ninjette.org - View Single Post - DIY - Yet Another, Another Hardlocking Saddlebag Mount

NathanF · September 1st, 2011, 02:15 AM

So, I did another ride this evening, and found that the bike would wobble at pretty much all speeds as soon as I took my hands off the handlebars.

I came back home, took the bags off (one which was 8.3lbs, and one that was 10.2 lbs upon weighing) and went back out. Vastly reduced wobbling resulted. Where before if I let it go it would head for a tank slapper, this would almost simmer itself down. It also did it much less or not at all towards lower speeds, being most pronounced around 40-50 mph.

Sounds like the rear weight may just exacerbate an existing problem.

Next time you're out with bags loaded to a similar weight, would you mind testing your bike? If you're comfortable with it, just cup your handlebars like they're larger than they are. It's a fairly safe way of taking your hands off the bars, since if it starts wiggling you can just close your hands and regain control.

September 1st, 2011, 02:15 AM	#12
NathanF ninjette.org member Name: Nathan Location: Portland, Oregon Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 V-Strom 650 ABS Posts: 166	So, I did another ride this evening, and found that the bike would wobble at pretty much all speeds as soon as I took my hands off the handlebars. I came back home, took the bags off (one which was 8.3lbs, and one that was 10.2 lbs upon weighing) and went back out. Vastly reduced wobbling resulted. Where before if I let it go it would head for a tank slapper, this would almost simmer itself down. It also did it much less or not at all towards lower speeds, being most pronounced around 40-50 mph. Sounds like the rear weight may just exacerbate an existing problem. Next time you're out with bags loaded to a similar weight, would you mind testing your bike? If you're comfortable with it, just cup your handlebars like they're larger than they are. It's a fairly safe way of taking your hands off the bars, since if it starts wiggling you can just close your hands and regain control.