Handling Stabilizers!

[grbrown]

If you own, or have ridden, a Buell or recent Sportster you will know the benefits of having three stabilizer links - even if you didn't know they are fitted to those models! Erik Buell identified the need for them and patented the system in the 1980s, but to date the only Harley model with them is the current Sportster. He also designed the lamented FXR frame.

Soft-tail owners can afford a smirk, because they don't need any stabilizers, as their engines are bolted in as God intended, but Dyna owners should be especially concerned, as they only have one and the other rubber-mount models just two. The Dyna's lonely stabilizer is between the heads, leaving the front and rear of the engine/gearbox unit at the mercy of the two rubber mountings to keep things in perfect alignment. Or not!

The touring models have a second stabilizer in front of the engine, but the crucial rear engine mounts behind the gearbox are not stabilized. Their handling characteristics, of gentle weaving on occasions, especially when heavily laden, can be put down largely to movement in those rear mounts. So what to do about it? TrueTrack make what they call the 'missing link'.

My photos below show the front and rear mountings on my wife's 2003 Dyna. They are the same style as the top link, one end mounted to the frame and the other to the engine, via bolted on brackets. As you can see the parts are pretty beefy and should be up to surviving the rest of the bike.

Why bother? Try riding one with these mods and you will be left in no doubt! By removing the slight sideways movement of the engine/gearbox, bearing in mind the swinging arm and rear wheel are fastened to the gearbox, ride quality is improved, but especially handling. This thing is significantly better than before. The real test is riding down undulating country lanes, which it can now cover at much greater pace and with wonderful precision.

We now have in our household three bikes each with three stabilizers: Firebolt, Glide and Dyna. There is no turning back!

The parts I fitted are made by TrueTrack, but there are several other brands out there selling similar kits, all with their champions. I bought theirs because my 1990 Evo is only covered by TrueTrack and I wanted a kit for each bike. More on the Evo another time! Since I bought mine I gather TrueTrack has established a UK outlet, so they should now be available without ordering them from abroad.

Front mount: http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...o=1855&cat=500

Rear mount: http://www.harley-davidson-hangout.c...o/1854/cat/500

[Penfold]

When I read the thread's title I thought you meant these!



Seriously though. Thanks for the post. I've wondered how these TrueTrack stabilizers are mounted on the Dyna. Nice to here they good!

Now only to work out how to mount them with me oil cooler.

[grbrown]

Penfold,

Great photo! I used that title for just exactly that sort of fun!

Our Dyna is an FXDXT and the angle I took the photo from is very low down, so may give the wrong impression of how much space it takes up. I think an oil cooler will be well above the front bracket.

The rear brackets were a b****d to fit, but the results are brilliant.

[Mr B]

I've been looking at these for a while now. I think that my Road King really needs stabilising at the rear end of the engine. The only thing that bothers me, is that it's the oil pan bolts that are going to take all the strain. There should be something a bit more substantial to anchor it to. A design fault if I ever saw one. Have you heard of any problems later on after a bit of use.

Brian.

[grbrown]

Brian,

The rear bracket on my model fits to the end cover of the gearbox, almost out of sight behind the exhaust pipe. The solution used by different stabilizer makers (there are around half a dozen brands) does vary, so take a look around the internet. It is true that some of them use the pan on the bottom of the gearbox on later models, but they seem to use a very robust box structure and spread the load over many screws.

Most of the brands I looked at (before Xmas) have been around a while. Quite frankly the improvement in ride quality is enough for me to suggest you chose one and go for it! Harleys are built like brick whatnots and none of the devices I have studied look dodgy! It is a shame Harley have not installed these things from scratch, to save us all the bother.

I haven't heard of any problems with any of these. I can only suggest you try other forums such as the US "Harley Davidson Forum", which might yield some info. You will certainly learn more on some of the other brands, if you search around there a bit. It is some months since I did my groundwork on these things and didn't keep records of the other makers.

Once you have fitted one you will wonder why you didn't do it sooner!

[stevepip]

Hi,

I have a 2007 FXDC and am interested in the Truetrack system. My worry is the effect on vibration levels.

The thing that kept me from Harley ownership in the past was a ride on a mid 80's Sportster; my Dyna has just the right amount of "presence" from the engine vibes for my liking.

Coming from a long history of Ducati's the improvements in handling are tempting. Can you let me know if there was any effects on the vibes?

Steve

[Tony Cross]

July AIM has an article on this subject.

[Limey_Dave]

Originally Posted by stevepip

Hi,

I have a 2007 FXDC and am interested in the Truetrack system. My worry is the effect on vibration levels.

The thing that kept me from Harley ownership in the past was a ride on a mid 80's Sportster; my Dyna has just the right amount of "presence" from the engine vibes for my liking.

Coming from a long history of Ducati's the improvements in handling are tempting. Can you let me know if there was any effects on the vibes?

Steve

Welcome Steve

How refreshing,your first post and allready a [[[ CLUB ]]] member.

I'm sure you knew but for anyone else that's American Iron Magazine.

[grbrown]

Originally Posted by stevepip

Can you let me know if there was any effects on the vibes?
Steve

I have to say I don't like my wife's Dyna, which vibrates too much for my liking! I only get to ride it occasionally, but she assures me the links have had no ill affect on vibration.

I have recently fitted a new engine to my Glide, which also vibrates more than I would prefer, so have deliberately ridden it recently with and without the extra link. While its presence or absence can be detected, I don't believe it has any adverse affect.

So on the experience of riding two quite different bikes fitted with these kits I can only recommend getting on with it! It is a bit extreme to suggest that a dresser can be made to handle like a Buell, but be assured mine is greatly improved.

[grbrown]

Originally Posted by Tony Cross

July AIM has an article on this subject.

Tony,

Can't see any reference to it on their website, what is the article called, page no? Ta!