Tank slapper/death wobble and how to avoid them - Plus, update on Triumph Bobber Black test bike

[@docsridingadventures2880]

I have had two death wobbles in the last week. Both while passing a semi going into a headwind. I had seen this video before and it saved my life

[@dbcopper10]

Been riding since 1980, and by no means consider myself an expert rider. All this time I thought the wobble was caused by high speeds, and as I rarely top 60 I figured I was immune. When you said you experienced it at 45mph you got my attention!

[@analyticalhabitrails9857]

I can personally vouch for the man because thia very same thing happened to me (recently 3 months ago on a rainy day) on my automatic honda helix at somewhere between 40 to 50 miles an hour. Its just as the man said it will happen but I'm very glad to report I'm made it safely back home.

[@stizzoforizzo898]

@@analyticalhabitrails9857 50 in the rain is too fast

[@humanbeing3368]

​@@stizzoforizzo898 lmao its not your just not experienced enough 😂

[@bloodymarvelous4790]

I experienced a wobble on my 2018 Road King Special. Was running down a highway with a seam in the asphalt. Rookie mistake, I started focussing on the seam, and that's where I ended up. The front wheel started oscillating. I let off the gas, and relaxed my grip on the handlebars, shifted my weight to force the bike out of the seam, and it corrected before I lost control. Raised my heart rate, I'll tell you that...

[@coraje1388]

I have a Road King Special too! Thanks for the tip!

[@BigFiveJack]

Bloody Marvelous - I'm glad you kept the rubber down!

[@deanbush]

Whew!!

[@Geezer1320]

Hey Jerry. In ‘79 I had the misfortune of experiencing a tank slapped at high speed in a long sweeping right hander. I happened upon an illegally parked car. I jerked it up to pass it and went into a nasty tank slapper. In those days they had this liquid tire balance on the market and I had some in my back tire. I feel pretty certain it didn’t respond quickly enough and caused the wobble. I did exactly as you suggested in your video and let off the throttle and was slowly gaining control. Unfortunately, I ran outta road. I took out a small tree, telephone breaker box and an aluminum light pole. God, in His Grace, allowed me to live and talk about it. That was a few years before I too became a motor man and received proper training. Good video, keep it up!

[@davidkranz6228]

“At high speed in a long sweeping right handed”

[@Motorbikeghecko]

Jerry has been a mentor to me without even knowing it. I watch the videos and use his techniques as best as i can. Ive been riding 2 years and own a electra glide. Its because of Jerry that i have persevered with the bike and not sold it. Thank you so much

[@lorenzovillegas2457]

the windshield looks cool because its kind of a "bobbed" windshield. looks like it came with the bike. thanks Paladino!

[@kerryoconnell5203]

In 95 I had a severe wobble after having a service and tire change on my Heritage Softail. The dealership ended up changing my front tire 3 times before they realized that the spokes needed to be tightened. The lesson learned was don't always trust the dealership to do all the items on the service checklist. On my 2013 Road Glide the neck bearing needed tightening to stop a slight wobble.

[@kevinhale628]

They should put that lesson in the owners manual

[@lylemacdonald6672]

Thank you for your videos. After 50 years I have only had two serious wobbles that were well on their way to becoming tank slappers. One was the result of the steering head bearing in need of re- torquing and I had not noticed because I had failed to do a check for a long while and the steering dampener was mitigating the issue early on. The other was a rapid loss of air in the front tire at highway speed but it only became apparent when I slowed down and took an off ramp that was a decreasing radius; as I slowed down and the turn became tighter the front end really went crazy. Luckily, on both occassions, I was able to avoid bouncing off the pavement.

[@brucesantacory1390]

several Causes, loose or bad neck bearings, Loose spokes on a laced wheel, the alignment of the motor mounts and too much Weight towards the Rear of the Bike, the bike you are talking about was a HD Softail WAY over packed and Super high speed

[@G56AG]

There are a ton of variables that can be involved in this. One thing to emphasize is to NEVER get a death grip and try to fight it, it doesn't work. Being a pilot as well as a motorcycle rider for 55 years, sometimes in flying we get what is called a PIO, or Pilot Induced Oscillation, usually caused by people who try to fight against the normal movements of the airplane or the bike. Other factors involved are design, tire wear usually caused by not properly maintaining tire pressure, excessive wear of the fork bearing or poor installation of the bearings, crosswinds and other factors. Don't panic, don't over react if it happens to you.

