96B Vibration on acceleration

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Feb 22, 2008 | 06:05 PM

kentuckydave

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From: Parker, CO

96B Vibration on acceleration

2007 Softail Custom Vibrates badly any time I accelerate. Do they all do this or did I get a P.o.S.? I have taken it to 3 dealers and get the SOS, "ride it till it breaks". They all say there is "something wrong" but none of the dealers will tear it down under warranty. Maybe I'm not used to the vibration but I have an 88B that has been upgraded to a 95ci and I have never had a problem. Comments??

Feb 22, 2008 | 06:43 PM

mike@nhca.us

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From: Seacoast, New Hampshire

RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

Hey Dave,

Mine does not vibrate like that.

I dont know, but I believe the steering head can be too tight and cause something like that.

I would go to another dealer or bike shop and let them test ride. I would at least get the shop manager at the dealer involved.

There is a thread about this problem on some of these bikes (sorry, Im not a great searcher)

Mike

Feb 22, 2008 | 07:03 PM

stinkfist

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From: Tulsa, OK

RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

I'd keep taking it back to the dealer that sold it to you until they get tired of seeing you walk into the service department. I've also found that if you have a problem that they don't want to investigate too deeply, you can call HD customer service (got the number from the website) and have them hassle your dealer from a 2nd angle. I had an unrelated problem on an 07 Fatboy and they did all kinds of things to solve the problem and eventually did, but they didn't really get after it till the 3rd time I brought it in and had called HD.
They can't demand you pay premium prices for a product that isn't premium. Doesn't hurt to remind your dealer of this.... especially when the problem isn't the norm.

Feb 23, 2008 | 06:14 AM

Vikingnomad

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From: live in Jackson, NJ

RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

My '07 Softail Custom is smooth out of the hole, do you feel it when you rev the engine or only when moving like Mike said it could be frame / steering. I would have them put it on the dyno at the dealershipand check the full range of acceleration. If they keep sellin' a line of craptake it to agood private shop and have them check it.

Bone

Feb 23, 2008 | 11:07 AM

Scurvy Jack

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From: San Diego, CA

RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

Does it vibrate under heavy acceleration or just normal "pull away from stop light" type of acceleration? Another possible...your back wheel isn't lined up correctly. If the whole bike vibrates put it up on a stand and have someone watch the back wheel and the belt. If that is all straight and the bike still vibrates then it's a problem with the internal drive system...ie. primary chain, flywheel/rods.

Feb 23, 2008 | 11:49 AM

CoyoteJoe

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RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

I have a 07 FatBoy, and its about as vibration free as they get. I bought it at one dealer near my brothers house, cause I didn't want to wait 5+ months for a Fatboy from my dealer, but I've had it serviced at both dealers and they have been more than willing and happy to look at my bike (both of them). I had some residue on my tank, that looked like gas leaking out and drying, but it was actually grease from the front end and the wind blowing it up there - that took a while for them to figure out - and there was basically nothing wrong and they never charged me. Both dealers seem to be as service oriented as they come, I'm really surprised you found 3 dealers that don't want to look at it. I think I'd call harley direct and talk to them.

Feb 23, 2008 | 01:41 PM

renoa18

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RE: 96B Vibration on acceleration

I have an 08 Faatboy and it is as smooth as the other side of the pillow. I would call Harley and start to raise a little hell with them about the service at one of their dealerships. Even though Harley does not own the dealership the MoCo carries a heavy hand. Good Luck