I really like my FLD. I will say that I do still have some of the vibration issue, but it seems to get better the more I ride the motorcycle. I too had the service bulletin performed at the 1000 mile service, and it did reduce the vibrations a little...but not entirely.

I also sent a letter to Harley in Milwaukee and told them that, in my opinion, producing a motorcycle with a known issue for three years in a row was pretty unacceptable. And it really is. But, I live in a region where mountains and switchbacks (the road kind, not the motorcycle) are common, and this motorcycle gives me some touring features (the bags, windshield and floorboards) on a frame that is easy to ride.

I'll probably change the pipes at some point, but I also like the quietness of the stock exhaust.

 

Hey, no problem. We did remove the exhaust and voila, no more vibrations at any (other than really low) rpm, no more jiggly mirrors at speeds up to 80 mph. So I now know the source of the problem.

Does anyone have experience with the Harley Nightstick slip-on? It uses the exact same mounting bracket so I am not really sure how that will fix the problem. It is supposedly 2 pounds lighter, so maybe that is enough to stop the vibes.

Are there any other replacement exhaust systems that are 50 state street legal that any FLD owners have tried successfully?

I have not yet floated the Lemon Law possibility - it requires three attempts to fix the same issue and I stand at two attempts right now. Since I was offered the Nightstick I might have to let them try it, but I want assurances that if it does not fix the problem they will let me pick an after market system instead.

Really appreciate the help guys. At least there is light at the end of the tunnel now.

deb

 

The nightstick won't fix it. Loosening/shimming or otherwise tweaking that bottom muffler mount is your best bet other than replacing the exhaust.

 

Well I have to wait for the dealer owner to respond to my message about my dissatisfaction with their service department. Milwaukee told them to offer me the Nightstick (for good will). I have had my doubts about that slip on replacement since it uses the exact same mounting hole.

I have researched and spoken to Samson about their Powerflow III as a replacement. But I want Harley to pay for it under warranty if the Nightstick does not fix it, or I want them to buy the bike back. I should not have to spend another $700-800 to fix their bad design and lack of testing.

After speaking to Samson, and another Harley tech from a different dealer in another part of the country, the stock pipe is just too darn long and is not properly supported. So I am not sure how messing with the exhaust mounting bolt in the middle of the bike will fix anything. We have tried all the variations we found on this and other forums. The only thing that removed the vibrations was taking the muffler off completely. Obviously can not ride that way legally.

Will update if I get some answers.

 

I locktighted and loosened the bottom bolt on the muffler, loosened the muffler clamp so the muffler could shake and solved the problem. I'm running a Powerflow 3 now that I got a deal on from a guy who decided not to use it and I'm pretty happy with it.

As for battling HD good luck with that. **** on them, and buy parts and accessories from someone else whenever you can.

 

I see you are in Ohio also. Can you PM me the dealer you are going to?

 

BTW, I am running Cobra Speedster Slashdowns XL and no vibration!!!

 

djcanter...sorry to hear about the issues with your FLD. I'm looking hard at a few used Switchbacks. Shoot me a PM...I'd also like to know which dealer you've been going to. Thanks.

 

I have a 2012 FLD and recently added the Nightstick. It greatly reduced the vibration, but it was still there. After all this time, I finally did the previously recommended clevis pin/washers between the frame and pipe. No more vibration issues! Wish I would have done this last year when others on the forum stated it worked for them. It now rides as it should and I'm glad I kept the bike (almost traded it in on another model). My thanks to those who figured out the problem and posted the fix.

 

just an update to my earlier post

the member of switchback owners site as i posted earlier did do the test for me with his decatted headpipe and factory slip on with factory fasteners and has reported back that he has no more vibrations at any RPMs what so ever...

does this prove my theory that the cat converter is the issue? not 100% YET BUT
it has gone a long way in proving what i suspected all along that the cat in combination with muffler design and bracket are the actual cause.. we are currently waiting for other members who have a decatted headpipe and stock or aftermarket slip ons
only to test their bikes also by removing clevis pin and going back to factory cross bolt...

if this proves out it is not that expensive to remove and decat your headpipe if local/state law allows and not only will your bike run much cooler you will see a performance increase but bare in mind you will lean the bike out quite a bit so a tuner
such as the FP3 is recommended