You sure he specified the front only? Truth could be that Harley 'convinced' him to say he did. Everybody lies. Anyway, a few have reported trying the TT front only. I think they noticed a slight difference, however, things came together when the rear was then installed.

 

Probably $180 since the front and back together are $359 and they charged me $180 for just the front.

 

The ones that have posted on here who have tried just the front have reported more than just a "slight" difference.

As for Eric Buell, I don't know whether he has ever publicly commented on the design of the FXR frame or not. Harley put him in charge of designing the FXR and since it only has two stabilizers, I'm assuming that's the way Buell designed it. If he'd wanted three stabilizers I'm sure it would have three.

 

I guess I was paying attention this morning on my way to work. Making a left turn onto the on ramp of the interstate I felt that wishy-washy backend problem we've all dicsussed. My understanding is that the TT or the Posi-trak is supposed to eliminate that, correct?

I wonder how much of that is engine flex and how much is rear suspension.

 

That's the feeling you get. I got the TT (front and rear) and it solved that issue.

 

Thanks Newhawk.

Now if I could just buy everything I need (want) right now, I'd be a happy guy. Wouldn't we all?

Ricors, new front springs, TT or PT, new rear springs. An easy $1,000 and then some.

 

Given that Harley beefed up the swing arm mounts when they redesigned the Dyna frame in 06, I think most if not all tracking issues associated with driveline flex are coming from the engine being able to rotate ever so slightly on the horizontal plane. When new, the motor mounts themselves are pretty effective at keeping the drivetrain and swingarm assembly in a fixed lateral position relative to the front wheel. As the mounts age, however, I'm convinced handling begins to deterioate because they allow more lateral flex, thus affecting the alignment. The use of either a front or rear stabilizer makes lateral flex of the motor mount a non-issue because it allows for absolutely fixed lateral positioning of the drivetrain and swingarm assembly. With either a front or rear stabilizer installed, the drivetrain and swingarm can no longer move laterally no matter what the condition of the motor mounts.

And given that on the FXR where Buell specified only two stabilizers, he chose top and front rather than top and rear, it seems the choice is clear if you're only going to run two on a Dyna--especially given the ease of installation issue. The front stabilizer is the way to go, IMO, if you're only going to install one additional stabilizer.

 

None the less, adding both stabilizers made more of a difference than just front alone. Your asserting that once the front is installed, it will stop all the flex. Can't be correct if adding the rear makes a bigger difference than just front alone. Anyways, get that thing installed and post a ride report!

 

I want to see how this turns out.

 

This latest Sputhe looks much neater than my TT kit, the front mount being a bit of an eyesore. But it works and I also have one of their kits on my Glide. My Firebolt came with three stabilizers from the factory, as do all current Sportsters!

As well as the FXRs having just two stabilizers, so also do the touring models, up to 2009, when they got an entirely new frame and fresh engine mounting system. The topic of the third link gets frequent air time in the Touring forum, helped by there being around a dozen brands making variations on the TT theme!

Frankly, I am surprised Sputhe will sell only one link instead of two. By fitting only one, there will surely be increased loading on the other one? Having experienced wobble (or whatever you want to call it) on my dresser with just two links, it seems pointless to fit only one to a Dyna. It may be slightly better, but not as good as it could be.

I have three bikes, each with three stabilizers. It is the only way to travel!

I have studied US patent records on engine mountings and handling stabilizers. Most of the common bike makers have tackled these problems over the years and registered their solutions. Buell registered his 3 links back in 1988, if I recall correctly, and here we are twenty years later still solving the problems he solved back then! Thanks to TT and Sputhe, we have the means available to us.