hop vibration
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vermont
hop vibration
2018 Slim has a hop style vibration (not motor vibration) in spoke wheels but I cant really tell which wheel its coming from. Dealer checked the wheels under warranty and said all good and could be a tire so I replaced both tires at my expense since they couldnt say if it was a tire or not. Didnt correct it and obviously above 55 it gets worse. They actually said its normal for a spoke wheel to vibrate some at different speeds and loads? If thats the case as much as I like the look of these wheels Ill be switching to a big spoke style solid wheel. I always believed spokes actually ride smoother than solids because they can flex with different conditions? Someone just mentioned that the mono shock preload can also cause this? Ive never set the preload on this bike because I was satisfied with the bump ride other than the vibration. Any advice would be appreciated?
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 3,583
Likes: 2,823
From: Mostly Florida, some Michigan
I can't help with diagnosing your problem but I can certainly tell you it is NOT normal! I have two bikes with spoked wheels and don't experience what you describe.
I hope you get it resolved without replacing your wheels!
I hope you get it resolved without replacing your wheels!
HDF Community Team
Joined: Nov 2012
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From: USA
You can do some basic testing with the wheels still on the bike. Youll need to jack the bike, at least one end at a time.
Rotate the wheel, checking for side to side true, and up and down true.
Rotate the wheel, paying attention to how it feels. Youre trying to judge the wheel bearings.
Tap the spokes, listening for the dull spoke(s). Tight spokes ring, slack spokes just thud. Dont pay much attention to high and low pitches, youre listening just to hear if they are all tight.
Flex the wheel, several times, at different spots around it. Flex hard, this is no bicycle wheel. Youre trying to detect any flex, for there should be none.
Rotate the wheel, checking for side to side true, and up and down true.
Rotate the wheel, paying attention to how it feels. Youre trying to judge the wheel bearings.
Tap the spokes, listening for the dull spoke(s). Tight spokes ring, slack spokes just thud. Dont pay much attention to high and low pitches, youre listening just to hear if they are all tight.
Flex the wheel, several times, at different spots around it. Flex hard, this is no bicycle wheel. Youre trying to detect any flex, for there should be none.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Vermont
Thanks for the advice. The bikes are going up for the winter so I'll have more time to dig in. I have two others I can ride. Its just unfortunate as this is the bike that I had to also replace the oil pump on for sumping and needed a new head on day one
. At least the motor runs perfectly now. Im disappointed in the issues with this bike which only has a little over 1000 miles on her since new in 2018. One thing after another and seems to be Harley
. At least the motor runs perfectly now. Im disappointed in the issues with this bike which only has a little over 1000 miles on her since new in 2018. One thing after another and seems to be Harley
Last edited by Rickr01; Oct 22, 2024 at 01:43 PM.
Road Captain
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 692
Likes: 459
From: Southern Indiana
It is not normal!!!! The spoke wheels on my 07 Heritage have never had any sort of hop or vibration, at any speed, as long as they are tuned properly and not damaged.
I check the spokes and rims every winter for loose spokes or damage and adjust as needed. Most time none needed.
If you can't check yourself get someone who can. I suspect you have some loose spokes or even a bent rim to cause the hop you describe.
And tell whomever told you that is normal to go pound sand and don't let them near your bike.
I check the spokes and rims every winter for loose spokes or damage and adjust as needed. Most time none needed.
If you can't check yourself get someone who can. I suspect you have some loose spokes or even a bent rim to cause the hop you describe.
And tell whomever told you that is normal to go pound sand and don't let them near your bike.
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