I've been using a Predator mount up front for several years now and am pretty happy with it, although I can only compare it directly with an OEM mount that wasn't fully collapsed, but was getting tired. I chose the Predator primarily for the handling benefits of reducing "rear steer' and it's definitely done that, but I do get engine vibes through the pegs and seat. Not terrible, but noticeable. I'm sure this is a by-product of using stabilizers on both ends of the engine, and a solid heim link up top. But again, cornering confidence is more important to me than vibration reduction.

But I've been curious about the new wire mesh mounts from Kinetic Structures and have been hoping someone would post a detailed ride report soon. Since that hasn't happened yet (that I've seen, although I know crusader1xxx has a set on order), a couple of weeks ago I got impulsive and ordered one of their new front mounts, thinking I would volunteer to be the guinea pig. I wasn't going to post anything until installation and riding, but who knows when I'll actually get to it... So here is some basic info regarding the physical unit itself. I'll update after install.

Here's what Kinetic Structures says about their Dyna mount:



Looking at the mount, I can see how their statement about not needing stabilizers could be true, although we won't know until riding. The instructions explain that the lateral mesh is much stiffer than the vertical mesh, and looking at the mount, it's obvious that separate mesh stacks are used in each direction. Here are a few shots from different angles:











Disappointingly, this mount doesn't come with any mounting hardware, and the instructions simply say to reuse all original hardware (and to reference the FSM for further instructions). It did come with a pair of spacers though, in case the mount needs to be shimmed (which is discussed in the instructions). I like the use of full size spacers, as opposed to washers:



Being a bit of a pack rat, I was able to find my original OEM front mount for comparison. Side by side, you can see the new Kinetic Structures mount is less bulky than OEM, and has a much tidier, smaller look to it. They weigh almost exactly the same amount, although the new unit is marginally lighter: 1lb, 14.7oz for OEM, vs. 1lb, 14.1oz for the mesh unit. The literature simply says "stainless steel" with no further detail. Using a magnet pick-up tool, I found only the slightest of magnetic qualities to the case, whereas the mesh itself held the magnet a little bit more, but still not much. The new mount definitely has a higher quality feel to it than OEM. Here they are together:





Next time my oil filter is off I'll probably install it. There are a couple of things I like about a stock-style mount like this (as opposed to the Predator). It should allow the use of the Custom Cycle Engineering "Engine Equator" if anyone wants to play with lateral engine alignment, and I think you could still run a Sputhe, TrueTrack, or Alloy Art style stabilizer if the need exists (but I'm guessing, so don't blame me if they don't fit!).

Sorry for tons of similar pictures, but I thought anyone considering this mount may want to see it in more detail than on the manufacturer's site, which can be found here.

Again, I'll post more info once I install it. In the meantime, if anyone has experience with these... Please share!

 

I have been riding on these mounts since March this year. I got together with the owner as a tester for them. He’s based in Phoenix, AZ. Started with just the front, then moved onto the rear. He made a handful of renditions regarding stiffness of the stainless steel cushions and also improved design regarding the structure over the few months I have worked with him. Yours is actually a newer version than what I even have on my bike now. I need to go back up to visit him.

My experience so far has overall been positive, but my only comparison was my worn out OEM front mount.

Front Only: first iteration got rid of wobble at higher speeds, tracked true and straight, way better than OEM. But it was too stiff and felt excessive vibration in the handlebars. After more trials and redesigns, it feels great. Tracks very straight, and vibration is not an issue at all. The only slight wobble I have felt is nearing 100mph, but there’s many more factors than just the motor mount that will play into that.

Front AND Rear mounts: the rear mount has been tricky to find the sweet spot with different stiffness of the cushions. One stiffness feels amazing at 65 but vibrates too much at 80. The next version was the opposite. I have noticed the vibration mostly in the pegs and handlebars/mirrors. It all depends on the engine RPM, and unfortunately it’s impossible to be completely smooth across the entire RPM range. He texted about a month ago saying he has a new one for me to put in, but it’s 115 in Phoenix right now and I’ve had no chance to get up there to swap it out. Once I swap that out and get a few miles on it, I will give you an update.

 

Excellent info, TWilson. Thanks for chiming in! I'm sure it's very difficult to nail down the properties of the cushions in such a way that most people have a good experience with them. For example, my motor vibrates a lot at low RPMs and hardly at all higher in the range. For me, I would prefer good low RPM damping and high range stability. But a different bike might be the opposite. I thought about ordering the rear as well, but my rear OEM mount was fresh last season and has a Sputhe stabilizer on it as well. Based on what you wrote, I'm glad I didn't order it yet. My drivetrain is well stabilized right now, so I'm really curious to see how this feels!

Thanks again for the info, I'm glad they're doing a lot of field testing!

 

Good idea but I suspect longevity will an issue, harmonic vibration combined with torquing loads will degrade the mesh over time and it'll start shedding material. Question will be how long \ many miles?

Kudos to the inventor for thinking outside the box, be interesting to see what it ultimately evolves into.

 

It’s pretty much a one man show. His business started with creating airplane engine mounts. And I’m talking, big airplanes such as DC-3’s and others, not small private planes. He also has been working with Indy racing teams. He saw an opportunity of vibration dampening with our Harley engines. He breaks it down very scientifically and uses testing devices that I had no idea existed.

I am kind of the typical weekend rider test subject, he has another guy who is a stunt rider, and a few others with higher power engines, and other riding styles. He wants to cover all the bases.

In regards to longevity...I asked him about that specifically. He forms the cushions through compression, so I thought...hmm if I put too much load on this, is it going to change the properties and wear it down over time? He said in theory yes, in practice no. He has never run into that happening even with forces much stronger than our Harley’s are putting down.

I’m going Friday morning to put the new rear mount on. Will update as I ride more.

 

Have some background with vibration isolation on big high speed machinery, interesting stuff. Whole lot going on the average Joe wouldn't have a clue about.

 

Interesting stuff.

For a buck 39 I think I'll try the touring mount.

 

I actually have these on order...just waiting for them....might even try it against my predator mount which works fantastic for stability...but has given me more vibes right in the RPM range I want to ride in...2200-2450...under and over is smooth ...

And I’m sure Tarik will think I’ve had these on order forever...well at lease a couple of months, but that is on me, not this company. I placed an order, then canceled, then spoke to the owner, Harry, then let it sit for awhile, then we had to figure out shipping to Canada..etc...etc...

 

I have the predator mount, I'm happy with it but do I have a pretty good vibration between 2100-2500, not sure I want to spend $140 and risk it not getting rid of that vibration.

 

Very interested in this thread. I too have a Predator that works great but am always on the lookout for better motor mounts, which seem to be a weak link in the otherwise great Dyna. Keep posting!