Aftermarket Motor Mounts
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
We're actually talking about two different mechanisms within this thread: isolators/mounts, and stabilizers. The Dyna chassis (many individual bikes, not all) suffer from stability issues at speed due, at least in part, to drivetrain "shimmy" resulting from the design of the stock front and rear isolators allowing excess lateral (left/right) movement which affects vehicle alignment. We also have what many consider to be excess vibration from the combustion pulses. Our engines are not counterbalanced and require the use of the rubber isolators to keep things from tearing apart and to keep the rider comfortable. A softail, for example, uses a counterbalanced engine and it is rigidly bolted to the frame.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
We're actually talking about two different mechanisms within this thread: isolators/mounts, and stabilizers. The Dyna chassis (many individual bikes, not all) suffer from stability issues at speed due, at least in part, to drivetrain "shimmy" resulting from the design of the stock front and rear isolators allowing excess lateral (left/right) movement which affects vehicle alignment. We also have what many consider to be excess vibration from the combustion pulses. Our engines are not counterbalanced and require the use of the rubber isolators to keep things from tearing apart and to keep the rider comfortable. A softail, for example, uses a counterbalanced engine and it is rigidly bolted to the frame.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
It's a completely design and is rebuildable. I haven't yet contacted Vibra-Technics about a replacement isolator but I have no doubt they would sell the isolator alone.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,056
Likes: 251
From: Connecticut
That's what I was hoping to hear. Makes sense that they would. Thanks.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,448
Likes: 2,299
From: NW Ohio
The isolator component appears to be a standard commercially-available part. I've been meaning to try and find a source but haven't done yet.
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Tourer
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Wasteland Mi
Very well described,
We're actually talking about two different mechanisms within this thread: isolators/mounts, and stabilizers. The Dyna chassis (many individual bikes, not all) suffer from stability issues at speed due, at least in part, to drivetrain "shimmy" resulting from the design of the stock front and rear isolators allowing excess lateral (left/right) movement which affects vehicle alignment. We also have what many consider to be excess vibration from the combustion pulses. Our engines are not counterbalanced and require the use of the rubber isolators to keep things from tearing apart and to keep the rider comfortable. A softail, for example, uses a counterbalanced engine and it is rigidly bolted to the frame.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
The front isolator tends to deteriorate or collapse fairly rapidly which causes uncomfortable vibration. The rear seems to be far more robust, partly because it's subjected to spilled engine oil and far lower vibration amplitude. Most aftermarket mounts/isolators use the same design as stock and suffer the same weaknesses.
The stabilizers help to control the lateral shift of the drivetrain (and swingarm, which is bolted to the transmission).
The Predator/Vibra-technics mount mentioned above uses a shrouded isolator and integrated stabilizer link to fix both problems at once. At least for the more problematic front position.
The widely acclaimed FXR chassis (forerunner of the Dyna) used stabilizer links, as did Eric Buell in his chassis. They are considered virtually mandatory for performance/handling rubber mount applications.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 5,471
Likes: 6,342
From: pacific northwest
the predator mount will likely not reduce vibration which was not an issue for me, but the main advantage is the stabilizer link which seems to help the handling.