and sharing meaningful experiences.
Hey Kevin...81 XS1100 , terrible wooble@ exactly 73 MPH. You could ride through it and it would stop at around 76 MPH. Tried everything , PSI , balance , isolaters etc. Eventually took apart the triple tree , replaced upper and lower steering bearings and Viola!! Fixed!! Many different potential causes. Thanks for the great info and I'm subbing now. Blue Skies and Dry roads!
Earlier today found myself on a stretch of dirt road and before I realized it I was in a patch of soft sand about 3 or 4 inches deep and yep..the bike started to move in a quick serpentine motion which startled me ..I was sure I was about to go down but as you say stay loose relax don't fight the bike and we'll that's what I did and it was one of the most difficult things I have ever forced myself to do ...Lol.. But it worked ! The bike made it thru just fine..me not so much..Lol. Thanks Kevin
Similar thing happened to me at 70mph, except the asphalt country road immediately changed to loose-packed stone. There were no construction signs or any warnings, just an abrupt change in surface. I had a hard time extracting the seat from my anatomy after that.
Well there I was riding in traffic on I 95 in FL. Speed was 40 MPH. I had 2 car length's of following distance. The pickup in front hit his brakes hard. Well I pushed on the rear brake hard and the tire broke loose and slid to the right. Well I let off the R brake the the tire came back in line . I was on the front break and the death warble started violently. Well there was not enough time or space and I ate the tailgate. I'm sure this was all my fault but in this case the rear tires violent re-alignment destabilized the frame. Well 3 broken ribs a collapsed lung, Broken ankle and lots of road rash taught me many lessons and I learned them well. I joined your channel yesterday. I love your vids and I have learned alot. Thanks Kev.
The last time I had a wobble on a long sweeping corner it turned out my front tire was low on air pressure
2012Ultra Classic
Yeah low pressure is bad on a bike for sure
I recently switched from a Japanese cruiser to an FLH. It is definitely worth noting these bikes handle very different from each other. I caught myself just last night in the body wobble hitting a rough section of freeway sweep too fast. I have maintenance work to go over when the garage gets a little less miserable, but I also have to check my own bad habits.
@@UA-camforcedmetochangemyname - just to clarify, when I say low I ment like 35lbs not my normal 38lbs
That will certainly do it. It contributes to the oscillation feedback loop. Then you get scared and hold the bars tighter, which exacerbates the problem.
I’m having this same problem . I add the proper air pressure which helped but i still have the wobble . I have a saxon sceptre (chopper) this happens at about 75-80 mph. I have Michelin
I added Got Dave. Thanks for supporting fellow UA-camrs, and for helping figure out wobble issues.
Just saw this video and subscribed to Dave. I have been binge watching your videos as I am planning on getting a motorcycle soon. It has been almost 12 years since I have ridden and your videos have brought so much back. I can't wait to get my bike and start practicing. Hope to see you on the road some day.
First year on the freeway I got a flat tire on the front went into a major wobble let’s go and 70 miles an hour just relax let off the throttle moved off the freeway this channel is amazing I watch it constantly and it is helped me learn a lot to make me a better rider
Great videos Dave. Love the clarity of your explanaitions. I had a nasty wobble that puckered up my starfish in 2017. I was on a road trip with my club in Colombia. We're all Royal Enfields sonce they can tacke any kind of terrain here without much trouble. We were in a final stratit stretch to reach the outskirts of the Tatacoa (indigenous word for Rattlesnake) Dessert, not a particularly evenly paved road..bikes all loaded. At about 130km/h the rear the deathwobble started. I reacted by, pressing clutch, so I could release throttle without engine braking too harshly and carefully pressed the brakes. Everyone was amazed at the reaction as it scaled to something violent pretty fast, which usually ends up in a crash upon inspection we found the rear tube had burst. We theorize because of underinflation (causing tube/tyre rubbing) topped with a heavy load (full camping gear) and very variable weather/geographical conditions. It is a scary situation to experience! I can say I was unscathed, but appreciate any comments on my reaction or theory. Cheers!
You are very knowledgeable, brother. It has been my experience (and, just my experience) that most death wobbles are caused by: 1) wheels needing to be balanced; 2) wrong tire pressures for the conditions/load; 3) bad bearings (wheel or head); 4) tires that are bad/worn; 5) unbalanced load; 6) mis-aligned wheels; 7) road surface issues combined with speed. Again, not saying this an all inclusive list, just things that I have had happen to me or someone I know while I was present... Almost 40 years of riding, so I've seen a lot. Most of these can be handled with proper bike maintenance and care...
