vibration ??
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 116
Likes: 0
vibration ??
never owned a harley before getting new softail standard next week ... i rode a sportster once and went around the block once and when i got off of the bike my arms were killing me and felt numb from the vibration...does that happen on the big twins also ??? just wondering
May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: vibration ??
You won't have the same vibration problems with any of the Softails, even the Dyna's don't shake you as much as many of the Sporty's.
Like monkyman said the Softails have the counterbalanced engine thatseems to vibrate more (but still not much) as the rpm's goes up. The 6 speed tranny in hte new bikes also lower the vibration levels and almost feel like an electric motor compared to most of the older 4 speed Shovelhead or 5 speed EVO engined bikes.
In a way its kind of a shame, Harley's by nature SHOULD vibrate. But as I get older and can handle it less. I'm kind of glad they have changedI could neverride one of theolderHarley's without having my damaged right elbow making my riding far less enjoyable.
Like monkyman said the Softails have the counterbalanced engine thatseems to vibrate more (but still not much) as the rpm's goes up. The 6 speed tranny in hte new bikes also lower the vibration levels and almost feel like an electric motor compared to most of the older 4 speed Shovelhead or 5 speed EVO engined bikes.
In a way its kind of a shame, Harley's by nature SHOULD vibrate. But as I get older and can handle it less. I'm kind of glad they have changedI could neverride one of theolderHarley's without having my damaged right elbow making my riding far less enjoyable.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 938
Likes: 0
From: Seattle WA area
RE: vibration ??
Chances are your buddies Sporty was older than an '04 model. Starting in '04, the Sporties were rubber mounted and the vibration went way down. The new one's have a nice shake at low RPMs but at spead calm right down.
As for the Softail's with the B-engine being smooth, there is no doubt. It is too smooth for my taste although that didn't stop me from trying to work out the financing on an '07 Heritage this past weekend.
As for the Softail's with the B-engine being smooth, there is no doubt. It is too smooth for my taste although that didn't stop me from trying to work out the financing on an '07 Heritage this past weekend.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 3,184
Likes: 5
From: Oregon
RE: vibration ??
I dunno, Ive never felt the after effects of the vibration of a Harley.. been on all day too 350+ miles. As far as the vibration goes when riding 2 up with your lady friend well if she seems that much sweeter on you after the ride, well you will know why.
Only thing that bothers me is either the wind gusts and after a days worth of riding the ringing in my ears from having a rather loud exhaust.
Only thing that bothers me is either the wind gusts and after a days worth of riding the ringing in my ears from having a rather loud exhaust.
Novice
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From:
RE: vibration ??
i have no vibration at all on my 07 heritage, I was riding with a friend of mine the other day and we were stopped at a light and I looked over at his motor ,(street glide 06) and it was shaking like mad ,I mean it was actually comical how much it was shaking , difference in mounting I guess but you could fall asleep on my bike
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 92
From:
RE: vibration ??
With so many years on Japanese and German bikes, I'm a wimp about vibration. I can't stand to ride a sporty, although I've never tried a rubber mount one. I've seen Sportys shake so much it looks like the front tire is bouncing. Before I ordered my Train, I thought I wanted a Street Bob---until I test rode a Dyna---to much shaking. The Softail B motors are as smooth or smoother than most motors from Japan or Germany. If vibes is an issue, get a Softail and you will be happy.
Trending Topics
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 243
Likes: 2
RE: vibration ??
Had the same issue with my old ironhead Roadster. Arms tingled and hands would go numb after about an hour. Missors were completely useless at certain RPM's.
No issues with the new heritage
Don
No issues with the new heritage
Don
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Southpaw Super Glide: A Left-Hand-Drive 1979 Harley FXE Built to Fit the Rider
Verdad Gallardo
Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: VT
RE: vibration ??
I have had a lot of trouble with vibration......some history:
Kan-0-tuna 600 = my wife is knocked up, and its a miracle. Hated it.
two rubber 883's = lots of low frequency vibes that would really get me after about 50 miles
V-Strom 650 = had a high frequency buzz that was like sitting on a dentist drill- worst POS ever.
BMW R1100s = a bit of buzz, bicycle shorts made it ok for long rides
DR650 = some buzz at some rpms, but bike shorts, and sheepskin made it ok, not great, but ok
Softail = ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!
Kan-0-tuna 600 = my wife is knocked up, and its a miracle. Hated it.
two rubber 883's = lots of low frequency vibes that would really get me after about 50 miles
V-Strom 650 = had a high frequency buzz that was like sitting on a dentist drill- worst POS ever.
BMW R1100s = a bit of buzz, bicycle shorts made it ok for long rides
DR650 = some buzz at some rpms, but bike shorts, and sheepskin made it ok, not great, but ok
Softail = ALL DAY LONG BABY!!!
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