[@charleschidester6767]

Thanks again, I found the more weight on the rear vs. the front. You're more likely to get the wobble. I had it once coming down a mountain pass going about 60 , and it scared me to death. Naturally let off the gas and that shifted enough weight forward to save my life. Riding single with my gear on the back. Let's just say, my seat pucker is in great shape these days.

[@jshumphress13]

Legend has it that there’s still a faint brown stripe going down the middle of your seat.

[@shrapmagnet]

My 1990 HD FXR went into a wobble at around 80 MPH on the interstate a few weeks ago with no warning, while trying to keep up with some friends on newer, heavier, more powerful bikes. Instinctively, I backed off the throttle leaning forward- just like Jerry said. I've had that FXR for over 20 years- best handling bike I've ever ridden- until it tried to murder me. There are a few options of what may have cause this (mechanically speaking). I rode that bike home very carefully, and the next day dropped it off at the best HD mechanic in NW Fl and told him to spend as much time as ne needs to figure this out.

[@jameshernandez5328]

This man has given the best tips and video instructions I've ever seen. Use them all!!

[@motorman857]

Glad you like them!

[@bradleyalexander5821]

Never once waisted my precious time watching a MotorMan video. Touche Motorman, knowledge is supremely valuable. 🎩-tip.....👍🏼 😎 🇺🇸 🌎

[@bluerider7922]

WAISTED ?!? REALLY? EVER PAY ATTENTION IN 7th GRADE ENGLISH CLASS?? PERHAPS YOU GET "WAISTED" EVERY DAY AFTER WORK DRINKIN' TOO MUCH. WHAT SIZE IS YOUR "WASTE" ?

[@AbbadonXII]

Blue Rider yikes

[@hni7458]

Thank you kindly dear Mr Palladino. The suggestion of the front wheel getting oscillating or similar explains a lot to me, me having tried to understand wobbling. That's our responsibility as riders, trying to understand the dynamics behind our vehicle. Spells s-a-f-e-t-y.

[@keithhults8986]

I had a sudden bad thrash on my 03' XL1200 Sporty. Excelerating with my throttle wide open, I hit 75mph and the bars almost thrashed out of my grip for a split second. I always check tire pressures before a ride. That day I did not. The slightly low air in the front tire caused the tank slap. After I heated up the rubber slamming the throttle for an hour, the heat threw the tire out of balance.

[@gearingo1793]

It's February, and I'm in Canada -- it was just nice seeing the riding.

[@Armysniper360]

From what I've read on the death wobble, they found causes. Improper air inflation in tires, worn tires, front/rear wheel not aligned, worn wheel bearings, bearings not adjusted properly. Pressure washing the bike will clean it, but when it's done on the wheels and near the bearings? Tests have shown to push the grease out, and rust the bearing. Death wobble is avoidable with proper knowledge and proper riding technique. Thanks again Jerry for another fantastic video

[@robertpronovost3839]

Mr Brando I have learned so much from just watching your videos. Safer riding vet. Thanks for your service.

[@PFLEONARDI0906]

My #1 rule for avoiding tank slappers is: Don’t do wheelies and have the front wheel come down on a large rock (which induces gyroscopic precession and then the switch to gyroscopic procession with rinse & repeat - basic physics via Sikorsky & Asimov). Jerry you said at the initial part of the video to “keep your eyes wide open…,” don’t worry about that, once your in a tank slap your eyes will be wide open LOL….. BTW Great videos! Grazie mille!

[@toffee1889]

Excellent videos. I showed a guy from work your videos and he came back to me saying he learnt more in five minutes than he learnt in 20 years of riding.

[@motorman857]

Good stuff

[@Mr_Spock]

Not my rz500 lol but had a bad tank slapper when I was young . Jumped on a frankenbike rz350 a guy had not knowing . Then raced a guy in a z28 . Was ahead red lining in 5th gear . Over a hilly part of the road . The weight came down and went into a violent tank slapper . 3 back and forth I ditched the bike right side ditch . Jumped off back so I wouldn't go into traffic . Learned that helmets save lives and don't trust a bike you haven't been on . Got a 18hr coma over it and 6 months rehab .

