Prevent Speed Wobble

A speed wobble, sometimes more dramatically called a death wobble, happens when the handlebars on a bike or motorcycle vibrate violently at high speeds. This can be very scary, and if you don’t respond correctly, you could lose control of the bike. Luckily, you can bring the bike back under control and take steps to prevent the speed wobble from happening altogether.

Steps

Motorcycles

1. Accelerate gradually so your front tire stays planted. Quick bursts of speed, like if you roll the throttle hard on a motorcycle, can lift the front tire and cause a wobble. When you’re accelerating, speed up slowly and smoothly to avoid wobbles.
2. Roll off the throttle slightly if you start wobbling. The key to controlling the wobble is slowing down gradually. If you’re riding a motorcycle, release the throttle slowly. This should reduce your speed smoothly.
   • Don’t just let go of the throttle immediately! This could make the bike jump and throw you off.
3. Maintain a light grip on your handlebars. You’ll be tempted to grab the handlebars tightly to try and control the wobble, but this is actually the worst thing to do. It’ll probably make the wobbling worse. If anything, you may have to lighten your grip. Just hold tight enough to keep the handlebars straight, but don’t try to stop the wobbling.
   • Keep your elbows bent as well. If your arms are outstretched, you’re too rigid and won’t be able to control the bike.
4. Apply the rear brake lightly to slow yourself more. Releasing the throttle might not bring your speed down enough to stop the wobble quickly. In this case, gradually apply the rear brake. This should bring your speed down enough to stop the wobble.
   • It's normal for the wobbling to get worse briefly when you first hit the brake. This is normal and will get better as you slow down.
   • Don't hit the brakes hard or you could lose control.
   • Don't touch the front brake! Your bike could flip if you hit the front brake at high speeds.
5. Bail off if you’re heading for a wall or obstruction. Hopefully, it doesn’t come to this, but if you can’t bring the bike under control and are going to hit something, it’s best to bail. Roll off the motorcycle safely by tucking your chin and putting your arms around your head. It’ll hurt, but it won’t be anywhere near as bad as hitting a wall or car at full speed.
   • This is why wearing safety equipment is so important!

Bicycles

1. Remain calm if a wobble starts. Wobbles are scary and it’s easy to lose your cool. But it’s very important to stay calm because reacting the wrong way could make the wobble worse or even make you fall. Take a second to relax before fixing the wobble.
   • It helps to remind yourself that wobbles are fixable as long as you do the right thing. This can help calm your nerves.
2. Maintain a light grip on your handlebars. Just like with a motorcycle, it's also dangerous to grab the handlebars tightly during a speed wobble on a bicycle. Stay loose and don't try to turn the handlebars sharply to correct the wobble. This will make things worse.
   • Keep your elbows bent as well. If your arms are outstretched, you’re too rigid and won’t be able to control the bike.
3. Stop pedaling when the wobbling begins. Slowing down gradually is also key to stopping a wobble on a bike. To do this, simply stop pedaling.
   • If you were going down a steep incline, then you might not have been pedaling. Don’t worry, there are other ways to slow down.
4. Tap your rear brake to slow down gradually. Pump the brake very lightly to slow down. Don’t press it down hard all at once or you could lose control.
   • Don’t touch your front brake! Slowing the front tire at high speeds could make the bike flip.
5. Squeeze your thighs against the frame to stabilize it. Press your legs together against the body of the bike or motorcycle. This can reduce some of the vibration causing the wobble.
   • This works better on a bike, but could also help keep a motorcycle stable. At the very least it’ll help you keep your balance.

General Tips

1. Stay on level surfaces as much as possible. Wobbles are very common when going downhill because you pick up a lot of speed. If you can, stay away from steep downhill areas when you’re out riding.
   • It’s not always possible to avoid downhill stretches, so be sure to control your speed if you’re coming up on a drop. If you gain speed too quickly, you’ll probably start to wobble.
2. Perform regular maintenance on your bike or motorcycle. All kinds of mechanical problems could cause wobbling, ranging from bad wheel alignment to worn-out bearings. Perform regular maintenance checks and bring your bike or motorcycle in for inspections to fix any issues before they get worse.
   • Quick intervention is key. If you notice wobbling in your bike or motorcycle, take it in for an inspection right away. It’s dangerous to keep riding it if something seems wrong.
3. Keep your tires filled to the recommended pressure. Under-filled tires are a common cause of wobbles. Check your tires regularly and fill them to the recommended PSI if they’re low.
   • Also make sure your tires are in good shape. If they’re old and starting to crack, then you definitely need replacements.

Warnings

• Always wear safety equipment when riding a bike or motorcycle to avoid injuries.
• Follow all the traffic laws in your area.

References

See also

• Pop Your Clutch Into a Wheelie on a Motorcycle
• Get a Motorcycle License Without Buying/Renting a Motorcycle
• Share the Road With Cyclists
• Ride a Motorcycle Downhill
• Remove a Sun Visor
• Turn Safely on a Motorcycle
• Ride a Motorcycle Defensively to Prevent Accidents
• Handle a Tire Blowout While Riding a Motorcycle
• Install an Alarm System on a Motorcycle
• Avoid an Accident on a Motorcycle

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