Thanks Kevin for giving Dave the nod. I subscribed to him and he's got some great vids posted...... Be Safe
Joined Dave's 4.33K Subscribers. Good job promoting his channel
I "Got Dave." Let me tell you, during the first 2 3/4 minutes of your video you probably caused Dave's head to increase in size and almost explode.😁 Great video. Thank you.
I had a high speed wobble occur on a 1983 Yamaha Venture Royal back in the 90's. It started at about 115 mph and shook so violently that I was barely able to hang onto the handlebars. It didn't quit until the bike slowed to about 75 mph. I tried back break, front break and even rolling on some power at one point, but it didn't stop until it was ready. I was told later by a friend that owned a motorcycle dealership that it was likely due to low front tire pressure and the fact that a dress bike gets lighter in the front at high speeds, rather than squatting down in the front the way crotch rockets typically do. I still ride and my last two bikes have been Ultra Classics, but I'll never forget that wobble ride!
I subbed GotDave! Thanks for helping us be safe riders, McRider!
When I hit a patch of grooved highway I always thought of Ali's "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee". The first part of that would always make me relax and loosen my grip enough that I didn't become a part of the problem. That also applies to any rough ground. As I was primarily a dirt rider I discovered that riders do the same thing offroad. Many times when hitting rough ground riders will tighten up and crash, where as a more experienced rider would avoid the death grip and ride through the rough spot. This knowledge has saved me more times than I can count.
GotDave is at over 5K subscribers!! You guys are so awesome
Done.
Most of the new highway they’re putting in here has rain grooves put in which makes the old BMW like to shimmy a bit but relaxing on the bars always does the trick. I’ve only had one full on “tank slapper” in over 45 years of riding and over 100 motorcycle courses and clinics. Turning on to a freeway on-ramp where there had just been an accident. Cars were gone but there was antifreeze and oil still in the lane. I had polarized glasses on so I didn’t see the gloss on the road and it oiled my tires up nicely. I’m not sure how I kept it upright but I did and I will always give credit to all the classes over the years. No matter how many times I take them I always learn something. I enjoy watching your videos and employ what I learn here.
Thank you.
Had a flat on my vtx1800, thank goodness I was at around 45 and was able to use my front brakes to slowly lower the speed of the bike and get off the road, that's a death wobble I never want to experience again if possible
I can confirm the wobble due to loose spokes. My bike has several years and miles on it, and I,be been on long trips through the rain. The sockets in the rim where the spoke adjustment ball (?) pulls into the rim all had rusted so much that when I lifted the rear of the bike, the wheel would move quite a bit. That was the rear wheel and it wouldn’t wobble till 55 mph or so. Thanks for the informative video.
Kevin, love your Vlogs . Learning so much and I’m applying all these nuggets of treasure. I’ve learned a lot from you , Dan Dan the fireman and ride like a pro. Thank you for your time👍🏼
I recently bought my first Harley 02 wide glide. I grew up riding dirt bikes & ATVs there are SO MANY more dangerous situations you can get yourself in on a street bike I truly & whole heartedly understand that now. Thank you McRider for your educational words & your time. Bobby from Evansville Indiana
Worn or loose steering head bearings are also a big cause of "death wobble"
This happened to me in 1985 on a '77CB750K Honda. I believe due to a combination of excessive speed & worn loose bearings in the steering head. Fortunately I got away with a split chin & a lot of road rash . Wore a 3/4 helmet then switched to full-face nowadays.
Stomp rear Brake hold on
Let the bike do it..on freeway slots...
53 years ago, I had a severe death wobble on my 1966 Suzuki X6 Hustler (250 CC road bike). I had taken it up to 90 mph for the first time ever. When the wobble started, I let closed the throttle. The wobble stopped at about 70 or 75 (kind of guessing here). It scared the hell out of me. Half a century later it still gives me the creeps thinking about it.
V-Strom 650, loaded up for adv touring (i.e. heavy on the rear), OEM Bridgstone A40's, pretty well worn, 1/8" more rubber than wear indicators. Suddenly it developed a speed wobble doing lane changes on the highway, complete front end inspection unremarkable, except for the tire. Switched out the tire for a new Shinko 705, good to go, handles like new, huge improvement on the gravel and trails.
