Switchback vibration
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: lula GA.
Vibration Resolution for Dyna Switchback?
To start with, I have tried every suggestion in this form and none of it worked. I took it to the dealer; they did a front engine mount modification; it still vibrations. They put a new screaming eagle night stick on it and said this would stop the vibration. It did not. I have aligned the exhaust three or four times to no avail. I took the front exhaust bracket that bolts to the bottom of the engine off and it completely stopped all vibrations. So maybe this could help someone else who is having problems with the vibration on their Dyna Switchback.
Last edited by JLRB; Sep 24, 2012 at 04:14 PM.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 17
Likes: 1
From: lula GA.
It is the first bracket between number 1 & number 2 exhaust pipes that bolts to the bottom of the engine. Bike use to shake so bad, it broke the baffle in the original muffler. HD put nightstick on but still vibrated bad. By taking this bracket off it was the only way to stop the bad shaking. Do not know if it will work with the original muffler.
Stage I
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Just got a 12 switchback about 1 month ago. I took the bike home stock, 1 week later vance and hines 2-1 slip on, download, high flow, and a detachable sissy bar. Love the bike, but am concerned I have felt the vibration, I also have a horrible rattle in the sissy bar when I engine brake. Any suggestions?
5th Gear
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 9
Likes: 2
From: webster, ny
Sorry, had to trade
The Switchback pipe rubber washer trick and other suggestions on this forum did not work for me. The tricks helped reduce vibration a little, but mostly changed the vibration profile to another RPM. So after a long debate with myself over the Switchback vibration issue, I decided to trade in my motorcycle for another model. The Fatboy FLSTF. Here is why;
When you spend $16,000+ on a motorcycle you have certain expectations:
#1: You must enjoy riding the motorcycle.
#2: You shouldnt have to settle for anything youre not happy with.
I called Harley customer service and they were aware of the Switchback vibration issue, but would do nothing because its not a safety concern. So to address both my expectations I would have to spend at least $1000 for a new pipe, tuner, and installation costs. Would the new pipe fix the vibration problem? (maybe, it could produce different vibrations). Would the new pipe sound good to me? (maybe, I dont like it too loud). Another problem I had was the 16 windshield; its just too short and causes buffeting. $350 for taller one that I have not tried yet. Bottom line is that my original 2 expectations would be in question again even after buying the new parts.
The Harley Davison Fatboy FLSTF is a much better bike for me. Vibrations are almost nonexistent. After break-in period soft-tails are absolutely smooth. I had a chance to ride 3 of them recently. The newer models have a narrower seat and pull-back handle bars, so the Fatboy is actually not that much different rider position than Switchback. Fatboy has more chrome. Fatboy has more aftermarket parts I can add over time. Fatboy handles just fine. I lost about $2,500 between trade-in costs, but I am happy now.
My 2-cents.
When you spend $16,000+ on a motorcycle you have certain expectations:
#1: You must enjoy riding the motorcycle.
#2: You shouldnt have to settle for anything youre not happy with.
I called Harley customer service and they were aware of the Switchback vibration issue, but would do nothing because its not a safety concern. So to address both my expectations I would have to spend at least $1000 for a new pipe, tuner, and installation costs. Would the new pipe fix the vibration problem? (maybe, it could produce different vibrations). Would the new pipe sound good to me? (maybe, I dont like it too loud). Another problem I had was the 16 windshield; its just too short and causes buffeting. $350 for taller one that I have not tried yet. Bottom line is that my original 2 expectations would be in question again even after buying the new parts.
The Harley Davison Fatboy FLSTF is a much better bike for me. Vibrations are almost nonexistent. After break-in period soft-tails are absolutely smooth. I had a chance to ride 3 of them recently. The newer models have a narrower seat and pull-back handle bars, so the Fatboy is actually not that much different rider position than Switchback. Fatboy has more chrome. Fatboy has more aftermarket parts I can add over time. Fatboy handles just fine. I lost about $2,500 between trade-in costs, but I am happy now.
My 2-cents.
Thread Starter
|
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 239
From: northeast
The Switchback pipe rubber washer trick and other suggestions on this forum did not work for me. The tricks helped reduce vibration a little, but mostly changed the vibration profile to another RPM. So after a long debate with myself over the Switchback vibration issue, I decided to trade in my motorcycle for another model. The Fatboy FLSTF. Here is why;
When you spend $16,000+ on a motorcycle you have certain expectations:
#1: You must enjoy riding the motorcycle.
#2: You shouldnt have to settle for anything youre not happy with.