[@Mr_Spock]

Needless to say untold buddy to f off wanted $$$ and bought the bike out of impound for $150 then sold the motor for $300 . The good old days lol

[@winter7401]

So good to see a windshield on a bobber! So many people dislike them, but I think they look fine and they get rid of a lot of that naked bike drag. Can imagine it helps with fuel consumption to, which is hugely important with that small tank

[@fattnersgeekfile5478]

hi im a 61 y/o male riding since 81 lg bikes ( royal star,road stars ,road king electroglide and indian chieftain 2081) ,,, i experienced a wobble /tank slap aweek ago on a fwy going straight 65-70 mph road conditions were good , lite traffic ... just enjoying my ride . All of the sudden i felt and heard cluck and immensely had i violent wobble that i couldnt get out of and laid my indian dwn .... i have never experienced that b4 nor will i ever forget it ... i was able to walk away with busted nise and few ribs aling with face abrasion hands /arms and legs ... had 1/2 dot helmet on leaher gloves and jacket , chicpawass steel toe boots ( thats the firemen /medic in me still with a spit shine) thankyou for you informative video !!

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I know of two wobble crashes involving police officers who were both operating Harley Davidson FLHT-P's that were around the 2008-09 model years. One I witnessed from start to finish and one happed about a mile from me during an escort. Neither ended well for the officers but they both survived. The officer involved in the crash that I witnessed sued Harley Davidson. I was later interviewed by an attorney for HD but I don't think that he liked what I had to say and I believe that they settled out of court. I experienced a bad wobble on my personally-owned 2001 FLTR, but thankfully I was able to pull out of it using the technique explained in this video. If I remember correctly Harley made a frame geometry change to the FL model bikes starting in the 2010 model year. It makes me wonder if the change had something to do with the HD wobble phenomenon.

[@stevehinch2694]

road alongside that new Triumph Bobber yesterday in a funeral ride....it looks cool and sounds great stood out among 40+ bikes mostly Harleys.

[@justanotherviewer52]

Thanks Motorman. haven't had a wobble since my early, foolish days in the mid-seventies. Hopefully I've gotten smarter. Nice looking Triumph. Next thing you know, you'll be looking for Fonzie's TR5 bike!

[@redflint7651]

Ayyyeeeee

[@blkjakk]

👍🏻

[@andrewsimineri2243]

Love my 2019 Triumph Bobber Black. Added the floorboards, high bars and Vance & Hines pipes along with a bunch more and it's the most fun bike I ever owned. Love your videos fellow east coaster.

[@opichocal]

One thing for sure that causes tank slappers is a worn front tire. My sport bikes were bad about doing it if I let go of the handlebars coasting to a light. I put a steering damper to help control it. Now my cruisers will wobble when the tire is worn and I lock my elbows. Also check the torque on your steering head bearings will help

[@jerryu6850]

I had the Cabo Wobble several years back, but never on my Harley’s. Thanks.

[@literbikes2540]

a week ago i had a major tank slapper when my front wheel came down at 130 mph.. zx10r.. it was so violent i was bucked from the bike. broke 10 ribs 3 ribs have multiple breaks. punctured my lung. 100% my fault and i ride a lot! just be careful guys. Love you all!!

[@atodass572]

Holy moly! Get well soon

[@BloodPlusPwn]

Live and learn, as they say. You're definitely fortunate to have come out of that, I would assume that you're generally a much wiser person now lol

[@analyticalhabitrails9857]

Well we dont want you to die either man!! Ride safely, come back home safely.

[@heavenlysheephugshuggingfo1505]

Jerry I love your channel very much are very informative you're very honest it feels like getting advice from a good friend

[@earlwilliams5473]

wow ! thanks for the video. in 45 years of on & off riding i never knew you can have a wobble with your hands on the bars. i've had it happen with no hands on the bars. woke me up REAL FAST ! i was checking for bent forks or loose triple tree. a BMW k1200 is no joke to have this happen on. lucky for me that my hands where at the bars and ready for it. i grabbed the bars and dumped the throttle. i was going about 40 MPH. the bar does shake with a lot of force.

[@teddworak4193]

I was in a wobble on my 2006 ultra custom , the bike started wobbling at 60 mile per hour. To the point that the bike started turning sideways where I had to jump off . Bike slid to the left of the highway and I slid to right. Thank goodness I had engine guards which where 90 percent chaffed, just a little damage on the saddle bag and front fender. People stopped the traffic, picked up my bike, and wheeled it to my side, asked me if I’m ok which I was.. Few minutes I was back in the saddle. The road was wet so it prevented the bike from flipping which would have been more damage.

[@mikeashcraft4354]

When it happened to me, my reactions were get off the throttle, apply a little rear brake. I don"t remember leaning forward. Was going a little over 65. I had been warned by former owner, "don't go over 65!" That's why he sold the '98 FXDG to me. It scared the shit outta him. In this case, new front&rear "isolaters" was the fix. Glad you got "off" so easy. ATGATT saves your hide!

