FXR vibration
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Stage II
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2
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FXR vibration
My '92 FXR seems to have developed a vibration issue, post performance work over the winter ('stage 2'). But it's only in two places. One, if I roll off the thottle when doing 30-50km/h or when I down-shift from 3rd to second - it honestly sounds a bit like sheets of corrugated iron in a wind tunnel. Two, either just as the bike is crawling to a stop at a light or when actually at idle - there's a kind of rattle/knock, not in the engine, but kind of coming from behind me (but it goes away if (strangely) I either apply the front brake or stand up off the bike).
The bike does not vibrate/rattle when accelerating (which, post performance work, it does like a rocket), nor when cruising at any speed, and nor did it make a peep prior to the performance work. That is, this seems like a low rpm issue. I have manually checked bolts I can access easily (the Dealership neglected to tighten the bolt running through the front of the tank and the frame, for instance!).
Any guesses, which of course I will take to the Dealership as a form of weapon to say 'please check this'? The Dealership mechanic mentioned extra vibration would occur post-performance work (saying something about the tappets/rollers kit...), but something does not seem right. Lest it is not obvious, I'm not mechanically gifted.
The bike does not vibrate/rattle when accelerating (which, post performance work, it does like a rocket), nor when cruising at any speed, and nor did it make a peep prior to the performance work. That is, this seems like a low rpm issue. I have manually checked bolts I can access easily (the Dealership neglected to tighten the bolt running through the front of the tank and the frame, for instance!).
Any guesses, which of course I will take to the Dealership as a form of weapon to say 'please check this'? The Dealership mechanic mentioned extra vibration would occur post-performance work (saying something about the tappets/rollers kit...), but something does not seem right. Lest it is not obvious, I'm not mechanically gifted.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 32
From: Broomfield, CO
+1........if you haven't changed out your rubber motor mounts in a long time, they have probably deteriorated to the point that they need replacing. My friend and I replaced his motor mounts on his FXR last summer, and it eliminated the excessive vibration he was experiencing.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 2,936
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From: Driftless Area
While I do not have experience with engine mods, it seems a little strange that the dealer would say vibes could be expected, especially from something as push rods and such. Vibes are generally caused by rotating things that are out of balance or not tight to begin with. Maybe ask the tech to elaborate on this. Just doesn't seem right to me.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 394
Likes: 1
From: Kamloops, British Columbia
Also check the exhaust -- one area often neglected is the gasket between the two pieces of the crossover pipe if you have stock headers. I had a nasty rattle there on my 98 Dyna.
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Road Master
Joined: Jul 2005
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From:
last fall I had the upper end work done on my 85 FXR...two motor mounts needed replacing...as others have stated...start there.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
While I do not have experience with engine mods, it seems a little strange that the dealer would say vibes could be expected, especially from something as push rods and such. Vibes are generally caused by rotating things that are out of balance or not tight to begin with. Maybe ask the tech to elaborate on this. Just doesn't seem right to me.
Two opposing pistons the size of coffee cans will create some vibrations. Harleys have vibrated since they were invented. If it don't vibrate, it's a Honda.
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