Is it normal the H-D engine vibrate so much?
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 566
Likes: 4
From: First State
Is it normal the H-D engine vibrate so much?
New to biking world. We took out a rental bike yesterday for a test ride before committing the final purchase. It was a 2009 FATBOY. It has a lot of power, it rides well, it looks very cool. But the vibrating is more than I expected. I am a cager, so I don't have much reference what to expect.
Is this an inherited motorcycle engine or H-D V twin characteristics that one needs to get used? Will Yamaha Star, Victory bike, Honda Goldwing, or BMW Touring bike have the same vibration?
I would like to hear from you about your experiences with HD and other bikes. Please be objective and civilized. TIA.
Is this an inherited motorcycle engine or H-D V twin characteristics that one needs to get used? Will Yamaha Star, Victory bike, Honda Goldwing, or BMW Touring bike have the same vibration?
I would like to hear from you about your experiences with HD and other bikes. Please be objective and civilized. TIA.
The Softail line, which the Fatboy is a member of, has a couterbalanced motor. Meaning that it is hard mounted to the frame and it is balanced so it will have minimal vibrations. With that being said, as the RPM's increase, there is a slight buzz that can be felt in the bars and floorboards. The touring bikes, Dyna's and Sportster's are rubber mounted motors. They have rubber motor mounts and shake at idle but as soon as you start to move, they become as smooth as glass.
Without riding the bike you were on, there is no way for me to tell you if what you felt was normal. My guess would be that it is but who knows. Any bike will have some vibration associated with it as different RPM's. There are different configurations of V-twin motors that vibrate less, such as a 90 degree motor like Ducati uses, but most cruiser style bikes will have some vibes.
Without riding the bike you were on, there is no way for me to tell you if what you felt was normal. My guess would be that it is but who knows. Any bike will have some vibration associated with it as different RPM's. There are different configurations of V-twin motors that vibrate less, such as a 90 degree motor like Ducati uses, but most cruiser style bikes will have some vibes.
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,393
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From: The real N.CA (not S.F. Bay Area)
If the vast majority of the vibration was at idle, disappearing once underway...then it's normal.
edit: I was speaking (or typing) from a tourning bike perspective. Softails should have a vibration issue.
edit: I was speaking (or typing) from a tourning bike perspective. Softails should have a vibration issue.
Last edited by max56; Jun 7, 2009 at 12:49 PM.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,746
Likes: 9,264
From: Snow Hill, NC
Crank it up beside a Road King.. you will see the difference...I prefer the non counter balanced bike... at speeds to me it feels fetter that hte softails..Just personnal pref i guess..Softails are nice but i like the touring models...plus it comes with the adjustable rear shocks and i like that a lot....
Was it a Fatboy or a Fat Bob? As has been mentioned, Fatboy is a member of the Softail family, which has the counterbalanced motor. There should be no vibration evident in the motor or mirrors at idle.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 5,331
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From: north of Daytona
My Fatboy did not shake/vibrate.
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Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 566
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From: First State
It was Softail Fatboy, the rear shocks lie horizontally in front of the rear tire. The vibration that I talked above was during the acceleration or when cruising. The vibration coincides the expansion stroke of motor. It seems that the piston runs out the space to expand and creating a knock on the engine.
Since I have no experience, no sure if this is why HD is often refereed as Milwaukee vibrator? The vibration is the characteristics of the motor.
Since I have no experience, no sure if this is why HD is often refereed as Milwaukee vibrator? The vibration is the characteristics of the motor.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Can anyone compare today's bikes with the 80's shovelhead motors?? I loved the feeling that bike had. When I get the next one, I want it to feel as close to that as possible. This "buzz" at higher RPMs will definately turn me away from a B motor. I don't mind the rumble vibrations, but I certainly do not want a "buzz" similar to what I have experienced on two strokes and some inline 4s.