[@mpccenturion]

I used my Dad's 68 Triumph Tiger in 79. I had it for one summer and put 2000 miles on it. I noticed the head shake as a mild vibration. I never really had it get severe. However at the end of summer, I had a primary drive gear break. Luckily I found one, changed it and went over all the areas I thought needed improving. The front forks would allow the wheel to migrate off the centerline by more than 1/4 inch. That was where the shake was coming from. It still sits where i parked it in Dad's garage. Nimble, light, easy to control, at 48 Hp it had enough to be fast. The Black Bobber looks fine! Cheers

[@soundlysbananacam6182]

Ive had a load of tank slappers old Honda's , Yam's .....survived them all lol you have to lower /change your center of gravity , my worst one i was approaching (fast accelerating ) a humped back bridge full slap kicked off i thought it was the end time slowed down , throttle off chest on to tank it stabilised and made it over the bridge and lived to tell the tale ... Thank you Lord .

[@Wooley689]

That is a nice looking Triumph.

[@TexanWolverine]

HD Dyna Wide Glide I had , the wobble would happen around 75-80mph in a turn. The motor mount was soft and allowed the motor to shift side to side and would steer the rear wheel side to side as a result. Putting in a bracket to prevent side to side motion while still allowing front to back motion prevented the wobble.

[@mikeashcraft4354]

Me too on my '98 FXD. Was warned by previous owner "don't go over 65"! Happened twice. Am a MMI grad of '78, went over why now after 24 years of use with only 27k miles on Odom. Started simple/inexpensive, installed new "isolators"front&rear. Problem solved

[@dalecarpenter8828]

I had the 1974 CB 750 K cafe ! I bought in 1984 ! Rode it like I stole it till around 1988 ! Love that bike !

[@0873sp]

Hey Jerry, thx for talking about wobbling. I had a wobble a few months back and it scared the s--t out of me at first because I was going in a straight line about 80 mph on the highway. (Yes, sorry, I speed.😀 Everyone in socal does and if we don't we can get run off the road). Anyway, my handlebars just started shaking and I was like, holy s--t what's happening? Well, I just let off the throttle slowly and it went away. Later, I realized my tires were low on air which I deduced to be the most likely reason but it was very scary nevertheless.

[@monroemonuments8721]

constantly check your tire pressures. I change mine constantly for optimal tire performance. sunny and hot day increase psi. Colder and cloudy reduce psi. Raining increase psi. Go off of what people recommend for your tire, motorcycle and suspension set up. then adjust from there. Glad you made it out of the shakes and are checking psi more often.

[@0873sp]

@@monroemonuments8721 thx appreciate it👍

[@Charlies_Riding_Adventures]

Nope. Wasn’t searching crashes. I’m subscribed and I get notifications. But I’m glad you talk about this subject.

[@davemoyer505]

Triumphs RULE!! I have a Thunderbird Storm. Love it!!!!! Almost bought the Bobber instead. Bobbers are cool! But, I’ll stay with the Storm, and maybe someday get a Bobber for my second bike. Make that third- I have a ‘72 650 Bonny as my second.👍😁

[@westcoast3595]

I have experienced the scary wobble on two different Harleys. Found the bagger had tired mounts at the swing arm pivot point. The other had an over raked triple tree set with ever so slightly loose bearings. Needless to say I fixed both of them right away. New urethane mounts i. The bagger. New triple tree set of proper geometry for the bike and bearings. Lithium grease of course. Its hang on like Jerry said, let go of the gas. Going faster to get thru it only makes it worse.

[@mikeashcraft4354]

Yup!

[@nickrichardson7451]

I had a bad wobble on my old airhead BMW R100S. It had for some reason cut out on a roundabout about a quarter in so to restart it I pulled in the clutch & let it out in 2nd. I’d forgotten the shaft-drive & this had wound itself up but released as the bike restarted just as I was coming off the roundabout. The bike went into a corkscrew! Somehow I managed to stay on but I don’t know how!

[@araneaetvelivolum1086]

Good video with some good information around the myth of wobble and what can cause it. I think 3 reason for wobble are the main contributors: 1. Rider anxiety and overall insecurities transfer to the bike. 2. Operating the bike outside the good human sense limits and rider capabilities. 3. Mechanical issues either caused by altering the bike the wrong way (you mentioned weight distribution but improper parts could be another one) in combination with neglecting regular services due to for instance not having the dough to buy those new tires or wheel bearings, etc. That little Bobber looks like fun. Are you planning a separate video about it now and then let's say a week before you return to validate your impression from the first review? Like the addition of humor. You are doing a great job, keep them coming. 👍👍👍

[@motorman857]

I'm sure I'll do more video's on the Bobber. I did a review on it some months ago. Here's the link. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oZSUXnqNa9uNaa8

[@Washoejim]

Jerry, I always enjoy the riding tips you give us, and even though the full Cop humor isn't there, still fun to watch.