This tire is now also down to 1/8" over the wear indicator and we'll see how it goes. New tire in the garage, ready to go.
Recovering from a death wobble accident. I’m here learning more and it seems like I did everything wrong,low tire pressure,pot hole then hit front brakes trying Slow down at a yellow light before it turned red and went into the intersection. The back end of the bike literally went out from underneath me and I laid the bike down. Ouch 🤕
Same here man
I like your no-nonsense, non-theatrical approach. And you seem like a decent guy. I've just subscribed to both your channel and GotDave
I also subbed to Dave. As a new rider I appreciate all the insight Kevin.
My wife and Inexperienced one due to road conditions. Started with the rear end washing and after correcting that I got into a death wobble. It was very extreme and the road conditions ended up causing it to get worse as I slowed down for some reason. There was rain on and off that day and also construction dust all over the road. My wife ended up coming off low side and then my bike hit dry payment and I high sided. I am very lucky to be here today as I didn’t have a helmet on that day and was going about 60mph according to my Life360 at time of accident. I was relatively loose on the handle bars and was rear braking I eventually tried to add throttle which sometimes can help as well but with wet roads that doesn’t work…love your videos keep up the great content.
Very informative vid,I got the wobbles years ago on a bend, I recall it was due to fork oil either uneven levels or inconsistent oil in each tube,something like that,replaced oil,correct viscosity and levels,bike handled immaculately,and no more problems,thankyou for your vids,best wishes,from,Auckland,New Zealand.👍🙂😉🧨
were you on a bmw r1150rt?
I stubbled on this video searching for how to correct death wobble... I like how you try to help out the little channels. Props to both of you
. following both now .
Got Dave now has 1,520 subscribers. Nice job, Kevin! And all you McRider viewers, too!
added Dave today!
IMPORTANT! Do not sit straight up in the air flow at high speeds. If you have a high fairing, alright, otherwise put your belly on the tank and the wobble will stop right away. Even my old 1976 Ducati bevel with rock hard suspension and a superstrong frame would weave a little above 160 kph/100 mph if I sat straight up (almost).
Hey Kevin,
I have only experienced that “wobble” once in 50 years of riding. It was triggered by a series of crossways ripples in the asphalt. It was like a “wave-resonance effect”. I was riding a BMW 1100 in good mechanical condition. What I did was a little pressure on one handgrip and take off my throttle. It was a scary 1/4 mile before the front wheel wobble abated. Probably due to a moon phase or alignment of planetary bodies. Who knows?
I have been riding since 2014. That's at age of 40 when I got my motorcycle license. But ever since I have subscribed to ur channel n watching videos, I feel I have still tonnes to learn. Thank you dear for the hard work n covering up as much. Thanks.
Bad preload was causing it for me on a new bike. Once I fixed the preload it went away.
Whats a preload?
Static sag on the shocks. Check out Dave Moss to learn more.
Just subscribed to GotDave - another place to learn how to be a better rider. Even after 60+ yrs I'm still learning.
I was waiting for you to mention speed, good point the speed rating on the tire to consider
Subscribed... I'm very happy that there are great folks like yourself out here to provide tips and techniques to help all riders better themselves ...
That was priceless!! He’s added to my playlist
Subscribed to Got Dave, I actually found your channel through a coworker and this is the 2nd video to pop up after watching the 1st video after I looked you up. I am new to motorcycles and am waiting to take my very first Motorcycle Riders Safety Course through our local Harley Davidson dealership. I have been practicing the friction zone on the clutch on the motorcycle I purchased a few weeks ago. I must say, I really like the information you are feeding out there and I will direct people I know to your channel that are wanting to get into motorcycling.
This just happened to me and I’m almost positive if i loosened up on the bars I would’ve crashed gave me a mini heart attack
I paused and subscribed to both of your channels. I'm 55 and been riding since I was a kid with a Briggs & Stratton powered minibike. Just bought a beautiful well kept 96 Heritage Classic 3 months ago and as I write, it is in the shop because of the death wobble and a rear brake that is a little too sensitive. I can do some repairs and mods myself, but I'm humble enough to realize that when it comes to ways my motorcycle will try to kill me, it's best to seek a good reputable mechanic. Always ready to learn and smart enough to know there's more things I don't know than DO know. Thanks for the schoolin'.
Subbed to GotDave! Thanks!
