What Is the Death Wobble and How to Prevent It?

What is the Death Wobble?

The Death Wobble is an almost uncontrollable shaking or oscillation that affects the front wheel of a motorcycle. This uncontrollable shaking can be either motorcycle or rider induced. Many riders who are faced with this unfortunate event are typically not able to avoid going down. However, you can take measures to prevent this from happening. Here are some helpful tips to help you if you encounter the wobble and also to avoid the dreaded “Death Wobble”.

Keep Firm Grip:

As your bike begins to “wobble” or shake uncontrollably, you’ll want to make sure you keep a firm grip. Shaking will become worse as you’re slowing down so don’t try to fight your bike but unfortunately, chances are you will not win. If you grip too hard, your body becomes the steering damper and can actually induce more oscillations. Loosening the grip and bending your elbows reduces that effect. Roll-off of your throttle with control and don’t put your feet down throughout this. Keeping your feet up will help you lessen the chance of hurting your legs or ankles. Also, allow your motorcycle to decelerate naturally without downshifting or applying the brake.

Don’t Immediately Hit the Brakes:

If your motorcycle begins to shake uncontrollably, your first instinct will be to hit the brakes. This will actually make things way worse. As more of the bike's weight will shift to the front wheel, maximizing its grip and maximizing the effects of the wobble. Riders who have experienced the “Death Wobble” actually advise you to hit the throttle a little more, to try and straighten out, or to minimize the landing of the crash.

Basic Motorcycle Maintenance:

To avoid any issues with your bike you always want to make sure you are on top of the maintenance. Some maintenances you can keep an eye on or check regularly to avoid the “Death Wobble” are your motorcycles suspension and correct tire pressure. You can also choose to put lighter wheels on your motorcycle. Also, make sure your steering bearings are not loose because this can allow a wobble to occur at very low speeds.

Adjusted Steering Damper:

You can try to avoid the “Death Wobble” with a steering damper, but be careful as it can be difficult to get the correct amount of stiffness. An incorrectly adjusted steering damper can make it difficult to maintain a straight line or turn corners and can even lead to high-speed weave. For some motorcycles, you might consider installing a steering damper to help limit that helps to act as a sort of ‘shock absorber’ while you’re steering.

Ride Properly:

Sometimes, there can be nothing wrong with the bike but the “death wobble” happens because of the way the bike is being ridden. To ensure your safety and others around you it is best to avoid wheelies, brutal acceleration on a bumpy road or in turns and so on. Trying to perform any of these movements can result in the rider losing control of the bike, therefore, going into the uncontrollable wobble.

Ride Safe!

The “Death Wobble” can occur for two reasons: rider error or motorcycle error. Both of these reasons are completely controllable. Riders can always improve or adjust their riding techniques and you can always keep your motorcycle properly maintained with the right attention. You can also have safety inspections be done when servicing your motorcycle and make sure to ask questions when you’re unsure about an issue. One last thing to keep in mind, if it has become clear that you are going to crash and you see yourself going into barrier, wall or another vehicle, try to push or jump off of the bike. This can be a very scary thing to think about but again, with the proper care and attention to yourself as the rider and the motorcycle you will highly minimize the chance of this happening. Ride safe!

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