Built-in / Normal M8 Vibration
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
This possibly explains why some are happy with their bikes, and some aren't. And why, if you get a good one, keep it.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,339
Likes: 486
From: Nor Cal
I remember when development of the (then) new Milwaukee 8 was being discussed something to the effect that it would have been too smooth and so Harley build in vibration to make the engine feel more typical V-Twin.
I recently came into my new-to-me 2018 FLFBS, the 114 w/1800 miles. It's like new. I'm pretty sensitive to vibrations, I notice plenty of vibration. It doesn't seem to be any malfunction. I suspect it is built in. It is more vibration than I would have asked for if I were building vibration into the design.
I don't know if the Softtail engine is a balanced engine like the Twin Cam B used to be, or if it is the same M8 that is in the Touring models.
I do know that the vibration in the Twin Cam engine used to smooth out at speed. The vibration I'm feeling is constant. It doesn't smooth out at speed.
Does anyone else notice more vibration than they would have preferred? Is there anything else or any tuning that could minimize normal vibration?
I recently came into my new-to-me 2018 FLFBS, the 114 w/1800 miles. It's like new. I'm pretty sensitive to vibrations, I notice plenty of vibration. It doesn't seem to be any malfunction. I suspect it is built in. It is more vibration than I would have asked for if I were building vibration into the design.
I don't know if the Softtail engine is a balanced engine like the Twin Cam B used to be, or if it is the same M8 that is in the Touring models.
I do know that the vibration in the Twin Cam engine used to smooth out at speed. The vibration I'm feeling is constant. It doesn't smooth out at speed.
Does anyone else notice more vibration than they would have preferred? Is there anything else or any tuning that could minimize normal vibration?
Road Master
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 894
Likes: 224
From: Lynden, WA
It needs saying that different individual bikes will vibrate "uniquely." They aren't identical. They couldn't possibly be. Manufacturing tolerances, wear and tear (motor mounts), etc. Every time I've ridden a bike that was "identical" to mine, I've immediately noticed how different it rode than mine.
This possibly explains why some are happy with their bikes, and some aren't. And why, if you get a good one, keep it.
This possibly explains why some are happy with their bikes, and some aren't. And why, if you get a good one, keep it.
Thread Starter
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Tourer
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 320
Likes: 47
From: Twin Lakes, WI
true. My 124 vibrates my foot boards a little more than the 107 did. The vibration is probably going to change as you put miles on the bike and the motor mounts wear also. I actually didnt like it when my bike was new and it was silky smooth, I like it to have some character. I love how my wifes dyna shakes so hard the tires jiggle
By the way, dont get me wrong, I love this bike. The vibes are just kind of buzzkill, if I may be oxymoronic.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 285
Likes: 282
From: Prescott, AZ
I switched off of BMW twins in 2015 because my doctor diagnosed me with "Bikers Palsy". Since then, nearly all of my symptoms are gone, my hand strength is coming back, and I can ride all day long.
My bike does not vibrate or buzz. It thumps! And none of that thump comes through my bars or footboards. It all comes in the seat of my pants, just where I like it.
My bike does not vibrate or buzz. It thumps! And none of that thump comes through my bars or footboards. It all comes in the seat of my pants, just where I like it.
Road Captain
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 575
Likes: 263
From: Spokane, WA
Hands can be really sensitive to vibration, especially old arthritic working
hands. Most guys don't notice the the M8 Softail buzz, but it's there. I've felt it in every one I've ridden. I have had worse problems trying air grips and padded gloves. For me the hard rubber stock grips and single layer gloves work best. After a cam change and better tune, my 107 is smoother running. I'm at 17,000 miles.
hands. Most guys don't notice the the M8 Softail buzz, but it's there. I've felt it in every one I've ridden. I have had worse problems trying air grips and padded gloves. For me the hard rubber stock grips and single layer gloves work best. After a cam change and better tune, my 107 is smoother running. I'm at 17,000 miles.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 433
From: Menifee, CA
Hands can be really sensitive to vibration, especially old arthritic working
hands. Most guys don't notice the the M8 Softail buzz, but it's there. I've felt it in every one I've ridden. I have had worse problems trying air grips and padded gloves. For me the hard rubber stock grips and single layer gloves work best. After a cam change and better tune, my 107 is smoother running. I'm at 17,000 miles.
hands. Most guys don't notice the the M8 Softail buzz, but it's there. I've felt it in every one I've ridden. I have had worse problems trying air grips and padded gloves. For me the hard rubber stock grips and single layer gloves work best. After a cam change and better tune, my 107 is smoother running. I'm at 17,000 miles.
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