I called Harley customer service and they were aware of the Switchback vibration issue, but would do nothing because its not a safety concern. So to address both my expectations I would have to spend at least $1000 for a new pipe, tuner, and installation costs. Would the new pipe fix the vibration problem? (maybe, it could produce different vibrations). Would the new pipe sound good to me? (maybe, I dont like it too loud). Another problem I had was the 16 windshield; its just too short and causes buffeting. $350 for taller one that I have not tried yet. Bottom line is that my original 2 expectations would be in question again even after buying the new parts.
The Harley Davison Fatboy FLSTF is a much better bike for me. Vibrations are almost nonexistent. After break-in period soft-tails are absolutely smooth. I had a chance to ride 3 of them recently. The newer models have a narrower seat and pull-back handle bars, so the Fatboy is actually not that much different rider position than Switchback. Fatboy has more chrome. Fatboy has more aftermarket parts I can add over time. Fatboy handles just fine. I lost about $2,500 between trade-in costs, but I am happy now.
My 2-cents.
When you spend $16,000+ on a motorcycle you have certain expectations:
#1: You must enjoy riding the motorcycle.
#2: You shouldnt have to settle for anything youre not happy with.
I called Harley customer service and they were aware of the Switchback vibration issue, but would do nothing because its not a safety concern. So to address both my expectations I would have to spend at least $1000 for a new pipe, tuner, and installation costs. Would the new pipe fix the vibration problem? (maybe, it could produce different vibrations). Would the new pipe sound good to me? (maybe, I dont like it too loud). Another problem I had was the 16 windshield; its just too short and causes buffeting. $350 for taller one that I have not tried yet. Bottom line is that my original 2 expectations would be in question again even after buying the new parts.
The Harley Davison Fatboy FLSTF is a much better bike for me. Vibrations are almost nonexistent. After break-in period soft-tails are absolutely smooth. I had a chance to ride 3 of them recently. The newer models have a narrower seat and pull-back handle bars, so the Fatboy is actually not that much different rider position than Switchback. Fatboy has more chrome. Fatboy has more aftermarket parts I can add over time. Fatboy handles just fine. I lost about $2,500 between trade-in costs, but I am happy now.
My 2-cents.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 85
Likes: 1
From: Miss. Gulf Coast
I picked up my new Switchback 3 weeks ago and noticed the vibration at 2900-3100 rpm. I removed the bolt on the exhaust mount that several folks have mentioned and have eliminated the buzz.
It now has all the normal vibes that make a Dyna unique. It's a lot like the 07 FXDC I had but better. Maybe some people buy these bikes expecting it to be something it's not.
It now has all the normal vibes that make a Dyna unique. It's a lot like the 07 FXDC I had but better. Maybe some people buy these bikes expecting it to be something it's not.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 253
Likes: 21
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
I'm thinkin' your right. My switchback was a HD ex-rental bike that I picked up from Buddy Stubbs in Phoenix, and right from the day I was on it, there was no more vibration on this bike as there was on my 06 Lowrider. Maybe the dealer corrected some of those problems because it was a rental, but I've never had a problem with that. Now, the heat coming off those stock pipes cuz of the Cat, that's a problem for me. But, those pipes will be replaced over winter with Samson Legends, so that should get rid of the heat problem and sound better. So, small investment for the pipes...not a big deal. Still love the bike...
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Tourer
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 466
Likes: 2
From: Bothell, WA
I have been looking at a SB for the wife (she rides a RK Custom now). From what I've heard (from salespeople) that there has been a huge number of low mileage trade-ins. He is pretty sure (and I've seen it) it's from the length of the 2 into 1 exhaust and the crappy supports (no rear support like the touring bikes). After looking at both SB and the other Dynas, I pretty sure you could switch exhausts and they'd been good to go. Was on a ride yesterday and witnessed the end of the muffler just swinging up and down at the supprt point. I have an Ultra Limited and want to keep an eye on this thread to see if anyone has tried the exhaust switch.
1st Gear
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
From: Maple Ridge BC, Canada
Mine Too
I have a 2013. The vibration started at about 2200 rpm. Hard to go past 3000. Getting better.I hope it's break in. I have about 800k on it. Added a Nightstick pipe (Supertrapp) and breather kit. Yet to flash the ecm. Will do that at first service. Also added a sissy bar (for the back seat driver) with laggage rack all HD parts. Rattles at 1700 rpm. Came off a 2004 Super Glide Hot Rod that would blow the doors of this one. Hope it gets better or Harley has to find a fix.