What is Normal Dyna Vibration?
Novice
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Long Island, NY
I had similar concerns, when I first got my 08 FB. I was new to Harley (not riding) so to me it seemed wrong. I had a couple of friends who have experience ride it and took it to a well known mechanic for re-assurance after I checked and rechecked, bolts fasteners, torque values etc. It was fine. I do agree with the post of lugging, they are big twin motors and do not like to be lugged, you will/should learn when the bike needs to be shifted. Mine is smooth as glass when shifting properly. Hope this helps.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 115
Likes: 0
From: AZ
I agree about 30 too slow for 3rd, not even enough rpm to charge the battery.
During a slow speed cruise I do approx 30 in 2nd, >30 -40 in 3rd, 40-50ish in 4th, 55> in 5th, and use 6th when I am ready to let it go and fast cruise.
No lugging and minimal vibration except for usual Big Bore V Twin vibration. Mirrors don't vibrate either.
It does seem a little higher revving than the older traditional Harley engines, but that's technology and modern power for you.
You'll get used to it - the cruising sound of your pipes is unmistakably Harley Davidson!
Bill
Phoeinx,AZ
During a slow speed cruise I do approx 30 in 2nd, >30 -40 in 3rd, 40-50ish in 4th, 55> in 5th, and use 6th when I am ready to let it go and fast cruise.
No lugging and minimal vibration except for usual Big Bore V Twin vibration. Mirrors don't vibrate either.
It does seem a little higher revving than the older traditional Harley engines, but that's technology and modern power for you.
You'll get used to it - the cruising sound of your pipes is unmistakably Harley Davidson!
Bill
Phoeinx,AZ
4th Gear
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Texas
3k miles
2011 Dyna Wide Glide
At 3k miles I got a vibration that is different than when I first got the bike. Like some of the other replies it only happens at a certain RPM (which I cant see, there isnt a gauge) in all gears and causes vibration on foot pegs and if I stretch it out into higher RPM it levels off and gets smooth.
Took it to have them check and perform the TSB on front mount and they never checked it out and was trying to convince me it was the front wheel and bearing even though they never took the bike off the tires. I noticed one of the post on here mentioned 3k vibe. Is this a common thing that happens, and is it because of the front isolator?
And how do I get the dealership to simply do the service bulletin and stop trying to sell me wheels and ****. Thanks.
At 3k miles I got a vibration that is different than when I first got the bike. Like some of the other replies it only happens at a certain RPM (which I cant see, there isnt a gauge) in all gears and causes vibration on foot pegs and if I stretch it out into higher RPM it levels off and gets smooth.
Took it to have them check and perform the TSB on front mount and they never checked it out and was trying to convince me it was the front wheel and bearing even though they never took the bike off the tires. I noticed one of the post on here mentioned 3k vibe. Is this a common thing that happens, and is it because of the front isolator?
And how do I get the dealership to simply do the service bulletin and stop trying to sell me wheels and ****. Thanks.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,325
Likes: 7
From: SE Illinois
The only vibration I have is at idle, once under way it's smooth as glass.
Since having cams & 2-1 pipe put on I haven't had much seat time on the highway to tell if it's still that smooth, but from the short time I've had a chance to take it out it seems to still be smooth at all speeds.
Vibration could be caused from the engine mount issue I read about all the time, but I have a theory that a lot of vibrations I hear about are likely caused from improper tuning...people change intake, exhaust, etc. without having the tune dialed in spot on by using provided canned maps or flashes for their tuner that are not specific to their bike. If timing and fuel delivery aren't spot on, it's going to cause imperfect combustion, which is going to result in vibrations under certain engine load conditions. This is just another reason I believe in a GOOD dyno tune. Not saying this is the case for all, but IMO it could be the cause of some people's vibration issues. Just a theory of mine, doesn't mean I'm right.
Since having cams & 2-1 pipe put on I haven't had much seat time on the highway to tell if it's still that smooth, but from the short time I've had a chance to take it out it seems to still be smooth at all speeds.
Vibration could be caused from the engine mount issue I read about all the time, but I have a theory that a lot of vibrations I hear about are likely caused from improper tuning...people change intake, exhaust, etc. without having the tune dialed in spot on by using provided canned maps or flashes for their tuner that are not specific to their bike. If timing and fuel delivery aren't spot on, it's going to cause imperfect combustion, which is going to result in vibrations under certain engine load conditions. This is just another reason I believe in a GOOD dyno tune. Not saying this is the case for all, but IMO it could be the cause of some people's vibration issues. Just a theory of mine, doesn't mean I'm right.
Last edited by Sharkman73; Feb 26, 2013 at 08:45 PM.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 385
Likes: 1
From: SEPA
Went through this several months back. After dicking around with the dealer I finally took it to my Indy and they replaced the front mount that was crushed on a 2012 almost brand new bike. A lot of the "non normal" vibration was gone and then I swapped out my exhaust and BAM no more vibration.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 770
Likes: 3
From: Wabash
+1 on lugging......but something that gets neglected is setup. Very few of us are running stock setups. Those THT are can usually relate similar vibes and circumstances. Beyond that each of these bikes is tuned differently which effects rpm, engine performance and a whole slew of other variables. If you took your dyna in and got a 107 kit installed but used different cams than someone else wouldn't you expect that the bikes feel would be different in terms of rpm vibes and smoothness? Cams, exhausts, ac's tuners, maps.....all of these are fine tuned to each individual machines mods....so logic would dictate that trying to compare vibrations at specific gears and rpms would be very different for each bike. That's probably why we get a different response each time a different person is poised to answer this question. Yes some vibe is normal....it's a Harley....But trying to isolate yours based on mine is never going to yield any real good intel since the setups that in part cause the vibes are so different. That's just my opinion on why so many people answer so very differently when asked. If you think your rush slip ons and your mapping with your Kuryakyn air cleaner and power commander II is going to vibrate the same as my se108 with a PCV and woods cams and heavy breather and warheader I'd say that's insanity. And like it or not all those tweaks change the vibrations too.......just saying.
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 4,749
Likes: 16
From: sand mountain Alabama
If you are under 2,300rpm's your lugging
depending on your cams
High rpm cams are going to feel different from low rpm cams
depending on your cams
High rpm cams are going to feel different from low rpm cams
Last edited by dirtdobber; Feb 26, 2013 at 10:45 PM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,357
Likes: 8
From: Pa
2011 Dyna Wide Glide
At 3k miles I got a vibration that is different than when I first got the bike. Like some of the other replies it only happens at a certain RPM (which I cant see, there isnt a gauge) in all gears and causes vibration on foot pegs and if I stretch it out into higher RPM it levels off and gets smooth.
Took it to have them check and perform the TSB on front mount and they never checked it out and was trying to convince me it was the front wheel and bearing even though they never took the bike off the tires. I noticed one of the post on here mentioned 3k vibe. Is this a common thing that happens, and is it because of the front isolator?
And how do I get the dealership to simply do the service bulletin and stop trying to sell me wheels and ****. Thanks.
At 3k miles I got a vibration that is different than when I first got the bike. Like some of the other replies it only happens at a certain RPM (which I cant see, there isnt a gauge) in all gears and causes vibration on foot pegs and if I stretch it out into higher RPM it levels off and gets smooth.
Took it to have them check and perform the TSB on front mount and they never checked it out and was trying to convince me it was the front wheel and bearing even though they never took the bike off the tires. I noticed one of the post on here mentioned 3k vibe. Is this a common thing that happens, and is it because of the front isolator?
And how do I get the dealership to simply do the service bulletin and stop trying to sell me wheels and ****. Thanks.