The other day I got to go for a ride. I thought I had the True-track vibration issue resolved. My ride started out wonderfully. By the time I got 3/4 of the way home, my bike was vibrating so hard I had to pull over. I'm truly at a loss.

I did loosen both motor mount bolts, run the motor for 5-10 seconds and then re-torque. I also noticed there was only about a 1/16 of an inch between the two TT mounts. Ok, so I unbolted the heim joint, and got a little more space in between the two mounts. I thought that with so little space, when the motor would torque under load the two pieces were contacting each other and transferring the vibrations.

I laid a 9" level on the motor near the rockers and it looks like the back is ok but the front is off about 1/4" or so. I'm not sure how accurate my reading was based on where I laid the level. Not many places to do that.

I think I'm going to remove (at minimum) the front TT and reset it all. Take it from there.

I have searched through the forums and other than replacing the front isolator I didn't find anything really usable. I don't think the isolator has gone bad but I suppose it's a possibility. ~18-19k miles.

When I got back to my storage area / shop, I started tearing the bike apart so I can fix the dent in the tank and paint 'er up. I didn't have that much time but had gotten most of the tank disassembled. I stopped at the 12 T-20 torx screws.

Today I got a few hours to myself and went up to do more work. I grab my t-20 socket and wouldn't you know, on the first one my bit snaps in half.

Oooook.

I can't find my other one so I hit my local hardware store for socket head replacements of those god-forsaken torx screws. I needed #8-32 x 1" long. My local shop only has #10-32.

I'm having a great day.

I run to Wadesboro, NC to the Tractor Supply Store. +/- 30min ride. They have machine screws in the proper size but not socket heads. I end up buying a few odds and ends, like a T-20 torx screwdriver.

Get back, and again on the first screw that damn T-20 bit snaps in half.

WTF!!!

I remember I had a torx set that I got from the auto parts store months ago that fits into a 1/2" drive socket. No, it didn't snap. It actually allowed me to loosen them all enough to use the broken torx screwdriver to finish the job.

Any suggestions regarding the TT / vibration issue would be appreciated.

I'm almost at a point of finding a shop anywhere within a few hours that knows about the TT. I think I remember shop in Charlotte that is actually a dealer. I really don't have the money to pay for shop time though.

I have two shops near me. An indy (35min away) who I would never trust enough to work on my bike and the dealer (1hr away) which I think is also not an option.

I also need to pay attention to my front end. When I replaced my ricors with new correct size intiminators because the original set I received were made big (they are top notch as far as customer support goes) and followed their instructions regarding measuring the fork oil to 4-5" from the top. I use schedule 40 pvc in place of the finger-amputating sharp metal spacer. I also cut it short by 1". My front end is a mess now.

Again, just going to replace the OEM spacer and double check the fluid because the ride is so very hard and clunky.

I'm pulling my hair out. Some major issues going on and I'm not sure at all how to resolve them although I think I have some starting points.

It's gotten to a point that I don't want to ride even when I get the chance which doesn't occur that often any more.

 

wow, sorry to hear about all the troubles. I would start exactly were you said, loosen run the motor and retorque. We never had to replace the isolater on the 05 wide glide my dad had so I wouldnt think yours would be bad he had over 20,000 on his. Hope you get it figured out.

 

Seems strange that the ride started out "wonderfully", then went south on you. Did you do anything during the ride that could account for the change?

I don't have a TT (although it gets such high praise here that I've been close), but my bikes builder advised against it for exactly the experience you are having - excessive vibration.

Hope you figure it out.

 

Hey S.C. long hair, sorry I don't have any tech. advise on this one just wanted to give some support. Sounds like you are getting pretty discouraged with your bike. It's just the beginning of summer, plenty of time to get all the problems resolved. Don't worry you will "Get er done".

 

I hope you get it figured out, Vic. It's a lonely world when your bike don't run right. Stick with it! The weather's finally getting nice, again!

 

Trouble shooting stuff like this is truly frustrating. It really seems odd that the first part of the ride were good and then went to hell. It sounds like you have two projects here. I would get the front end dialed in first and then tackle the other. Is the vibration all throughout the frame and right up through the bars? or is it more frame, seat and rear end? Did it change based on how fast you were riding or did it depend on engine speed? I know I'm asking a bunch of questions but for me, these types of challenges need attacked "one thing at a time". Changing a bunch of stuff leaves too many variables. I'm sure you'll get some sage advice from the veterans on here so for now, all I can offer is a pat on the back and I'm sure that you'll get it all sorted out.

 

I guess the frustrating part is that my time is no longer mine. It all belongs to my 19mos old daughter.

I'll get it figured out. I'm going to pull the front TT off and see how the bike fairs. Since I tore the tank apart for repair and paint it'll be a while. I just needed to vent. Thanks for the opportunity.

I do have a deadline to have it all resolved...weekend of April 16th. I'll be at the dragon w/ 8541hog, and maybe Sniper77.

 

Sorry to hear about your bad day there! I have had a few of those myself. I was just thinking (and I'm sure you have already) to check for a tear or torn rubber motor mount as this would surely cause more vibration. Just trying to help with a suggestion. I'm sure your going to find what it is and let us know when ya do.---Better days ahead!!!

 

What sort of space do you have between motor and the front mount (preload) ? After I did the loosen/run/retorque, I also re-loosened the front motor mount, jacked the engine up till I could turn the motor mount bolts with my fingers. I had about 1/8" space between the mount and the engine. I inserted fender washers in to take up the space. Took a lot of vibration out.

 

Don't make me come down there and fix your bike Vic....lol
Sorry to hear about your issues, wish I was closer, I would give you a hand.