At 72 years old and with both knees being replace Im considering selling my 2014 limited and buying a new Heritage, my question is do the softail engines vibrate more than the touring bikes at speed?

 

There’s vibration and then there’s vibration. I feel a bit of buzz in the footboards on my ‘19 Heritage, but nothing like the vibration in my unbalanced, rigidly mounted motor in my ‘94 Evo Softail.

Neither was an issue to me but I can’t speak for anyone else. My recommendation is to arrange a test ride and find out for yourself.

 

Yes they Do. I had a 2014 Ultra before my 2020 Heritage. At speed I found the Ultra to be much smoother. Don't get me wrong I am very happy with the Heritage but it is not as smooth as the Ultra at say 80 mph.

 

Comparing my 22 Heritage to my 19 Street glide, the Heritage vibrates more in the bars - more like a buzz actually, but not uncomfortable. Otherwise it's just fine.

 

My Sport Glide is very smooth. I was surprised by the level of vibes on the Heritage, primarily in the floorboards, but also some in the bars. I haven't ridden the other M8 Softails.

 

Stock cam, my Fat Boy vibrated enough to let you know it was there and angry. But nothing like my dad's Sportster vibrated and rattled you.
With the SE8-447 Cam in it, the bike actually vibrates noticeably more, but for me I like that it vibrates a bit more, but STILL nothing compared to my dads Sporty.(Late 1990s)

 

I would recommend test riding one. I can say my 21' softail vibrates less than my 14' dyna did and both sportsters I've owned. But with prices these days, ride one to determine for yourself how it is.

 

I get some buzz in the handlebars on my 2018 Heritage. It's got a rigid mount motor so it's part of the package.

 

A proper tune (not a fool pak) helps ease vibration.

 

I suppose it is all in what you're used to or comparing.

I have an 02 Wide Glide and it vibrates like there's no tomorrow. You can feel it when you ride and especially when you stop. Sometimes at a stoplight, I put it in neutral and let go because I just need a break. That said, I love that bike but only for local cruising.

I just purchased a 19 Heritage - mainly for more comfort on long trips. It vibrates somewhat but not nearly as much as the WG. I was told the higher your bars, the more any vibration grows. I would end to agree with that. I have had issues with numbing in my hands on both bikes. My wife has noticed the same on her 21 Heritage. Interestingly she did not experience it much on her 09 Sportster. So it may be a new thing for her. We could "argue" all day about the causes of that and solutions in a new thread. Bottom line, for her, she wants to follow my lead with slightly taller bars (to help with her posture) and fatter bars to help reduce the vibration. Yes, I find stock bars are more prone to vibration that beefy aftermarkets.

Bottom line, as other have mentioned, if you are not in a hurry, look for and go to the local HD Demo Days at your dealerships. That is extremely helpful if your considering a newer bike. Reducing vibration is important. But the OVERALL comfort and ride is even more important. You do not want to settle for something that solves one problem but makes you unhappy in other ways. Peace.