EVO Vibration
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 1,896
Likes: 2
From: North Lima, Ohio
My '96 Electraglide Classic vibrates at idle or sitting at a light but smoothes out while moving. It's all part of what makes a Harley a Harley. They dont call them Millwaukee Vibrators for nuthin!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 56,052
Likes: 88,322
From: Western South Dakota
It doesn't have anything to do with it being an Evo. The Twin Cams that aren't balanced shake just as much, as do the Shovels, Pans, and Knuckleheads. It's the nature of a 45 degree, single crankpin V Twin engine. Balance Masters makes balancers for the clutch and compensator that are supposed to make a huge difference in the vibration. They use mercury as part of the weight in the balancers, so the liquid can self-adjust to different levels of vibration. I've got to say their website is horrible, but I've read tests of their products that were very favorable.
Tourer
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 447
Likes: 1
From: Garrison, NY
Until recently, I rode an Evo Softail for 20 years. The only time mine became noticeably worse than 'normal' was when my charging system wasn't working correctly. You might want to throw a meter on the stator coil output and make sure its up to spec.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 737
Likes: 4
From: Scotland,UK
Hi,Last year I bought my 91 Ultra,my 1st Harley.Before that I had an 02 YAM TDM900 which was an ok bike,fast & reliable enough,but a bit "soulless. Ive spent quite a bit of money sorting my Ultra out and I am just about getting there. Anyway,to the point...My Ultra does vibrate especially compared to modern Jap. bikes,but know somethin,I love it "vibes" an all. Ive done a few trips of 150 miles(round trip) and I must say..I could sit happily on the Ultra for much longer distances than that. I dont think you should feel uncomfortable after 45 miles or so. Perhaps there is a problem of some kind with the bike. I hope that the frame hasnt been twisted at some time(accident) as that would obviously cause a problem. Best bet would be to get a ride on a similar(or near) bike and see if there is any difference re. vibration.Check the simple/r things thay could cause vibe. probs before tackling "frame/alignment" probs. Good luck and Im sure it will work out ok. Doug.
Intermediate
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 47
Likes: 0
From: Central Ohio
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,447
Likes: 163
From: Northern VA
Check out the engine mounts, make sure the exhaust is not touching the frame or anything else as this will cause a vibration. Check the adjustment of the primary chain and final drive belt. Check out the alignment of the drive train. If all this checks out then do a compression and leak down test. If all this checks out then you might want to try an active engine balancer like Fisher etc. Hope this helps. Well I gotta go now, we are going to see Willie Nelson tonight.
Serious question: how does a compression test and leak down test help to determine the cause of vibration? Thanks!
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 517
Likes: 6
From: Ottawa, ON
Also, I tried a couple of aftermarket floorboards on my heritage, and they all suck! The only cheap way to get rid of (some) vibration is to use stock boards from 90's- they are vibration dampening. If you don't like the look - just get the inserts that rivet on top of the existing stock inserts - that's what I did!
