My 2017 Ultra Limited is producing more engine vibration that it did when new. Any ideas why? Worn engine mounts, or something internally a bit out of synch?

Thanks.

 

Have you done anything to it or is still in stock like when new? How many miles are on it? When do you notice the vibration (at idle, accelerating, constant, etc..)? A bit more information might help someone help you. Could be anything from bad gas to just the EITMS is kicking in. Unless you have over 50k miles on it, I seriously doubt the engine mounts are worn.

 

Some things we might need to know to help you:

1. Mileage when you purchased it
2. Mileage now
3. Riding style
4. Maintenance style
5. climate/geographical region
6. excessive vibration all the time or just idle or just cruising or just accelerating or just decelerating...
   • storage during off-season (if applicable)
7. age/wear of tires
8. modifications

Guesses based on no data:

1. It's probably not different than it was
2. spark plugs dirty
3. air filter dirty
4. O2 sensor dirty
5. rubber mounts - Rubber breaks down constantly, though being out of the sun and in moisture helps prolong rubber's life. Hard riding will also break down the rubber more rapidly.

Page 2-61 of the Service Manual states:

 

The bike has 9000 miles. No intake, engine, or exhaust mods of any kind. The vibrations have become more noticeable over the last 1000 miles. The engine used to be very smooth at cruising speed, 60-80 mph in fourth or fifth gear. Increased engine vibration is being felt in the rider and passenger footboards, the handlebars and the seat.

Seventy-year-old rider. The bike was broken in per the owner's manual. Never raced, no burnouts. All service up to date and performed by local HD dealer. No unusual tread wear; all wheel weights are present. Never dropped. Never in an accident.

Increased vibrations are felt in the handlebars, footpegs, and seat throughout the rpm range. Very noticeable when riding at 60-85 mph. Not related to the EITMS kicking it at idle.

 

Well sir, I'm thinking it has something to do with one or both of your tires. I had a similar vibration but it would only show up at speeds over 80. I put some dyna beads in the front tire and I don't notice it anymore. You might have a defective tire. Unless the vibration is felt at idle and increases when you rev the engine, I wouldn't think the vibration is actually from the engine. Hopefully it's still under warranty...

 

First check your tires for cupping and proper inflation. They could be out of balance too. Although not a 2017, I found the torque on my engine mounts significantly out-of-spec at 10,000 miles on my 2016 RGS. Pay particular attention to the front engine mount. I had to re-torque each one. Third, I was getting a vibration in the floorboards over 50 mph. I finally decided to pull the rear wheel and found bad wheel bearings. I'd never had bad rear wheel bearings produce a vibration in the floorboards before.

 

Also note that re-torquing of engine mount bolts is not recommended for various reasons.

 

When riding at speed, pull in the clutch, if the vibration continues probably tires, if it stops probably dirty or wet air filter.