Name that problem.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
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From: East end of Canada
Update:
Had a 5000 mile service done on the bike at the dealership, everything was checked over, and still no vibration found. They said 2 mechanics had the bike out for a test ride, and neither could find the vibration. They made me feel like I was on mushrooms! LOL Anyway, I know it's there - I'm the one riding the bike on a daily basis.
Interestingly enough, I had a little ride this evening, and noticed that I can now feel the vibe when I rev the throttle when stopped (either in neutral or in gear), as well as when riding.
I have no idea where to go from here!? I was hoping it was a wheel balance issue or a stem bearing, but now with the realization that the vibe is there at a stand still, I guess that hope was tossed out the window.
Could it be a motor mount? The way they rush you in and out at the dealership, and the rolling of eyes when you ask them to look at something on your bike is not easing my frustration any either.
Had a 5000 mile service done on the bike at the dealership, everything was checked over, and still no vibration found. They said 2 mechanics had the bike out for a test ride, and neither could find the vibration. They made me feel like I was on mushrooms! LOL Anyway, I know it's there - I'm the one riding the bike on a daily basis.
Interestingly enough, I had a little ride this evening, and noticed that I can now feel the vibe when I rev the throttle when stopped (either in neutral or in gear), as well as when riding.
I have no idea where to go from here!? I was hoping it was a wheel balance issue or a stem bearing, but now with the realization that the vibe is there at a stand still, I guess that hope was tossed out the window.
Could it be a motor mount? The way they rush you in and out at the dealership, and the rolling of eyes when you ask them to look at something on your bike is not easing my frustration any either.
Tourer
Joined: May 2010
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well. first thing you should know, well from what i've found/seen, dynas vibrate more than other models.
I would take close inspection to the front motor mount, you only need a pry bar to check it.
I would also check drive belt tension, and also tighten up all the heat shields on the exhaust.
A steering head adjustment would be more of a clunk
Also check the tank mounting bolts.
BTW, you have a bike that in most respects has a tractor motor in it.
IT'S GOING TO VIBRATE. You want a totally smooth bike, buy a goldwing....
If 2 techs rode it and they didn't find anything, you may want to ask yourself
if you're being overly critical of the issue?
I would take close inspection to the front motor mount, you only need a pry bar to check it.
I would also check drive belt tension, and also tighten up all the heat shields on the exhaust.
A steering head adjustment would be more of a clunk
Also check the tank mounting bolts.
BTW, you have a bike that in most respects has a tractor motor in it.
IT'S GOING TO VIBRATE. You want a totally smooth bike, buy a goldwing....
If 2 techs rode it and they didn't find anything, you may want to ask yourself
if you're being overly critical of the issue?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 124
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From: East end of Canada
HDTech74, I want to be clear on something - I'm not a mechanic (not by any means), but I do know my bike, HDs are not new to me, and I didn't fall with yesterday's snow. I know that HDs vibrate, and I know the feel of mine very well. This bike is fairly new to me, but I've put enough miles on it during which time I have paid particular attention to how the bike moves and reacts in various situations and road conditions.
I don't buy a mechanic's story every time they tell me something, either. If you heard how they treat some of their customers and what they say about them behind their back where I had my bike serviced, such as I heard with my own ears, you'd understand, too. It's a "get 'em in, get 'em out" dealership, known for terrible service and attitude. I have a wife and 2 young children. I want to know if my bike is going to come unglued the next time I take it on the highway...and that's exactly how it felt tonight when I rode it. I like the HD vibes I get from riding, but this feels dangerous. For a company that makes a product, and a dealership that services it, they really don't seem to want to listen. Thus, I have to ask my questions here where I believe that riders are looking out for other riders, and who have been through the same thing as me, and are generous enough to help.
I will check the areas of the bike you suggested, thanks. I'm thinking it is a motor mount issue. There's only one dealership where I live, so what I really need is to find a couple of disbanded, reliable HD mechanics who don't mind spending some time diagnosing a mystery. LOL
Thanks for the input. I will take a look.
I don't buy a mechanic's story every time they tell me something, either. If you heard how they treat some of their customers and what they say about them behind their back where I had my bike serviced, such as I heard with my own ears, you'd understand, too. It's a "get 'em in, get 'em out" dealership, known for terrible service and attitude. I have a wife and 2 young children. I want to know if my bike is going to come unglued the next time I take it on the highway...and that's exactly how it felt tonight when I rode it. I like the HD vibes I get from riding, but this feels dangerous. For a company that makes a product, and a dealership that services it, they really don't seem to want to listen. Thus, I have to ask my questions here where I believe that riders are looking out for other riders, and who have been through the same thing as me, and are generous enough to help.
I will check the areas of the bike you suggested, thanks. I'm thinking it is a motor mount issue. There's only one dealership where I live, so what I really need is to find a couple of disbanded, reliable HD mechanics who don't mind spending some time diagnosing a mystery. LOL
Thanks for the input. I will take a look.
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Joined: Jan 2007
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From: along the shore of Mishigami
Have you checked your front tire pressure? Both of my Dyna's require by the MOCO 30 psi (206kPa). Go down a section of road at the speed of the vibes, then add about 4 psi to the tire and ride down the same stretch, did the vibes change? If so you may have a tire issue. Reset your tire pressure when you are done. Are the vibes in the handlebars or the feet (left foot)? Could be the primary chain going into a harmonic resonance during a particular speed range (engine speed). If you had the shop inspect your bike on a repair order and the techs said it's okay, well then take it to an indy and have him check it out, with a repair order. The RO holds a tech/shop responsible for their actions. I own a 02 FXD and a 05 FXDLI and in no way are the the same. Vibes, noises you name it, and the same guy maintains both of them. Just curious what other Harley's have you owned?
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2010
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From: East end of Canada
Have you checked your front tire pressure? Both of my Dyna's require by the MOCO 30 psi (206kPa). Go down a section of road at the speed of the vibes, then add about 4 psi to the tire and ride down the same stretch, did the vibes change? If so you may have a tire issue. Reset your tire pressure when you are done. Are the vibes in the handlebars or the feet (left foot)? Could be the primary chain going into a harmonic resonance during a particular speed range (engine speed). If you had the shop inspect your bike on a repair order and the techs said it's okay, well then take it to an indy and have him check it out, with a repair order. The RO holds a tech/shop responsible for their actions. I own a 02 FXD and a 05 FXDLI and in no way are the the same. Vibes, noises you name it, and the same guy maintains both of them. Just curious what other Harley's have you owned?
Like army_eod said, the best thing to do is to take it elsewhere for a second opinion.
My other HD, which I still own, is a 1997 Sportster 1200S, with a Seeger Cycle chopper kit, and a nice flaming skull paint job, too. The bike is currently in several pieces, though. I'm looking at a Springer front end for it. Always something to do with a Sportster.
Last edited by diddydido; Aug 1, 2010 at 09:33 AM.
Tourer
Joined: Mar 2009
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From: I'm on the Central West Coast
Mate this is no help but I have a vibe on my SuperGlide that's developed at the Jiffy stand.
It could even be a rattle though because I'm too deaf to hear it.
But I can feel it and I know it's the stand because it goes away when resting on the stand or if I put my foot on the stand like to lower it.
I still think the most likely source is a motor mount and probably the front one
It could even be a rattle though because I'm too deaf to hear it.
But I can feel it and I know it's the stand because it goes away when resting on the stand or if I put my foot on the stand like to lower it.
I still think the most likely source is a motor mount and probably the front one
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