Front motor mount
#71
01-29-2019, 04:45 AM
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As I look over the various aftermarket mounts offered, there's a lot of pride shown by manufacturers in the videos they share when their mounts stop the motor from "shaking" in the frame. Well heck...that's not hard to do. Every SOLID mounted motor does that. Solid mounts just transfer all that "shaking" to the rider. I've read a lot of reviews of some of those aftermarket products that according to the reviewers...seem to do the same thing...bolt everything up to their particular proprietary material, and the vibration just goes straight to the rider. If I'm a racer or just someone who wants to rip over the "Tail of the Dragon" in record time...that's not an issue. That's not me...I'm more of a generic "Longrider" and enjoy the smooth ride my FXR has traditionally provided on the open road...tooling along in the 70-90 mph range. Since that ride has degraded somewhat, I'm looking around at front engine mounts.
I went to the Kinetic Structures website and read through the information provided. Sent them an email to ask for specific information about their experience with longevity of the metal mesh FXR mount they offer, effect on vibration in grips and floorboards/footpegs, etc.( Please note, I'm not trying to "slip in" a commercial for them by any means....just imparting what I've learned thus far about a product I've never heard of. I won't be offended if moderators delete this whole thing if it crosses some kind of line.)
It was only a couple hours later, I received a very prompt response from the President of the company, Mr. Harry Artenian. Their FXR mount is interesting to me if only due to the fact that they depart from the general approach others take using various proprietary polymeric materials and go a whole new direction. That is to say, new for motorcycle motor mounts. Their website says the use of metal mesh is common and successful in other mounting applications but I have no experience in those areas so I can't comment. As a result, I would REALLY like to hear from FXR riders who have tried their metal mesh mount and get some reviews about the effect on vibrations, how long they last, etc.. According to Mr. Artnenian's response, they have only had the FXR mounts on the market since last August (2018). He says their mesh mount provides "riding vibration similar to the best rubber or polyurethane mounts" He also points out that "Wire mesh has unique characteristics that cannot be achieved by rubber or polyurethane" but doesn't elaborate. Their metal mesh mount is not an inexpensive option at something like $139.00 (pricing from the website). That said, for someone like myself who is keeping one bike (1985 FXRS) on the road for 34 yrs/285,000 mi (and counting...) it's not much to pay if it truly offers some improvement over what's already out there, noting that several of the other rubber/urethane products are already similarly priced.
I went to the Kinetic Structures website and read through the information provided. Sent them an email to ask for specific information about their experience with longevity of the metal mesh FXR mount they offer, effect on vibration in grips and floorboards/footpegs, etc.( Please note, I'm not trying to "slip in" a commercial for them by any means....just imparting what I've learned thus far about a product I've never heard of. I won't be offended if moderators delete this whole thing if it crosses some kind of line.)
It was only a couple hours later, I received a very prompt response from the President of the company, Mr. Harry Artenian. Their FXR mount is interesting to me if only due to the fact that they depart from the general approach others take using various proprietary polymeric materials and go a whole new direction. That is to say, new for motorcycle motor mounts. Their website says the use of metal mesh is common and successful in other mounting applications but I have no experience in those areas so I can't comment. As a result, I would REALLY like to hear from FXR riders who have tried their metal mesh mount and get some reviews about the effect on vibrations, how long they last, etc.. According to Mr. Artnenian's response, they have only had the FXR mounts on the market since last August (2018). He says their mesh mount provides "riding vibration similar to the best rubber or polyurethane mounts" He also points out that "Wire mesh has unique characteristics that cannot be achieved by rubber or polyurethane" but doesn't elaborate. Their metal mesh mount is not an inexpensive option at something like $139.00 (pricing from the website). That said, for someone like myself who is keeping one bike (1985 FXRS) on the road for 34 yrs/285,000 mi (and counting...) it's not much to pay if it truly offers some improvement over what's already out there, noting that several of the other rubber/urethane products are already similarly priced.
Last edited by guido4198; 01-29-2019 at 04:53 AM.
#72
01-29-2019, 06:40 AM
Supporter
#73
01-29-2019, 06:58 AM
Banned
In all my days from here to boats, cars, and aircraft I have not ever see motor mount made of wire mesh.
Being metal has a fatigue cycle I do have the question of longevity.
But it may, in fact, be the greatest idea that has come along in a while.
I hope someone writes up a report at some point here.
Being metal has a fatigue cycle I do have the question of longevity.
But it may, in fact, be the greatest idea that has come along in a while.
I hope someone writes up a report at some point here.
Last edited by Kingglide549; 01-29-2019 at 06:59 AM.
#74
01-29-2019, 01:22 PM
Seasoned HDF Member
Yeah, I'm curious how those work.
They say they offer both spring and damping effects, just like a rubber/neoprene/unobtanium mount.
I get the spring part. That's how steel works.
I don't get the damping part. Seems like the only place that could come from would be as friction between the wires that are spooled up inside it. Friction = wear.
Maybe that is understood. The rubber ones don't last forever, either.
They say they offer both spring and damping effects, just like a rubber/neoprene/unobtanium mount.
I get the spring part. That's how steel works.
I don't get the damping part. Seems like the only place that could come from would be as friction between the wires that are spooled up inside it. Friction = wear.
Maybe that is understood. The rubber ones don't last forever, either.
#75
02-01-2019, 08:34 PM
Grand HDF Member
#76
02-08-2019, 04:54 PM
Join Date: Aug 2008
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After several conversations and emails with Harry at Kinetic Structures I put one of the mesh front motor mounts on the Moonraker today. She’s a 1985 FXRS with a 1999 motor. I actually purchased the mount from Frank at Dirty Customz ( they have a website). Harry had warned me that he’s not a “ bike guy” and that Frank was experienced with the mount. I’m not much of a wrench and thought it best to go with someone who has hands-on bike experience, especially with FXR’s. Installation was straightforward and went without issues. Took a short ride to let things “ settle in” then re-checked tightness and torque on all the critical fasteners. Everything checked out fine so I took her out for a quick 100 mile hop to get a feel for how the mount responds. No “ hi-performance handling “ was involved beyond cornering through the neighborhood. Put her on I-95 and ran a while. I’m pleased with the results. I should add that any time spent at less than 2000 rpms is just “ passing thru”. I never run down there. 3000 rpms, 70-75 mph was great. Seat-feet-and mirrors. All good. 80-85 the seat and feet were good but mirrors weren’t much use. Interestingly... there’s another “ smooth node” as I approached 4000 rpms but by then I was running 90 or so and there were too many Representatives of Florida law enforcement out there to keep that up.
As I said, I’m pleased. Looking forward to some longer rides real soon, then we’ll see how long it holds up over time and miles.
As I said, I’m pleased. Looking forward to some longer rides real soon, then we’ll see how long it holds up over time and miles.
The following 2 users liked this post by guido4198:
Kingglide549 (02-08-2019),
Schex (02-08-2019)
#78
07-19-2019, 06:20 AM
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Sure thing, here ya go:
I've run the new Kinetic Structures mesh front motor mount 6,000 mi since putting it on the bike. That includes the ride to D.C. for Rolling Thunder (2,000mi roundtrip) where I did a LOT of 80-90 mph riding on I-95.
NO issues, still very satisfied.
Hope this helps.
I've run the new Kinetic Structures mesh front motor mount 6,000 mi since putting it on the bike. That includes the ride to D.C. for Rolling Thunder (2,000mi roundtrip) where I did a LOT of 80-90 mph riding on I-95.
NO issues, still very satisfied.
Hope this helps.
#80
07-24-2019, 06:06 AM
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