Engine vibration
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Club Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 156
Likes: 60
From: nc
Engine vibration
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?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
Likes: 3,873
From: Upstate New York
Theres vibration and then theres 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 cant speak for anyone else. My recommendation is to arrange a test ride and find out for yourself.
Neither was an issue to me but I cant speak for anyone else. My recommendation is to arrange a test ride and find out for yourself.
Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2019
Posts: 631
Likes: 571
From: Northern Nevada
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.
HDF Community Team
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 4,347
Likes: 3,392
From: Seattle
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)
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)
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 214
Likes: 80
From: Florida
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.
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 2,261
From: Ft. Wayne IN
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.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 1,322
Likes: 731
From: Pennsylvania
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.
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.