Has anyone removed the counterweights in a 88B (Softail) engine? We had a failure of the forward inner cam bearing and one of the rollers lodged in the oil pump return rotor. That resulted in hydraulic locking the counter weights which broke the chain. I have two different, reliable sources (other than the people here on the forums) suggesting that I have the crankshaft balanced and leave the counterweights out. This makes sense to me as the chain that drives them isn't any bigger than a bicycle chain. My concern is if the resulting extra vibration is tolerable on long rides.

Attached are some photos of the damage.

I also posted this in the Engine/Intake/Fuel/Exhaust section. The responses are mostly in favor of leaving the counterweights out. I am looking for anyone who has experience riding long distance after removing the counterweights. Is there a comfort problem due to increased vibration?

One final note. Don't let anyone talk you out of installing Torrington bearings on the inboard side of the cams at your earliest possible convenience. This engine is a bone stock 2006 88B with 29,000 miles on it. The cam tensioner shoes show very little wear and have never been replaced.

 

I heard of a few guys taking them out