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Joined: Jan 2015
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From: Texas
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My name is David and I recently joined this forum to learn more about my new Harley which is a 1998 Dyna FXDS Conv. I am having many issues with vibration and I am hoping someone here can help!
I notice the vibration when riding alone and especially when my wife is riding along with me. The vibrations comes from all over especially when we are riding together. I have done a cursory check and I know what it is not: cannot be the tires because the front one is brand new and the back one is pretty new as well. I have also checked the front motor mount and it appears to be in great shape. I have heard about the need for some sort of stabilizer for Dyna's and I am experiencing the back and forth shake along with the turning being much more difficult than it should be. I have rode since I was very young and although this is not my first Harley it is my first Dyna and its a rough ride.
I purchased the bike a month ago and the engine is a rebuild. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
David
I notice the vibration when riding alone and especially when my wife is riding along with me. The vibrations comes from all over especially when we are riding together. I have done a cursory check and I know what it is not: cannot be the tires because the front one is brand new and the back one is pretty new as well. I have also checked the front motor mount and it appears to be in great shape. I have heard about the need for some sort of stabilizer for Dyna's and I am experiencing the back and forth shake along with the turning being much more difficult than it should be. I have rode since I was very young and although this is not my first Harley it is my first Dyna and its a rough ride.
I purchased the bike a month ago and the engine is a rebuild. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
David
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 837
Likes: 8
From: Wyoming
Is this your first Harley? Some vibration in Harleys is unavoidable. However, it is impossible for anyone here on the forum to know whether what you are experiencing is within the normal range of Harley (Dyna) vibration. If you have any riding buddies or know of anyone who has a Dyna of around the same vintage, have that person ride you bike to see if s/he thinks the vibration is beyond what is normal.
If that person agrees that there is too much vibration, there are many, many possible causes. You might want to find a good independent mechanic to help you track down the problem.
If that person agrees that there is too much vibration, there are many, many possible causes. You might want to find a good independent mechanic to help you track down the problem.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 21,019
Likes: 7,547
From: Poolville
need more info
Your vibration, is it in a specific gear, cruising, under load, hard acceleration or on decel, can you replicate it in neutral just revving the motor. Does it get worse or better with the clutch engaged. what upgrades have been done to the motor. is there noise associated with the vibration.
Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 731
Likes: 7
From: Windsor Ontario
Vibration while cruising is not really normal - my mirrors are dead smooth above 2800 rpm - front motor mount is a definite suspect, and was the first upgrade I did on my 2000 FXDL.
I would be suspicious of a rebuilt motor, if new pistons were involved I would wonder if they were balanced with the crank... or at least matched to the weight of the old pistons.
I would be suspicious of a rebuilt motor, if new pistons were involved I would wonder if they were balanced with the crank... or at least matched to the weight of the old pistons.
If you're lugging the bike that will also lead to more vibration.
Unbalanced tires if it happens at speed. I'd also be inclined to think motor mounts could be suspect. Rear axle may also be slightly out of alignment that I could see causing vibrations. But you say the vibrations increase when you have your wife on the back makes me think you're in too high of a gear for the speed and lugging the engine.
But knowing under what conditions the vibrations happen under will help us help you. If it shakes/ vibrates at idle only, I would call that normal. Somebody who doesn't know Harley's very well could think something is wrong, you can watch it shake if sitting on the kick stand.
Unbalanced tires if it happens at speed. I'd also be inclined to think motor mounts could be suspect. Rear axle may also be slightly out of alignment that I could see causing vibrations. But you say the vibrations increase when you have your wife on the back makes me think you're in too high of a gear for the speed and lugging the engine.
But knowing under what conditions the vibrations happen under will help us help you. If it shakes/ vibrates at idle only, I would call that normal. Somebody who doesn't know Harley's very well could think something is wrong, you can watch it shake if sitting on the kick stand.
Last edited by 2500hdon37s; Jan 9, 2015 at 08:05 PM.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 5
From: Vancouver B.C.
I'd double check that front motor mount. A friend of mine had the same excessive vibration issue and the mount looked fine, but it actually had a hairline crack that was barely visible until removed from the bike.
A new mount solved the problem.
A new mount solved the problem.
Last edited by shovelheadroad; Jan 10, 2015 at 03:25 AM.
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