2012 Wide Glide Highway Vibration???
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 2,250
Likes: 36
From: Montana
id break it in first. my bike really smoothed out nice after 500 miles. But if its really a bother to you (and you wouldn't post if it wasn't) you can always take it back to the dealer when you can get it there. Some dealers will pick your bike up for free , you might ask them if that is an option since its winter out there. Good luck. Good news is its under warranty.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 5,173
Likes: 177
From: East Coast
I don't like cruising at 3,000 rpm...and in 6th, that would get me pulled over fairly quickly.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
Yeah, some vib I expect, but this is way more than a "normal" condition. I don't think anyone would own one if they all vib this bad. This is not normal I guarantee...
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
I had same thing initially with my fld until about 150-300 miles. You need to keep it at about 2500-3200 rpms as often as possible. Don't use your trans to slow down, use your brakes and don't lug it. It will go away. My problem was mostly in 4th though and I could shift up or down out of it.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 290
Likes: 0
From: MX/AZ/NV
If it's chattering your teeth, that is WAY too much.....especially considering it did not vibrate as much before your stage one tweaks.
To me...that would be a huge clue as to where to search and find out what is going on.
To narrow that down even further.....I would look into the dealership tune you had done. Something is amiss in the engine and with you engaging the clutch, and it goes away is a direct clue.
The dealer is full of sheet.....a bike is going to vibrate some yes....but not chatter your teeth vibrate. That is insane and NO one would by a Harley if that were a fact.
Who in their right mind would EVER by a bike that rattled your teeth?? First test ride and it's adios baby.
As a test, ask your dealer to put the "tune" back to stock and then take a short ride.
To me...that would be a huge clue as to where to search and find out what is going on.
To narrow that down even further.....I would look into the dealership tune you had done. Something is amiss in the engine and with you engaging the clutch, and it goes away is a direct clue.
The dealer is full of sheet.....a bike is going to vibrate some yes....but not chatter your teeth vibrate. That is insane and NO one would by a Harley if that were a fact.
Who in their right mind would EVER by a bike that rattled your teeth?? First test ride and it's adios baby.
As a test, ask your dealer to put the "tune" back to stock and then take a short ride.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From: Iowa
One thing that I also added at the same time I did the stage 1 stuff was the detachable seat backrest and luggage rack, which does rattles pretty bad...This might be the vibration I am feeling. I am taking it off tomorrow for a test ride to see if thats it.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 3
From: Ca.
If you run @3000 in 6th, you are doing about 85. Yep, that will get you pulled over. Dude, I normally cruise @ about 70-80 and 3000 is my sweet spot and will be yours too. I do that 70-80 speed in 5th, not 6th. 4th will cruise nicely up to 70mph.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 1,086
Likes: 2
I have to agree whole-heartedly. Hence why I rarely use sixth gear. If you use sixth, I usually get around 80 mph before it really even starts to smooth out. And, it will stay very smooth up to 100 mph. I've never gone faster to find out what's beyond that. High(er) RPMs equate to a smoother ride. Too high, you'll get engine buzz, but too low and you'll get lugging...which feels exactly like what Kevin describes. Still, his issue could be entirely different. And, with 30 years under his belt, I would almost assume that is the case. But, this is also a new bike and may ride different than his previous ones. So, check back with us on your next ride, Kevin!
To jamman's comment, it doesn't vibrate because it's a Dyna. Or because it's a Harley. All bikes vibrate. But, none should vibrate to the extent that Kevin has described. To me, it sounds like a real issue and should be looked at. Particularly if he's certain about not lugging the engine.
Pontiac brought up an interesting issue I hadn't heard before. Look into that. Definitely an easy fix.
To jamman's comment, it doesn't vibrate because it's a Dyna. Or because it's a Harley. All bikes vibrate. But, none should vibrate to the extent that Kevin has described. To me, it sounds like a real issue and should be looked at. Particularly if he's certain about not lugging the engine.
Pontiac brought up an interesting issue I hadn't heard before. Look into that. Definitely an easy fix.