Whats up with vibes?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2015
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In this video, starting at 13:44, the H-D engineer Matt Laidlaw is interviewing talks about the '18 M8 Softail balance drive (counter-balancer) going from chain-driven to gear-driven. I had read that they actually had to redesign it to put some vibration back into the engine because they thought people would complain if the engine didn't have any vibration.
I wonder if going from chain-driven to gear-driven has something to do with the fine vibrations we're feeling in the grip and footboard?
I wonder if going from chain-driven to gear-driven has something to do with the fine vibrations we're feeling in the grip and footboard?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 4,251
Likes: 3,134
From: Texas
It bothered me enough that I spent a little to definitively fix it. Kuryakyn ISO grips with their bar end weights totally resolved my handlebar vibration issues. Highly recommended.
I also noticed a lot of vibration coming up through the seat; I got rid of the stock seat and have two seats now and the vibration is totally cured with both of them: Harley Sundowner and Saddlemen Renegade Solo. Now I only feel seat vibes at 4,000+ RPM.
Frankly I'd forgotten all about the Fat Bob's vibration issues, these two fixes have been so effective.
I also noticed a lot of vibration coming up through the seat; I got rid of the stock seat and have two seats now and the vibration is totally cured with both of them: Harley Sundowner and Saddlemen Renegade Solo. Now I only feel seat vibes at 4,000+ RPM.
Frankly I'd forgotten all about the Fat Bob's vibration issues, these two fixes have been so effective.
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Nowhere
PS thanks for update on pump hope no pump issues on my scoot. Fingers crossed.
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Nowhere
I have question here. If I remove grips will this throttle by wire plastic gear just pop out from inside handlebar? If not how to remove it. I thought I might modify Steiger inserts to not interfere with throttle by wire unit.
I did 24,000 miles on my 18 Heritage and just traded for a 2020. Can't say I notice excessive vibration in the handlebars, I can see perfectly out the mirrors at any speed. My throttle hand gets tired sometimes but then I put the bike on cruise control and shake my hands out. Try loosening your tight grip and maybe some different, more padded grips?
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Grand HDF Member
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From: Nowhere
How much slack on cables is there?
i will also try to loose my grip and different grips but this weights helped a lot with vibes in the past so I may implement all these fixes if needed.
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Joined: Nov 2019
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From: Flower mound,Tx
I don't think it's a real problem with the bike, it's me.
At 67 (almost 68), I also have numbing/discomfort/pain in my right hand at the beginning of the riding season on my 2018 Heritage 114. This is less of a factor later in the year, but it's still there. No significant problems with my left hand. It is caused by arthritis in my right hand due to an old fracture, minor carpal tunnel syndrome (maybe too much "mouse" use) and chronic epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). I get over it with the following each Spring:
1. Dose of prednisone. My doc doesn't like cortisone shots even though I ask for them each year. Maybe I need a different doc. He says I could have surgery to improve this, but I don't want the "bone cutters" working on me (at least not yet).
2. Cupping my hand on right grip (keeping my wrist higher).
3. Taking right hand off the handlebars and letting it hang low for a few seconds to a minute to improve blood flow. I can do this on the highway (most of my miles) because I have cruise control.
I also replaced my stock grips with Avon air cushioned anodized ones that have slightly larger diameter. This helps a bit, too.
At 67 (almost 68), I also have numbing/discomfort/pain in my right hand at the beginning of the riding season on my 2018 Heritage 114. This is less of a factor later in the year, but it's still there. No significant problems with my left hand. It is caused by arthritis in my right hand due to an old fracture, minor carpal tunnel syndrome (maybe too much "mouse" use) and chronic epicondylitis (golfer's elbow). I get over it with the following each Spring:
1. Dose of prednisone. My doc doesn't like cortisone shots even though I ask for them each year. Maybe I need a different doc. He says I could have surgery to improve this, but I don't want the "bone cutters" working on me (at least not yet).
2. Cupping my hand on right grip (keeping my wrist higher).
3. Taking right hand off the handlebars and letting it hang low for a few seconds to a minute to improve blood flow. I can do this on the highway (most of my miles) because I have cruise control.
I also replaced my stock grips with Avon air cushioned anodized ones that have slightly larger diameter. This helps a bit, too.
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