Question on HD motor differences
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Tourer
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 434
Likes: 2
From: Wisconsin
Question on HD motor differences
I never rode a HD till I bought my '10 UC. Always heard about the shaking and cadence of the motors, so when I bought my bike, what I got when I bought my bike was what I thought all Harleys were. Well, a good friend just bought a '05 Fatboy with stage one already done. I test rode it and was really surprised at the lack of vibes at idle and it seemed to maintain that smoothness throughout the revs. What makes the differences between these bikes besides the obvious, one is a touring bike and the other is closer to a sportbike (to me, the bike handled really well)? Are there big changes in the crank or what?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 2,477
Likes: 14
From: Western MD
The fatboy has a counterbalance weight on the crank. For the life of me i don't understand why harley wouldn't build all their engines this way. then if they mounted the engine on rubber mounts like the touring you would have the smoothest bike out there, bar none.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,230
From: Snow Hill, NC
To me the Softail at about 70-75 MPH gives vibes through the bars that was quite annoying after a while that my Electra glide doesn't...I like Softails and i might get used to it but for now the vibes at idle aren't so bad....60000 miles on my 07 and i have learned how to endure it .... I wouldn't mind having a heritage as a 2nd bike...i think it's probably HD's best looking bike in my opinion...Rides very nice and i might could get used to the vibes and the lack of vibes...
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4,415
Likes: 5
From: San Antonio, Republic of TEXAS
I keep hearing about how the counterbalanced engines vibrate at higher rpms, my '08 FatBoy had no vibration at all.... BUT to be fair, I never had it about 90 mph.... might have something to do with the fact it has the 6 speed????
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 24,728
Likes: 9,230
From: Snow Hill, NC
They are pretty smooth but i had a loaner heriatge for a few days and rode on the interstate...at my preferred speed i would get a vibration through the bars ....mind me it's not like a shake but it's noticeable compared to my Glide...
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No vibration above 90 on my limited. For me, this is a new one, never knew there was different vibes on different models, however this is my 1st HD.
I love the shake. So many people ride Harleys and dream about Honda's. Harleys are now refined and better but I moss the good ol days when they were rough around the edges. Who gives a crap if it vibrates. It's part of it's 100 year signature.