Counter Balanced "B" Engine
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Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 3,780
Likes: 69
From: Al Bu Ker Key, New Mexico
Counter Balanced "B" Engine
Bored to death, hence this thread.
Was thinking last nite about how Harley has different approach to minimizing engine vibration between its three main platforms. The Dyna and Touring are all rubber-mounted to the frame designs. They use the "A" engines. For the Softail models, the engine is mounted directly to the frame and the engine is counter-balanced to reduce vibration, giving us the "B" motor.
My question is why doesnt Harley counter-balance ALL the engines? Wouldnt a counter-balanced engine be even more smoother in a rubber-mounted frame?
I am not an engineer, I am just bored.
Was thinking last nite about how Harley has different approach to minimizing engine vibration between its three main platforms. The Dyna and Touring are all rubber-mounted to the frame designs. They use the "A" engines. For the Softail models, the engine is mounted directly to the frame and the engine is counter-balanced to reduce vibration, giving us the "B" motor.
My question is why doesnt Harley counter-balance ALL the engines? Wouldnt a counter-balanced engine be even more smoother in a rubber-mounted frame?
I am not an engineer, I am just bored.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 5,618
Likes: 5,215
From: Green Country
I really enjoyed both the Dynas that I had; but I wouldn't trade my Softail for a whole truckload of 'em.
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,476
Likes: 193
From: Las Vegas, NV
I spent a 300 mile day on a Softail and really didn't care for the "B" motor at all. It was sort of buzzy at speed where my "A" motor is really smooth. I really like the shaking at idle for some reason too
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,095
Likes: 348
From: Ione, CA
B engines look better -- the primary cover is the proper length. The A engine in the touring rigs has the tranny all scrunched up against the crankcase. Looks weird to me...
As far is power, my Hayabusa has two counter-balancers. Still buzzes like a bastard about 4500 rpm.
As far is power, my Hayabusa has two counter-balancers. Still buzzes like a bastard about 4500 rpm.