Back in the late 80's, I was racing Honda CR500's and CR250's, The bikes were being built for the quick tight turns and Jumps of MX and Supercross. But out in the high speed sections in the deserts of Arizona, if you would let off the throttle fast or "chop" the throttle in a rough section the CR's had a violent head shake. And it is true what you said, hold onto the bike with your knees and keep a loose grip and let the bars float until it stops.
We found that by tightening up the head bearings to where there was an ever so slight drag when turning the bars from side to side with the front wheel in the air. It drastically reduced the headshake when coming down from speed. Nice channel, good advice. Thank you.
lol, thanks for the laugh this morning!
Thanks for all your videos Kevin. I did actually go to your link and subscribed to "GotDave" also. Great work and your videos are great to watch. You also exude relaxed confidence. All the best from Canada.
Hello all the way from sunny South Africa, I’ve subscribed to Dave 👍🏻
Thanks for all the good content 😎
Subscribed to GotDave. Thanks Kevin & Dave for showing how Motorcycle Riders support each other.
I’m just now getting back to street after 30 years. Unless you have experienced the death wobble its hard to appreciate. In 1983 I bought a used 1982 Kawasaki GPZ1100. The front tire had some uneven wear but tread was still there and being I didn’t have much money I didn’t replace. As you note, I was riding at high speed about 90 MPH when the front end started to wobble. I immediately let off the gas but it was several seconds before the wobble subside. I promise you it put the fear of god in a young 20 year old rider. Don’t mess around with tires that are worn...and of course watch the speed. I appreciate your videos very informative to help me get back to the street safely.
You are correct. I bought a used bike from a HD dealer and when I would hit 70mph on the highway the handle bars would start to shake to the point I felt like i was going to lose control. I checked the tire pressure that was supposed to be 36/40 and they were actually at 22/30. I added proper air pressure and the problem was instantly fixed. Great video,thanks. Also, for future buyers don't believe the dealers when they say they gave the bike a complete check before selling.
My 78 KZ1000A2 used to have a crazy wobble between 85 and 90. A top engine mount and gusseting the frame backbone tubes fixed that. Just either ripped through the wobble range or rode slower til I fixed it. Some say the KLRs have a wobble too, but I haven’t noticed it on my 23 Adventure. Good episode; thanks, Kevin.
Subscribed to Dave's channel. Mission accomplished.
Subscribed to GoDave! Thank you both for the great and helpful videos!
I just bought a 2007 Harley Dyna, known for the death wobble problem. First thing I did was check the front engine mount, totally blown out and the bolts were loose, not even hand tight! That solved most of the engine vibration. I also just upgraded the rear stock shocks to Progressive 412 shocks. The stocks were so bad my teeth would rattle driving down a gravel road LOL. I've been driving for about a week and a half now every day, got her up to 50 mph, no wobbles yet, but I need to get her out on the highway and do 75-80 MPH to see what she does...
We had a 2001 ZX900RR and I brought it down off center one day from a wheelie and caused a high speed wobble scared the crap out of me but I had the forethought to pop it right back up and stop it from shaking then set it back down smother and it worked! All this happens between 110mph to 80mph so my britches did not survive them poor things the horror! 💩
I got a death wobble when I first got my 600cc and decided to see how fast I could go.
At 120mph the death wobble started and I eased off on the throttle and the wobble stopped - I never did that again.
Hey Kevin. First off, I love your channel, and recommend it to all my rider friends. I also use your channel as a primary reference for new riders. I work for a small company outside of Atlanta GA that has been accurately identifying and repairing chassis misalignments in motorcycles for over 25 years. ANY chassis misalignments WILL cause a motorcycle to shake, shimmy, pull or turn differently one side to the other! We measure and produce a physical sheet of data for the exact alignment and geometry of the motorcycle more accurate than a laser because our target is smaller. We've got physical proof of what you are saying! Guys! Kevin is right! If your bike pulls or wobbles, get it checked out and fixed!!! Your ride will be better, confidence higher and machine safer!
I should also mention, that we have found that in very many cases, good tires will mask a misalignment problem, but once they develope the wear pattern caused by the misalignment, the wobble will return.
My little brother last month got into the death wobble in san Diego and he layed the bike down and slid check first into a road sign pole. Died instantly. Thank you for helping people understand what this is and how to correct it and what causes it
So sorry for your loss 😢
theses are the first two channels I have felt compelled to subscribe tout there ya go
I am already subscribed to MCrider, now I got Dave. Super, thanks.
