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How to Deal with a Death Wobble on a

Motorcycle

Motorcycles are exhilarating machines that offer freedom, adventure, and an unparalleled sense of
connection to the road. However, like any vehicle, motorcycles come with their own set of risks. One of
the more alarming phenomena riders can experience is the dreaded "Death Wobble." A death wobble is
a sudden and intense shaking of the motorcycle's front end, which can feel uncontrollable and
terrifying. It typically occurs at higher speeds, often when a rider is traveling straight ahead, but it can
happen under other circumstances as well. Understanding what causes a death wobble and how to
manage or prevent it can make the difference between a thrilling ride and a dangerous situation.
This article will explore the causes of a death wobble, how to prevent it, and steps you can take to
handle it should it happen while you're riding.

Factors like sag, preload, rebound
damping, and compression
damping all need to be correctly set
for the suspension to function as
designed.

3. Incorrect Tire Pressure
Incorrect tire pressure can
d e s t a b i l i z e a m o t o r c y c l e ,
contributing to the onset of a death
wobble. Both over-inflated and
under-inflated tires can cause
handling problems. Tires that are
too hard (over-inflated) will result in
reduced contact with the road,
leading to poor traction and
stability. On the other hand, tires
that are under-inflated may cause
What is a Death Wobble? often it is a combination of
elements that leads to this excessive flexing, which can lead
A death wobble is a term used to to instability and shaking.
describe a violent, rapid oscillation phenomenon. It is crucial to
or shaking of the motorcycle's understand the underlying causes 4. Worn or Damaged Tires
handlebars and front wheel. This so that riders can mitigate the risks. Tires are arguably the most critical
wobble typically happens in a 1. Wheel Misalignment component of motorcycle safety, as
range of speeds—usually between One of the most common causes of they are the only part of the bike in
45-70 mph (70-112 km/h), but it can a death wobble is improper wheel direct contact with the road. Worn-
also occur at higher or lower alignment. When the front wheel or out tires or tires with uneven tread
speeds depending on a number of steering components are not wear can cause handling issues. If
factors. During a death wobble, the correctly aligned, it can cause a tire is damaged, it may cause a
front end of the bike can feel like it is instability. The most common wobble at higher speeds as the
uncontrollably vibrating or shaking, issues are with the motorcycle's bike struggles to maintain stability.
making it very difficult for the rider fork, wheel, or suspension, which 5. Loose or Damaged Steering
to regain control. If the wobble is can throw off the bike's geometry Components
not controlled, it could cause the and lead to excessive vibration or
rider to lose balance, control, or shaking. The steering system is responsible
even cause an accident. for controlling the bike's front
2. Suspension Problems wheel. If any part of the steering
While it is not an everyday mechanism is loose or damaged, it
occurrence for most riders, it can The motorcycle's suspension can result in a sudden and violent
be incredibly dangerous, which is system plays a key role in wobble. This could include the
why it is important to understand d a m p e n i n g v i b r a t i o n s a n d steering head bearings, fork seals,
how to prevent it and, if necessary, maintaining stability. If the or the handlebars themselves.
how to recover from it. s u s p e n s i o n i s w o r n o u t ,
misadjusted, or improperly 6. Frame and Chassis Issues
Causes of a Death Wobble
configured, it can result in In some cases, the frame or
Several factors can contribute to a excessive movement of the front chassis of the motorcycle may be
death wobble on a motorcycle, and end. This may trigger a wobble.
bent, damaged, or improperly

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LHR Motorcycle Magazine Issue 10 February 2025