Late Model Softail vibration/buzz
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
Late Model Softail vibration/buzz
I have a 2007 Fatboy, and have noticed that at exactly 80 mph I feel a strong buzz/vibration in the hand grips and foot boards. I have 26k miles now, and the issue seems to be getting worse. I don't ride at 80 very much, but sometimes on certain expressways here, you have to go that fast so as not to get mowed down.
My question is for owners of similar models/years. Do you feel this also? I'm wondering if it is related to crank runout or just the nature of the beast. I can't find anything loose on the engine mounts or anywhere else for that matter. Also wondering if there is less of this with the rubber mounted engines....Just askin since I have not ridden a touring model at high speed.
My question is for owners of similar models/years. Do you feel this also? I'm wondering if it is related to crank runout or just the nature of the beast. I can't find anything loose on the engine mounts or anywhere else for that matter. Also wondering if there is less of this with the rubber mounted engines....Just askin since I have not ridden a touring model at high speed.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 38,658
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From: Honah Lee
You tried another road. Probably the road. You do realize that Harley's max safe speed on your bike is 90 and only 80 with a passenger? Mine fills like engine is smoothest around 65 but I can fill the hard tire buzz coming in.
Last edited by Jackie Paper; Jan 30, 2012 at 07:07 PM. Reason: Harley's max safe speed
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
I assume you mean the maximum "safe" speed on the bike is 90, because I have wound it out to 110. Didn't feel safe going any faster, and I didn't stay there long....And yes, I have tried a few different expressways. I never ride with a passenger. My wife has her own bike and insists I run a solo seat on my bike so I can't pick up any skanks....
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 288
Likes: 2
From: Sweet Home Alabama!
I agree with 2000fiveO - I think its just the nature of the beast. Come ride my EVO Springer for 100 miles @ 80, and you'll come back to your Fat Boy and say "What buzz???" -lol Learn to embrace the buzz - LOVE THE BUZZ!!!
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Road Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 892
Likes: 8
From: Central Florida
I guess it gives new meaning to the saying,"catch a buzz" All I have to do is hit 80mph! Glad to know other Softies are buzzy too. I don't mind it all that much. Just makes my fingers feel like they have fallen asleep when I stop riding.
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Road Master
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 911
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From: colorado
Ive got a 2010 deluxe and rarely go that fast, but have been up to 90 and felt no "buzz"...maybe its true when people say I have no feelings...shrugs
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Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 324
Likes: 1
From: USA
Typical Softail buzz? Mine doesn't have any buzz at 80, or any other speed. If there is a "typical" Softail buzz, my guess is that it's 06 and later models with excessive pinion shaft run out. A pinion shaft with .005 or more run out (especially if it's .007+) is bound to cause some extra vibration at higher speeds as it flops around inside its bushing.
Road Warrior
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,570
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Rbis! Lol!