Thanks again for a very informative video! I own a 2014 Yamaha FJR1300 and when I bought it 2 years ago, I had Michelin Pilot Road 4’s installed. Not a bad tire, but at around 2,000 miles, I noticed the handlebars start to mildly shake at highway speeds (65-70). It also took more effort to transition from side to side in curves also.
I did switch to Pirelli Angel GT’s and what a difference! All the issues I had with the Michelins went away. I have TPMS on the valve stems so checking the air pressure is easy and I add air accordingly.
Love your videos learning so much from your eloquently and perfectly put together with education and experience. So thank you for your videos and I'm a faithful watching and follower of your videos. Thank you
You Sir, are an excellent instructor.I will soon be getting back into riding a motorcycle after a 50 year hiatus.I had a head on collision, with a corvair 56 years ago while driving a honda 50 .Yep, that hurt and left a mark.I was going to purchase a harley road king ,recently ,however,one of your video instructions advised me to slow my roll with a big heavy bike.Thats the one where you said 3 reasons people die on a motorcycle .So,I got a sportster and I feel ,for now,that I will be in a better position to ride. I will determine my a graduation to a larger motorcycle with more riding and training videos with your help. I will soon be 70 and I feel much younger.With the help of your very instructional,well thought out, presentations I am confident I will have a much more safe and enjoyable motorcycle riding experience. Thank You.
Thanks Kevin,I also got Dave. I just recently found your channel here,and am i need to keep learning as much as I can, so keep on teaching and I’ll see you on the road.
Thanks for the weekly videos - I love your tips you provide
Hey Dave, Your topic grabbed my attention. Years ago, a riding partner got into a violent wobble after changing lanes on the highway. The bars were lock to lock and unfortunately the rider wastable to regain control, ultimately crashing of the highway and into a guardrail. The mechanical issue was studied and found to be the result of after market installed rear mounted accessories. I'm not certain of the exact details on the poor mounting or weight impact, however clearly a mechanical issue. I found your explanation of front end mechanical issues such as tires, in particular the defective tires to be so crucial in making your point. A violent wobble is extremely difficult to correct and even the best and most knowledgeable riders should beware! Thank you, and to all enjoy and above all be safe!
A friend of mine on a Harley was passing a semi at about 90 mph when the bike went into a wobble. He got the bike down to about 60 mph before having to jump off. No helmet. After a helicopter ride to the hospital, a week's stay, and six month rehab, he was back to his old self.
I had a bad wobble on a 2006 Goldwing after having it serviced at a local dealer. Doing about 75 mph down the highway the thing suddenly began to shake. I released the throttle and hit the brakes and was able to get it off the road. Called the shop and explained. Rode it home, paying close attention to speed and feel. When the shop took another look, turned out the steering head wasn’t torqued to spec.
I paused and went to it and subscribed to GotDave thanks fellas!👊🏻😎👍🏻
And MC Rider as well!!!
Great video and I not only subscribed to Got Dave , but this channel as well.
Yass umm! all good & true info, being a rider for over 50 years you covered questions & conditions i forgot about. tks. keep em coming.
I just had a friend pass away in a motorcycle accident. He was on Facebook live when it happened and he wrecked due to this wobble. We all saw it happen. I found this video trying to make sense as to why he wrecked. Appreciate the info
If you are a new rider or a rider who wants to continue to grow (That should be all of us ;) ) and you are not a Member at MCrider you are missing out on the best part of MCrider. Go to www.MCrider.com/Member and get access to the Forums and Field Guide.
- The Forum is an active, friendly place where riders share riding tips, ideas, travel photos, and show off their new motorcycles. Riders and instructors from all over the world are active on the forums and ready to share in the adventure with you.
- The Field Guide is a section of the forums that have very specific training exercises that you can work on in any open parking lot to develop your riding skills.
In addition to these resources, you can discuss every MCrider video, suggest future training videos, read and share gear reviews, and more.
By becoming a member you help support MCrider and keep the weekly videos coming but you also get access to a world of riders who share tips and techniques to help us all enjoy the ride and increase our skills.
www.MCrider.com/Member
GotDave! Thanks for your videos always something to learn!
