Harley let down
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 6,522
Likes: 10,910
From: ohio
Test rides sometimes don't reveal everything, but they're better than not test riding it. For example, when I test rode a 98 Sportster the vibration was acceptable at 55 mph, but after I bought it and took it over 63 mph, that's when the fillings started to rattle out.
It's not a mechanical or safety issue I later found out. I had ridden various Sportsters short term before but not over 60 mph so I wasn't aware of the issue. The reason I didn't do some research prior to buying it was when I saw it for sale I wasn't looking for a Harley or even another motorcycle. I was driving by and happened to see it for sale. I knew other people who had Evo Harleys and they loved them, and I felt Harleys might be finally reliable enough to take a chance on. On that aspect I was right, my Sportster has been great, as reliable as any Japanese bike I've owned. I was later able to limit the felt vibration at interstate speeds with a modification.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 4,052
Likes: 5,159
From: Below the Gnat Line
Well, I'm not sure what you expect from us, but as you should have guessed, it's not going to be sympathy. Harleys are a rough ride; Dynas especially. That's part of the lure for most of us. I do LOVE to feel that V-twin shaking and hear it growl.
However, if you want a solution, many have already suggested that you check your motor mounts; it's a known issue among Dynas.
I'll also add; I bought a 2009 Dyna over a year ago. It was rough; couldn't use the mirrors at highway speeds. I expected it, so I just rode it and enjoyed the ride. It rolled up on 10,000 miles, so I took it for service and had them put new tires on since it was running the originals that were 9 years old and hard a a preacher's ...... You wouldn't believe the difference that new, properly balanced tires made for me. I can use the mirrors now!
Your tires are likely the originals. The OEM Dunlops aren't known to be the best riding tires, but you likely still have a lot of miles left in yours. However, they're 6 years old now and no one here would blame you for replacing them; especially if it improves your ride.
Start by checking the motor mounts for failure. Shoot, go ahead and upgrade; we all love to improve our bikes. Then check your air pressure carefully in both tires. Have them balanced. Consider a new set for your safety as much as for the quality of your ride.
Dynas are fun to ride. You'll get there if you want to; we all do.
However, if you want a solution, many have already suggested that you check your motor mounts; it's a known issue among Dynas.
I'll also add; I bought a 2009 Dyna over a year ago. It was rough; couldn't use the mirrors at highway speeds. I expected it, so I just rode it and enjoyed the ride. It rolled up on 10,000 miles, so I took it for service and had them put new tires on since it was running the originals that were 9 years old and hard a a preacher's ...... You wouldn't believe the difference that new, properly balanced tires made for me. I can use the mirrors now!
Your tires are likely the originals. The OEM Dunlops aren't known to be the best riding tires, but you likely still have a lot of miles left in yours. However, they're 6 years old now and no one here would blame you for replacing them; especially if it improves your ride.Start by checking the motor mounts for failure. Shoot, go ahead and upgrade; we all love to improve our bikes. Then check your air pressure carefully in both tires. Have them balanced. Consider a new set for your safety as much as for the quality of your ride.
Dynas are fun to ride. You'll get there if you want to; we all do.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 3,466
Likes: 425
From: Illinois
Rikkitony,My advice is to ignore all the smartassed jaggoff answers here, and find someone locally that you trust,to take the bike for a ride,and find out what's wrong with it.
A rubber mounted Harley simply does not vibrate the way you describe,unless there's something wrong. Again,ignore these **** ant jaggoffs telling you the bike is normal.
A rubber mounted Harley simply does not vibrate the way you describe,unless there's something wrong. Again,ignore these **** ant jaggoffs telling you the bike is normal.
Road Captain
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 632
Likes: 85
Rikkitony,My advice is to ignore all the smartassed jaggoff answers here, and find someone locally that you trust,to take the bike for a ride,and find out what's wrong with it.
A rubber mounted Harley simply does not vibrate the way you describe,unless there's something wrong. Again,ignore these **** ant jaggoffs telling you the bike is normal.
A rubber mounted Harley simply does not vibrate the way you describe,unless there's something wrong. Again,ignore these **** ant jaggoffs telling you the bike is normal.
There may or may not be a problem. H-D bikes DO transmit engine sound and feel and that is perhaps their greatest attraction. However, this particular bike MAY have a problem. Someone familiar with these bikes could take one test rude and know.
If there IS something producing too much vibration, that issue could be fixed.
However, the Harley is NEVER going to ride as smoothly as a 4-cylinder or other refined foreign bike - THANKFULLY!
.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 126
Likes: 27
From: Black Hills of South Dakota
Can't blame you for being pissed. It may vibrate but it shouldn't be brutal.
I'd start with an inventory of the bike. See if you can determine what if anything has been done to the motor. Check the handlebar mounts, it could be an easy fix. The regular mounts are rubber. You can get stiffer or perhaps someone hard mounted them. I went with stiffer and they still don't rattle my teeth or blur the mirror.
Definitely check your motor mounts. I think on your model there is a link at the top that ties the motor to the frame, check that and see if it got loose.
I can put my heel on my exhaust pipe heat shields and feel the motor vibrate at different loads and speeds. Its strange, with my set up it vibrates like mad in some gears and loads and is really soft and quiet at others. None of that rattles my teeth.
Does it vibrate all the time or more at certain rpms?
You have a correctable problem. The hard part will be figuring out what it is. Hopefully nothing is bent and its just maintenance.
I'd start with an inventory of the bike. See if you can determine what if anything has been done to the motor. Check the handlebar mounts, it could be an easy fix. The regular mounts are rubber. You can get stiffer or perhaps someone hard mounted them. I went with stiffer and they still don't rattle my teeth or blur the mirror.
Definitely check your motor mounts. I think on your model there is a link at the top that ties the motor to the frame, check that and see if it got loose.
I can put my heel on my exhaust pipe heat shields and feel the motor vibrate at different loads and speeds. Its strange, with my set up it vibrates like mad in some gears and loads and is really soft and quiet at others. None of that rattles my teeth.
Does it vibrate all the time or more at certain rpms?
You have a correctable problem. The hard part will be figuring out what it is. Hopefully nothing is bent and its just maintenance.
Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 1,333
Likes: 355
From: San Diego
My '09 was smooth for years, then suddenly, one day started vibrating excessively. A year later, 6 mechanics and 5grand and no change. Dumped it. Don't let these morons tell you it's normal. Most likely you've spun the crank. But I replaced my crank assy and no change. Don't fight it, get rid of it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 21,029
Likes: 12,550
From: South Carolina
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Key word there being RANGE mate
As in between 2300rpm to 2700rpm it vibrated
Last edited by Tall Timber; Jul 21, 2019 at 09:22 PM.