Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
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Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 6,724
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From: Altoona, Pa.
Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
I have a Deuce which is of course a solid mount engine with counter balance system. While on vaction in Cal., I rented a Road Glide today for a ride along the coast. I under stand that the "Baggers" and I think most Dynas, have the rubber mounted engines without the counter balance built into the engines. My Deuce engine is so smooth at all speeds and at idle. This Glide I rode today shook like crazy at idle and does smooth out at riding speeds though. My big question is, why does Harley use this engine that shakes bad enough that they have to rubber mount it. Why don't they use the same engines that are in the softails in the baggers? Is there some sort of advantage of the non counter balanced engine? Why Why Why. thanks
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 130
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From: Oldham, South Dakota
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
Because a lot of the old-school riders like the vibration and never took a liking to the softails. I have a buddy that swears his Fatboy is more comfortable to ride than any bagger because of the vibration issue. I think he rode rice-machines too much before he bought his Harley. He likes the sound of a Harley but no vibration whatsoever.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 2,376
Likes: 3
From: SE Ohio
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
The counter balanced motors don't put out as much power as the rubber-mounted motors because some of the power is used to spin the weights on the flywheel.
At least that's my guess.
At least that's my guess.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 3,909
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From: Livingston, Texas
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
I like rubber mounted engines, they handle power better than solid mounted engines.
The softail can't keep the back wheel on the ground as well.
If you wanted a bike that didn't shake why buy a Harley. Even the S&S motors shake. My wife loves it.
The softail can't keep the back wheel on the ground as well.
If you wanted a bike that didn't shake why buy a Harley. Even the S&S motors shake. My wife loves it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 502
Likes: 1
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
ORIGINAL: cardboard
I like rubber mounted engines, they handle power better than solid mounted engines.
The softail can't keep the back wheel on the ground as well.
If you wanted a bike that didn't shake why buy a Harley. Even the S&S motors shake. My wife loves it.
I like rubber mounted engines, they handle power better than solid mounted engines.
The softail can't keep the back wheel on the ground as well.
If you wanted a bike that didn't shake why buy a Harley. Even the S&S motors shake. My wife loves it.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,870
Likes: 499
From: Alberta
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
Tons of reasons; many matter more to some than others. On the "rubber mount" bikes, the rear wheel and swingarm bolt to the back of the tranny which is bolted to the engine, all of which rides on rubber in the frame to reduce the vibes sent to the rest of the bike. "Driveline" is one unit; stays in alignment. Because the "faux hardtail" on the softail bikes is bolted to the frame (it's a huge piece...) the engine has to be bolted to the frame as well to keep the drive train lined up, so they add two little flywheels and a few sprockets and a long chain to "counterbalance" the vibes to a much lower level. Also give up some horsepower running all that stuff and are lower rpm limited. The softails were designed primarily for looks, while the twin-shock bikes have been around for a looooong time. Evo softails vibe...they've no counterbalancers. I've made my choice.....
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[IMG]local://upfiles/32069/34ABCF840C584E56AD544879B07329F1.jpg[/IMG]
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 162
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From:
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
When I first went looking for a Harley, one of the things about softails that turned me off was that they don't vibrate at idle. I grew up watching old timers on vibrating Harleys with that sweet sound, and I got that impression of a Harley etched in my soul. I'd like to own a softail if only they could get them to vibrate more.
The other thing I don't understand is why the Heritage comes with bags. They cover up the hardtail look, which is the whole point of the softail. The other thing that confuses me is why someone would add chrome covers like Kurys to the swingarm. IMO you should be able to see the continuous line of the swingarm without any added bling.
The other thing I don't understand is why the Heritage comes with bags. They cover up the hardtail look, which is the whole point of the softail. The other thing that confuses me is why someone would add chrome covers like Kurys to the swingarm. IMO you should be able to see the continuous line of the swingarm without any added bling.
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Road Captain
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 656
Likes: 1
From: TN & FL
RE: Rubber mount vs solid mount engines
As a kid I grew up on Hondas and Yamahas, graduated to a Harley with hardtail.
Over the years I've ridden most everything, including dirt bikes, BMW touring, dual sport, etc.
Now I have a Touring Model (Street Glide) with air ride system switched out in favor of Progessive 440 shocks. I also have a Dyna FXDC.
There have been some beautiful Screamin Eagle softails on dealer showrooms that caused me to take test rides.
Perhaps it's just me and what I'm used to, but I always felt there's something weird about the way a softail handles, especially when hitting bumps in the middle of a curve. They do LOOK great! Reminiscent of my old hardtail. But I just can't get past the squishy feel.
As to the "B" engine, I could accept losing a little power as my hot rod days are long passed. But in my old school mind, a Harley is SUPPOSED to shake, rattle, and roll.
I don't mean to sound like I'm dissing anybody's ride. Did I mention that I think the softails LOOK great?
Over the years I've ridden most everything, including dirt bikes, BMW touring, dual sport, etc.
Now I have a Touring Model (Street Glide) with air ride system switched out in favor of Progessive 440 shocks. I also have a Dyna FXDC.
There have been some beautiful Screamin Eagle softails on dealer showrooms that caused me to take test rides.
Perhaps it's just me and what I'm used to, but I always felt there's something weird about the way a softail handles, especially when hitting bumps in the middle of a curve. They do LOOK great! Reminiscent of my old hardtail. But I just can't get past the squishy feel.
As to the "B" engine, I could accept losing a little power as my hot rod days are long passed. But in my old school mind, a Harley is SUPPOSED to shake, rattle, and roll.
I don't mean to sound like I'm dissing anybody's ride. Did I mention that I think the softails LOOK great?
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