I just bought a 1998 Springer Softail that has quite a bit of engine mods including forged pistons, ported headeds, programmable ignition, Bartels exhaust, SE cam, etc...

The bike was dynoed at 84 hp and my old Honda single pin Aero vibrated a bit so I'm used to it. However, this vibrates considerably more but I can can get used to it. It seems to smooth out at highway speeds however, the weather was quite cold and I didn't stay there very long.

After reading quite a few threads here, outside ofchecking the rubber engine mounts, is there anythings else I can do or check before accepting things as they are.

Thanks to all.

 

Check all motor mounts/motor mounting bolts The top one between the cylinders also

 

Being a Evo Softail the engine is rigid mounted. So the bike is going to shake and vibrate. You will get use to it.
I found by stuffing the bar ends with lead weights also helps with dampening the handlebar vibrations.

MikeyB

 

Its hard to tell if the vibration you are getting is normal or a problem with the bike without seeing it, As the post before said your bike is soild mounted.... If your not sure have it checked with someone who is knows these bikes. They do vibrate!

 

I checked the solid mounts and they are tight. So I'll put a few highway miles and try to pay attention to the added tach and try to corolate the vibrations to the rpms. It's not really bad, but being new to this forum I though I would pick a few brains to get me started. Pictures to be posted tomorrow.

One other note, I have a Pingel petcock. The previous owner says the reserve is only good for about 20 miles . Does anyone here know any hard data they can share?

Thanks.

 

20 miles seems right to me, Thats about all i get on reserve [&:]

 

The right rear cyclinder support brace bolt was loose by 2 1/2 turns []

It's too cold to ride right now, does anyone think it would make a noticeable difference?

 

I'm not familiar with a right rear cylinder support. Got a pic?

 

It's right behind the air cleaner, the "U" shaped chrome bracket.

I heard vacuum leaking through it before I tightened it up. Now I don't hear the leak.

[IMG]local://upfiles/54991/024EE1A571A54D979F8BD79B9DB56861.jpg[/IMG]

 

That is your breather bolts, good thing to keep tight. If you want more reserve, pull the petcock and put a short piece of tube on the shorter feed line. 20 miles is actually enough, use your trip as a gas guage.