What's Considered Normal?
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Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
What's Considered Normal?
I was out riding my 1980 XLH and I notice that the bike is perfectly smooth up to 50mph. As I get to 55 I start to pick up vibrations in the seat and an overall rougher ride. I have no vibrations in the Handlebars and any speed. Now the RPMs at 55 are just about 3000 I think. Is this the normal sportster shake. I believe the vibrations have more to do with the RPM's then the actual speed. So I think I can rule out tire balance. The shaking is not excessive just rougher feeling. Thanks for your help!!!
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,441
Likes: 791
From: Heart of Dixie
Sounds about like my '83. I put a 23 tooth transmission sprocket on it to lower highway rpm's. It hurts the acceleration a little, but 3000 rpm's get me to a little over 60 mph with that gearing, which is pretty smooth. It's actually not too bad at 70 mph, either, which is about 3400 rpm now.
Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 183
Likes: 0
From: indiana
could be wheel bearings pull rear wheel and make sure they turn smoothlyor change them out.i also read do not wash your bike at carwash high pressure will wash out grease from your bearings over time.also make sure everything is tight.or could be bearings in swing arm.
I too use the 23T front sprocket, 51T rear sprocket on my 1980. It is an ideal combination. "All the ironhead guys" around here use it.
Probably not a problem. But you should check out the usual things as already suggested anyway, especially if this is a new developement.
Wheel bearings, ignition timing, chains too loose or too tight, broken/loose engine mounts, tire pressure, loose spokes, fork oil [try 15W], set rear shocks up one level tighter, not sure what else.
Probably not a problem. But you should check out the usual things as already suggested anyway, especially if this is a new developement.
Wheel bearings, ignition timing, chains too loose or too tight, broken/loose engine mounts, tire pressure, loose spokes, fork oil [try 15W], set rear shocks up one level tighter, not sure what else.
Here's my sprocket cover, showing where i ground off the boss, and where the chain did some grinding of its own at the top when it was too loose.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 751
Likes: 6
From: 500 miles south from Artic Circle
Here is sample how older sportster crank case and sprocket cover need to "modify"
when you are using O-ring chain
Crank case
Sprocket cover
when you are using O-ring chain
Crank case
Sprocket cover
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