Softail vibration??
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Road Master
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 897
Likes: 98
From: Post Falls,Idaho
Softail vibration??
Hello everybody.I'm looking for my first Harley and really like the Fatboy and Heritage bikes.I plan on short to medium rides.Maybe 200 miles in one day.Theres a small shop here in town that has a few nice bikes.I keep getting steered towards a Road King which looks nice also.I keep hearing about the buzz or vibration the softails have at highway speeds.Is this really true issue or I'm I getting steered towards something someone wants to sell??Thanks.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,177
Likes: 62
From: Michigan
The newer 103 6 gear transmission softails do not buzz at highway speeds. Many of us can do 80 mph in fifth gear without the slightest vibration. Do a test ride and find out for yourself. Don't rely on what people tell you.
I have a 12 Heritage Classic with the 103 which is as smooth as a baby's butt at any speed. My 2002 Heritage Springer with the 5 speed 88 motor is a little buzzy over 75mph and the left mirror is almost useless at that speed. I put my right foot on the highway peg to reduce vibration to my right leg and I'm all set.
Road Warrior
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 1,561
Likes: 187
From: Florida
I agree with the above statements. I do think the Softails are easier to handle in town at slower speeds than the Touring models because of their lower center of gravity. And cruising down the highway all day is no problem. Plus Softails just look better than any of the other model lines. For some of us who have been riding for 40+ years, they are almost "too smooth"! 
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 15,363
Likes: 24,199
From: NC, USA
My 2002 TC88b Softail SS, 5 speed is at home doing 80 on the Interstate. It's not a touring bike by no means but I don't know about any vibration. Now, my 91 FXSTC that's another story.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 32,851
Likes: 17,886
From: Newcastle, OK
Well, my sig bike is a little "buzzy" at 80 or above, and I can`t see out of the mirror at those speeds. However, I don`t usually stay at those speeds either. Plus, my bike has only 5 speeds. Someday, hopefully I`ll be able to afford a Baker 6 speed. That would be the ultimate smooth highway ride for me.
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 3,970
Likes: 900
From: Omaha
Welcome to HDForums.com:
I guess everyone's definition of "buzz" differs as mind did.
Coming to a Heritage from a Honda I complained about vibrations at highway speeds.
Since my complaint, I've put new tires on, spent some time adjusting the shocks, added a Klock Werks windshield and added "gel pads" to my seats. My next upgrade is probably Shotgun Shocks air suspension.
My "buzz" is pretty much all gone, but the ride isn't as smooth as a Goldwing, nor should it be, it's a Harley. I'm told though that the air ride will make my Heritage ride like I'm on a cloud.
In my opinion if all you plan on riding mostly is less than 200 miles a day, you've got to get a softail. My Wife and I generally take 4-5 hour rides ever other weekend and we ride locally bar hoping the rest of the time.
I love my Heritage and will never get rid of it.
I guess everyone's definition of "buzz" differs as mind did.
Coming to a Heritage from a Honda I complained about vibrations at highway speeds.
Since my complaint, I've put new tires on, spent some time adjusting the shocks, added a Klock Werks windshield and added "gel pads" to my seats. My next upgrade is probably Shotgun Shocks air suspension.
My "buzz" is pretty much all gone, but the ride isn't as smooth as a Goldwing, nor should it be, it's a Harley. I'm told though that the air ride will make my Heritage ride like I'm on a cloud.
In my opinion if all you plan on riding mostly is less than 200 miles a day, you've got to get a softail. My Wife and I generally take 4-5 hour rides ever other weekend and we ride locally bar hoping the rest of the time.
I love my Heritage and will never get rid of it.