[@BitwiseMobile]

I got the wobble on a 650 Nighthawk (CB650SC). It was my second street bike. Scared the shit out of me. I did exactly what you said though - more of a gut reaction than anything. I immediately rolled off the throttle, but didn't brake out of fear it would cause more instability. As I slowed down the wobble dissipated. I learned that day the importance of tire pressure. I had low pressure in the front and that caused the wobble.

[@davemonday5381]

I looked a the triumph bobber but it was a little bit too small but what a lovely bike I had a new gsx 1127 I was riding and full speed probably around 175mph when I closed the throttle to come off the motorway it started slapping from lock to lock across 3 lanes and down the slip road No brakes used just deceleration I couldn’t open the throttle I had limited time to stop at the bottom of the slip road. I Raced dirtbikes from being 10 and then enduro super moto. And superbikes even done a few beach races and grass track so I just let it do it’s thing but it shook my feet off the pegs. That bike always felt like it had a hinge in the middle of the frame. Every test I read said it was lethal. One rest rider said he was riding along happy. And the bike threw him over a hedge. A couple of weeks later it threw me over the bars when accelerated on cold tyres somehow I managed to save that too. but I ride my DYNA like a supermoto and it’s never happened. Not once. Love the black look of that bobber.

[@renostubbs8504]

Excellent video,I hope that it never happens to any of us. Ride safe my brothers and sisters.

[@karenallen5208]

I love this video. I ride a 2018 Triumph Speedmaster, and I can't say enough great things about it. This is a great video, Motorman.

[@leehelppie4544]

i had two of these on two different road kings while i was a motor officer. i eased off the throttle and stayed off the brakes. the first one was on a curve on I-75 at 90+ mph, the second one 100mph on a straightaway, also on I-75.

[@verlinswarey507]

That’s interesting that you mentioned 1976. I was born in ‘76,which makes me 45 years old. About a year ago I purchased a 1976 Honda CB 550 as a kind of “birthday bike”;a vehicle that was made on the same year that I was! It’s the first bike I’ve ever owned. It has about 5,000 miles on it,and runs like butter. I love this thing!

[@motorman857]

I bought my CB750 new in 77. It's cost was $1930 dollars. Being a stupid kid at the time, my finance rate was 18%. Ouch!

[@natesamillionabrahams5321]

Love this channel. .my late Daddy had many Harleys ..sadly i cant afford a bike ..got kids to raise 😊from Rhoda from Cape Town South Africa

[@56Spookdog]

Had it happen to me on the freeway on a Norton Commando. I weighed about 125 lbs at the time I jumped on the gas hard while already going 65mph and the torque slid me back on the seat, pulling myself back up I inadvertently tweaked the bars off center. This was on a straight away I was lucky I backed off the throttle and saved it. Back then we swapped bikes between friends, I signaled the guy who owned it and pulled over and I got back on my BSA, he told me that he had needed to replace the rubber for the engine mounts but hadn’t got around to it, that on top miss handling lead me to learn two lessons that day.

[@gerry6075]

This happened to me back in '85 on a '77 Honda 750K . The front end shook so wildly and I went down. Luckily I separated from the bike & the bike bounced around ahead of me as I rolled. Got a bit of road rash on that one but thankfully no broken bones.

[@gerry6075]

I believe that the probable cause of my accident(along with my excessive speed 90mph) was worn bearings in the fork head plus I was near the ocean going straight(Long Island) & got hit with a crosswind. I heard that Honda just installed loose bearings in there and over time they develop flat spots. On later models they began to put bearings enclosed in a casing.

[@_OpdeeMist]

Love the Triumph and would love to see more videos on the Bobber...🙏

[@phillipsnell7188]

Started to have wobbles at 75mph once on my sportster 72, i simply let off the throttle and it ceased. Come to find out, the front tire was under inflated, my bad.

[@talkingrock7011]

No I had been saving this one for Saturday night , prime time

[@H20-town610]

Does that Triumph Bobber have cruise control? I have gotten so used to it that I wouldn't buy a bike without it.

[@motorman857]

Yes as standard equipment.

