2018 Fat Boy Vibration
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 152
Likes: 23
From: Mason City, IA
2018 Fat Boy Vibration
Having owned more than 2 dozen bikes in my life, for the first time I find myself on a Harley. I heard about the dual counter-balancers, mono-shock, and went to look at one and loved it.
So I bought it, wasn't allowed to drive it first, but took it on faith that it would be as described by many.
So, here I am, hating the 114 engine. It vibrates something awful. Any twist on the throttle and it shakes really bad. On the highway, anything over 2k rpm and my glasses shake so bad, I can't read road signs. I can't imagine ever taking it above 4k, it would be horrible.
Under power, it feels and sounds like a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder car with one cylinder not firing.
For a while, as I was waiting for a windshield to arrive, I put some of this vibration on the wind. Now I have one, and I notice it much more.
Here are two people's opinions on this from other threads:
"Local dealer had 2018s for test rides today and I decided to try the 2018 Fatboy 114. Wow the engine had lots of power but I couldn't believe the vibrations coming from the engine. It was really shocking. For a counterbalanced engine I was surprised. Almost felt like my fillings would come out."
"I have zero vibration in my new fatboy just did a 100 miles and it is smooth as can be. That bike is like a caddy lol."
My impressions are like the former quotation.
So, is there something wrong with mine and apparently others? Can it be fixed, or is this just the worst engine I have ever driven?
I would sincerely appreciate opinions and/or suggestions.
Tom
So I bought it, wasn't allowed to drive it first, but took it on faith that it would be as described by many.
So, here I am, hating the 114 engine. It vibrates something awful. Any twist on the throttle and it shakes really bad. On the highway, anything over 2k rpm and my glasses shake so bad, I can't read road signs. I can't imagine ever taking it above 4k, it would be horrible.
Under power, it feels and sounds like a 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder car with one cylinder not firing.
For a while, as I was waiting for a windshield to arrive, I put some of this vibration on the wind. Now I have one, and I notice it much more.
Here are two people's opinions on this from other threads:
"Local dealer had 2018s for test rides today and I decided to try the 2018 Fatboy 114. Wow the engine had lots of power but I couldn't believe the vibrations coming from the engine. It was really shocking. For a counterbalanced engine I was surprised. Almost felt like my fillings would come out."
"I have zero vibration in my new fatboy just did a 100 miles and it is smooth as can be. That bike is like a caddy lol."
My impressions are like the former quotation.
So, is there something wrong with mine and apparently others? Can it be fixed, or is this just the worst engine I have ever driven?
I would sincerely appreciate opinions and/or suggestions.
Tom
Road Master
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 996
Likes: 324
From: Ponce Inlet
I certainly wouldn't buy a bike that I couldn't test ride first. Maybe the vibration is the reason. My wife has a Dyna that vibrates a lot at idle, but it completely smooths out while riding. My 2012 Fat Boy has little vibration. If you're comparing it to your old bikes, my Triumph is extremely smooth compared to the Harley's.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 81,309
Likes: 36,894
From: Oklahoma City
I would take it back to your selling dealer and let them diagnose what is causing a vibration that severe.
I've purchased MANY new bikes over the last 30 years, 90% Harleys. I typically don't test drive them if my purchase was for the same model and engine. I always test drove them when there was a major change (i.e. engine, frame). With that said, I'm following this thread to see what the final outcome is. Good-luck Dusty!
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 152
Likes: 23
From: Mason City, IA
I certainly wouldn't buy a bike that I couldn't test ride first. Maybe the vibration is the reason. My wife has a Dyna that vibrates a lot at idle, but it completely smooths out while riding. My 2012 Fat Boy has little vibration. If you're comparing it to your old bikes, my Triumph is extremely smooth compared to the Harley's.
Yes, I know. I shouldn't have bought it unridden. I was most concerned about the large rear tire and handling. I was able to drive it around in circles in the basement briefly to make sure it would do slow turns. On this day, it was raining, and they made me a great deal trading in my BMW RT. didn't want to pass it up. My mistake.
Hopefully, I'll contact the dealer this week and see where we are at.
Thanks for the response.
Tom
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Aug 2017
Posts: 152
Likes: 23
From: Mason City, IA
That was Twin Cities HD. There policy is to not allow test drives of the new bikes as nobody wants one with demo miles on it. This bike was their first 2018, only been there two days. I was their first 2018 sale.
They have been nothing but good to me, though. No complaints, just this issue, which they might address very well. I haven't asked them about it yet.
They are 100 miles away, so I can't just run it over.
Tom
They have been nothing but good to me, though. No complaints, just this issue, which they might address very well. I haven't asked them about it yet.
They are 100 miles away, so I can't just run it over.
Tom
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 25,310
Likes: 2,446
From: Eastern NE
Tom; Might be good for a different dealer/service dept to take a looksee. I know my '17 FXDLS w/110 shakes more than my former 09 FLHX, but not so bad it distorts vision and makes riding less than pleasurable. There could be a broken/loose mount, or something wrong in the motor balancing set-up. Hope you get things figured out...keep us updated.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 485
From: St Louis
Most dealers will not allow a person to test ride if they do not have an M endorsement on their drivers license. I have had mine for years so that's never been an issue with me.
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 227
Likes: 29
From: Atlanta
There is such a wide variety of dealers you never know what you'll get. In my search for an '18 the 1st dealer with whom I seriously discussed price required an escorted test ride and then started at $2k above sticker plus they had 3 separate dealer fees with only the destination charge being legit, the other 2 where 100% BS dealer profit. I walked from there and ended up buying from my local dealership where they just make you sign the waivers, photocopy your license, and toss you the keys and say "ride it as long as you like". They came in right at sticker, no dealer fees, and a very good offer on my trade. That said, you've got questions on vibrations...
I test rode 1 Street Glide, 3 different Fatboys, and 3 different Heritage Classics; some 107s and some 114s. My general observation was the SG was smooth as silk in 107. The HCs were also very smooth but all 3 FBs had varying levels of vibration. The one I bought has a light vibration between 2500-2800 RPM. It's not bad but definitely noticeable. Nothing like what you are describing. You need to take that bike back and have it examined as it sounds like you have a real problem. No idea if it is serious but it should be fixed by the dealer at no charge to you.
I test rode 1 Street Glide, 3 different Fatboys, and 3 different Heritage Classics; some 107s and some 114s. My general observation was the SG was smooth as silk in 107. The HCs were also very smooth but all 3 FBs had varying levels of vibration. The one I bought has a light vibration between 2500-2800 RPM. It's not bad but definitely noticeable. Nothing like what you are describing. You need to take that bike back and have it examined as it sounds like you have a real problem. No idea if it is serious but it should be fixed by the dealer at no charge to you.