This is just a HUGE AD FOR MC RIDER
I subscribed to "GotDave?". He now has 5.22K subs. Also, thank you for your great videos. They are informative and helpful. I like to take an Advanced Rider Class each year, because I tell everyone, it's never a bad idea to hone your skills. Ohio has not had the class for the 2 previous years and, of course, 2020 has not allowed for one this year. Your videos offer DIY training exercises for everyone.
Just saw this video and subscribed to Got Dave--looking forward to the new resource! Thanks, Kevin ...
Got Dave, great informative video thanks. And big thanks for paying it forward for Dave
I experienced this kind of wobble twice.
First time was about 15 years ago on a Honda NSR150, it turned out to be a worn out front axel bearing.
Second time was recently on a Honda CRF250, while reaching 80mph. Probably too high for stock tires which is off-road oriented.
Luckily, with the instinct to slow down with rear wheel instead of grabbing the front break, I got out safely.
No one told me not to grab the front while it wobble before seeing this video today.
I just felt that gaining stress on the unstable wheel is not a good idea.
My personal experience proof this video solid, and worth spreading.
I've been in one death wobble...hwy121 was being repaved & I changed from an unrepaved lane to one that was..the rise was about 2 to 3 inchs... I was on a Honda V-65 1100...I immediately released the throttle & feathered the back brake...it pulled out...I went on down the road...a little more knowledgeable & had a new button hole in my seat lol....Thanks
Yes, In 1985 I experienced a severe non-stop wobble going straight @ about 90 mph on my '77 Honda 750K . The bike went down & I survived with road rash but no broken bones. The cause was probably worn out bearings in the steering head combined with my excessive speed.
Being a longtime Honda ST1300 rider/ owner I have heard about a wobble/shimmy on the ST forums that I have never experienced in the many years I've been operating these bikes except with the original tires that came on the bike. The original equipment front tire caused a terrible drifting feeling on California freeways that have rain grooves cut into them. This was due to the tires tread pattern that had three straight lines that ran parallel with the rain grooves on the freeway surface. Many people complained about the problem even after replacing the OE tires. I just recently took a 600 mile trip to AZ on my 2012 Honda ST1300 with 18K miles. I had just performed a complete service on the bike including replacing the front fork seals and internal bearing surfaces before leaving. My motorcycle had a jacket and spare shoes in one bag and a small tool kit in the other bag. I do not have a top box on the bike. I wanted to try and replicate the problem that I have read so much about so I performed every situation where people said they experienced it. I ran the bike completely pegged for several miles and it tracked straight without any wobble. I experienced high winds going through Palm Springs which pushed me around a bit, but that is normal because the wind has nowhere to go through the bike. Our full fairing bikes are like riding a full sheet of plywood in the wind. One person said when he removed his saddlebags, the problem disappeared. This would make sense if it was a wind induced condition because the wind hitting your bike perpendicular with the bags removed would have a way to escape through the tire and the fender hole, decreasing the lateral force on the rear end. The one place I was able to replicate some minor wobble was following directly behind a tractor-trailer. The wind vortices behind the tractor-trailer definitely caused some oscillation in the steering, which I'm sure is also related to the full fairing. Maybe a good topic Kevin for a future MCRider video (wink.) People who haven't sat in a semi-tractor should do so someday so they understand what the driver can see and where we as motorcyclists can position ourselves to ride more safely. Thanks again for all you do.
Thank you for the info on the wobble. My '06 HD soft tail deluxe... shakes with reducing firm grip at all speeds. Dealership replaced head bearings, replaced wheel, and fork oil. No change. It goes back tomorrow
Added GotDave. Good to subscribe to quality and informative MC channels. A "death wobble" is amplified 200% with a sidecar! The sidecar and MC are leaned (in or out) to straighten the track of the vehicle. The three wheels also adjust the center of gravity and lessens the load on the front wheel. I've installed a [replaced twice] steering damper, but not helping much.
Had a Harley FXRT go into a wobble above a hundred mph. in FL around Daytona during bike week. Scared me big time. Glad to be here to say this. Harley Davidson motorcycles are not designed to be ridden fast and hard on rough roads. Not a bad motorcycle, just not stable at high speeds.
I was on the Devil's Triangle in Tennessee and was going around a curve and hit gravel causing a death wobble. It got so bad it throw me off the bike and I almost went off a 60 foot cliff. My helmet definitely saved my life. I was bruised up a bit and had road rash from sliding about 40 feet, but I'm alive. Scary experience. I am now looking for a bike with anti lock brakes so prevent tire lock up.