[@alexfernandez7067]

In 1975 I experienced a pretty wicked wobble on my H2. I let go of the handlebars and tightened/ puckered my buttocks and the wobbling stopped. I haven’t stopped doing kegels ever since.

[@vlnow]

Had my first one a few days ago, after many years of riding, with a pillion. I just powered through it, but it got wild quick. More speed worked for me.

[@sonnybowman]

I purchased a 1965 Royal Enfield 750 Interceptor some years ago that had been in an accident that had resulted in a dented rear rim. It was fine up to two grand at seventy miles an hour but it would always go into a speed wobble after seventy. I received info, before goggle, that stated accelerating was the best method to save the bike from a speed wobble so this is what I got used to doing to the point it almost became a reflex to accelerate first then backed off after it stopped wobbling. So I agree with you. For any rookie looking to learn I strongly suggest that you learn from the pros and I don't mean yutube pros.

[@Kenny_Mars]

I ride a Kawi Concours 14. I get speed wobbles at higher speed and once passing a semi from my extra tail bag. The bike wasn't designed for it, thankfully I learned the lesson without a wreck.

[@williamwallace7784]

Also had a tank slapper on a cb750 it was a 71. Hit by a crosswind as I remember doing about 60.

[@Joker-ig8im]

Man that bike is beautiful!

[@jimmccoskey8253]

Had a violent Harley wobble, at approximately 70mph, when a highway maintenance truck spat out a road cone and it bounced and hit my left turn-signal area...WOW, what surprise! Instant wobble; fortunately I've got 56 years in the saddle and had the presence of mind to let off the throttle and hang on like my life depended on it. The oscillations were violent with maybe 10 to 15 degrees or so, both left and right of centerline, and lessened as the speed decreased. Whew, I was on my way to prostate cancer treatment and thought for a moment, hmm, not going to need the treatment now!

[@3.2Carrera]

I picked up a 2006 FLH recently and immediately noticed flex in the swingarm bushings supporting the transmission that could induce rear wheel steer when leaning over or carrying a passenger. Adding a horizontal adjustable link in the back took most of the "hinge" feeling out of the bike. Also it's interesting what a nice job Triumph did with that bobber. Looks like the stuff you would see back in the 60's and 70's. They actually got a mono shock in a swingarm that mimics a hardtail's shape where Harley Davidson completely failed with the shape on the new Softails.

[@samueljeppsen9785]

Perfect advice at 2:32. Let off the throttle, don't fight the bars, just let it calm down. It will in seconds.

[@spencerb8609]

Looking forward to another Low Rider S review. Long term. Was expecting a Brando imitation. Stellllllllllaaaaa!!!!!!

[@stevenedwards2162]

Being British nice to have something good said about a British motorcycle, Very useful information , and in the comments , of some of the causes that can make this happen.

[@martymcfly1776]

Back when I was a university student I had an old CB550 Honda. I was attending Simon Fraser which is on top of Burnaby mountain. On my way home, at the bottom of the mountain there is sweeping turn to the right that I would take at 85 mph. As I went around the corner the handlebar would go through a slow oscillating motion, but it was so slow and easy it didn't bother me, and once I got on the straight it would ease off immediately. That was an older motorcycle, and the tires and the steering head bearing may have been worn. Years before that I had a '72 Yamaha R5, which was the year prior to the famous RD350. One time I was racing a guy on an RD350. I was leading, but there was place where a railway track crossed the street, about 5 feet higher than street level, so the street came up and over the track. I hit that at about 80 mph, and launched myself. Let's just say I got some elevation. On the landing the handlebar banged really hard, first to one side, then to the other but then straightened out and was fine. The point I'm getting at here is that front end instability is not going to be a problem with a well-designed motorcycle. I won't talk about Harley Davidson here but a very well-known and well-respected Japanese brand now has a large displacement cruiser motorcycle that is prone to a high speed front-end wobble at speeds of 100 mph and over. In my opinion that's completely inexcusable.

[@Smartstylist]

What do you think of the Indian Scout 60. I’m strongly considering getting one and I’d like your opinion.

[@motorman857]

They are a fun bike to ride with plenty of power mainly in the upper rev range. As for styling, they don't move me.

[@Smartstylist]

My second choice is a Vulcan S Cafe ABS. I am a beginner. What would you prefer to see me start out on. I’m not into speed. I just want to enjoy cruising. I’m 6’2” 225lbs

[@motorman857]

@@Smartstylist The Vulcan S ABS would be your best choice of the bikes you've mentioned.

[@Smartstylist]

Is there another bike you think would be better suited for me as a beginner. I plan to attend your academy in Hershey, PA. once I get some time in. I’m registered for MSF next month. I value your advice.

[@motorman857]

@@Smartstylist Try this one. The guy is about the same size as you. kzbin.info/www/bejne/m5yyXnqwirN8fcU

[@robertwilliams5015]

Got into a *severe* "tank slapper" about 20 years ago. Sometimes I still can't believe I made it out of it. Anyone that has ever experienced one will never forget it and will never confuse it with a "wobble." Tank slappers don't typically end well. Mine was caused by #1 excessive speed #2 I bottomed put on a road that wasn't well maintained.

[@beewud3759]

Have you got any clips or tips for wide tyre riders, cheers

[@motorman857]

The tip is push harder on the handlebars in the turns.

[@randolphpatterson5061]

About 35 years ago I got my first sportbike, it was also my first one with adjustable suspension. Never mind that the dealership had probably set it up before I bought it & that the handling was good to go out of the gate. I saw the Schraeder valves for adding air to the forks, & thought that this was something I was supposed to experiment with until I found an ideal setting. Well, I basically added way too much air (preload) to the fork, and this caused an uneven weight distribution. It took a lot of the weight off the front wheel, and every time I rolled over a bump at speed it went into a tankslapper. I didn't know what to do, and assumed I'd messed something up when I'd had a recent parking lot tipover. It seems that I was somehow able to do pretty much as you suggest, but only by sheer chance. I'd roll off the throttle & keep off the brakes & let the bike slow down, and then the headshake would calm down & go away. I had been a competitive bicyclist prior to that & so I knew not to try to stiffen the bars in my hands but instead to relax, and that may have helped as well. I eventually took it to the dealer for help, and they knew what to do right away. Turns out I wasn't the only person who'd done that sort of thing, lol. We live & learn, and I was lucky enough to do both.

[@ajcaiati]

I found it amazing that back in the day you would go outside New York City 40 or 50 miles and ride your 750 Honda. I did the same thing in 1971, and 72. lived in The Bronx. We would ride the Bronx River Pky into Valhalla, Mount Kisco, NY. Beautiful riding there, twisty and windy roads at the time. I’m sure it’s all changed now with better roads.

[@motorman857]

I used to ride thru all those towns as well. On up to Chappaqua on to Cold Springs then over the Bear Mountain bridge to south on 9W. Great riding.

[@hni4053]

You know Mr. Motorman, I'm getting really eager to hit the roads here, get out riding, after having watched your vids :) Bikes are great fun!

[@jimsheldonswe7846]

Good info. I had one of those as a young man and your right the crash was spectacular. Didn’t break anything but the bike. Lucky because I was going much faster than 45.

[@keithhults8986]

I had an 03' Sporty XL1200. I came off the slip road and slammed the throttle from 40mph to about 80mph, just standing on it when the bars broke out into a wild thrash. I let go of the throttle quick, which threw my weight forward. I used my weight forward to push against the drag bars and the bike slowing down stopped the thrash. I was loosing air pressure in the front tire as I rode. THe low pressure and high speeds caused the front tire to heat up excessively. For about 10 seconds, my Sporty turned into a bucking bronco!

[@deanbush]

Thanks for the advice on how to avoid and to possibly correct a death wobble. I hope I never experience one!

[@wordreet]

Love that Triumph!!!!!!!

[@OrionKarlDaleyIst]

Hi - you mentioned Honda 750. and I have a 79 Limited Edition K from 1979 . I just restored her during Shelter in place. I had put her in storage in 88 when my son was born. Last I had driven her in Manhattan where standing on the Pegs was noting unusual. Im trying to understand the Wobble thing, in terms of cause, as my 750 has always been very stable like even today in practicing slow speed maneuvers. She's been returning to the road now for about two weeks.

[@williambrandt370]

first of all ive seen you guys at your shows in florida since i live here. you are and your team is great to watch. ive given a couple of your cd to people who have just started to ride. i have experience the harley wobble a few times. my friends thought i was crazy. i had to get off the throttle and push harder to finish the turn. so you guys stay safe and keep us safe rider new and old.

[@paulpugh2480]

I have had a high speed wobble one time on a 1976 kz900 going probably between 60 and 70 miles an hour which is not so hot speed. I have heard that the bushings on a swing arm or the bushings on the neck where the triple trees are can become worn and contribute to this.

[@l.munnier9658]

This is my 3rd. M/C Had a KZ 400, H.D. SPORT. FLH., NEVER HAD DEATH WOBBLE. MY SPRINGER SOFTAIL NOW HAS IT. IT SEEMS TO BE WHEN FRONT TIRES ARE WEARING DOWN. & POSS. REAR SHOCK THIS ALSO DRIVING INTO A DIP IN ROAD?

[@johnnylightning1491]

It's funny that you mentioned how light that Triumph felt on the road. In 2007 I went from a 1972 Triumph to a brand new Ultra and was frankly amazed how much they felt alike on the road. I was expecting the Harley to feel a lot heavier but that wasn't the case. Thanks for what you do I've gotten a lot from your videos. I guess I'll have to subscribe one of these days.

[@Artanis02sk]

Tank slappers are't caused only by rider error. The things that don't help are: improperly balanced tires, low tire pressure, warped rotors, crooked bike frame, poorly maintained road.

[@motorman857]

Yes there are many causes for tank slappers.

[@katherynscleaning5807]

Toe the rear brake and slide forward as you push forward on the bars. Always worked for me, stay calm most of all.

[@noahmercy-mann4323]

Had some serious headshake once, and remembered an old film by Dunlop on wobble and weave (it's here on KZbin). Laid down over the tank while easing off the gas. Instantly stopped the slap. The combination of gently slowing and moving my torso forward shifted weight onto the front end without applying the brake (which could cause a low side), and getting the center of gravity lower helped as well.

[@captainbilly9443]

Love my Triumph (and I'll NEVER ride another Harley). Also, I have NEVER had any kind of wobble on my Triumph Rocket III.

[@bikerbrinrac]

Cool looking bobber 😎🏍️ Yep my bro and I had tank slappers on 750cc , 900cc and 2 stroke 350 cc sports bikes in the early 80s due to high-speed and not enough experience. We crashed a few times as a result. So at the time we then fitted steering dampers which helped alot with the wobbles, but these days since then with alot more experience riding & bike training, we no longer have tank slappers anymore. I think too the bike steering frontend technology over the years has also been greatly improved as far as stability goes.

[@vladdracul7810]

Had a "V MAX death wobble" @ 115 mph. Not ashamed to say it was the scariest thing I've experienced on a motorcycle.

[@vaportrail226]

How'd it end up?

[@vladdracul7810]

@@vaportrail226 I'm still alive. Don't think I would be if I had gone down.

[@vaportrail226]

@@vladdracul7810 Did you just let off the throttle to get out of it?

[@vladdracul7810]

@@vaportrail226 exactly. Just got off gas and no brakes until it stopped wobbling.

[@queasyRider3]

In addition to what you said, does it help to put your weight forward? I saw this other video and that's the key thing I got from that. Thanks for all your pointers.

[@waynecribb4922]

The Truimph sounds nice.

[@Liveharley1]

Triumph Bobber in Black is a good-looking bike, sounds good going down the road. I like the windshield you got, I just bought a smoke tint touring windshield for my bike blocks the wind real good.

[@benben8785]

What a nice bike my friend, and yes, we must still keep the eyes wide open, have a nice ride 😂😂

[@mumbler5644]

Your videos are always great

[@motorman857]

Glad you like them!

[@lorenzovillegas2457]

"So you/re gonna have to be tough to come along"..... funny

[@RalphSampson...]

This happened to me. The bike and I flipped head over heels. I was doing about 125 MPH or so, in a long sweeping curve. I hit a bump (later a pot hole) just after the apex of the curve. There was nothing to resist my counter steering because the front wheel was barely off the pavement....enough to be "light". The front wheel came down crossed up. A quick wobble and I was flipping. No time to react. A steering dampener would likely have saved it...maybe. I wasn't hurt. The bike slid for about 80 yards and I slid for about 40 yards. It was pretty cool and exciting....only because I wasn't hurt, aside from a small belly road rash. My jacket slid up as I slid around. I saw a mailbox headed my way....rather me toward it. I stopped sliding before the mailbox and luckily no cars were coming because the bike went into the other lane and could have been knocked back toward me. All ended fairly well. The bike started but, the fairings were toast. I still have the jacket and its road rash. The leather jacket, helmet, and leather wallet saved my hide. That's been about 35 years ago. Wow. Time flies.

[@davidfafford1388]

Did he say to use the front brake in a turn?

[@johnk815]

I hit a raised man hole cover in the dark at about 50mph. After I landed back on the bike in Superman position I was in a death wobble. I had to slide myself back in a riddling position and gain control of the bike. It was one scary ride.