Vibration
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6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 10
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From:
Vibration
Looking at Harley's. New to riding. Will take the rider course. First, how noticeable is the vibration I hear so much about in Harley's Sportster series? I'm not into speed. Just want a comfy ride, but the cruisers may be too big for this newbie. Maybe short half-day cruises at the most, but nothing long since I have a family. Most likely will buy used. Some in the forum suggest I go with the rider course and then recommend the 1200R. Thanks for your comments!
Mike
Mike
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,513
Likes: 4
From: Midland, TX
RE: Vibration
I'd try to find an '04 or '05 as they have the rubber mounted engine. However, since you will not be taking long rides, the vibration on earlier models is tolerable if you stay around 65 - 70 MPH. I rode an '01 Sportster for 30,000 miles and survived even rides of 500 miles per day.
Novice
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 21
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From:
RE: Vibration
I own a 03 883R, I love speed, its plenty fast if you ask me.
Ive rode it from Ohio, about 45 northeast of Pittsburgh PA to Virginia Beach in a day, we averaged about 80mph, and it is a little rough at them speeds, if you keep it at the speed limit, 65 its Ok, we then rode to DC the next day and home. I'm happy with it, But I am selling it to buy a new rubber mounted model, My Sgt's had both and said the difference is night and day with the ride quility for the long haul.
Ive rode it from Ohio, about 45 northeast of Pittsburgh PA to Virginia Beach in a day, we averaged about 80mph, and it is a little rough at them speeds, if you keep it at the speed limit, 65 its Ok, we then rode to DC the next day and home. I'm happy with it, But I am selling it to buy a new rubber mounted model, My Sgt's had both and said the difference is night and day with the ride quility for the long haul.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 55
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RE: Vibration
Even though I'm new to Harley's, I've been hitting the books and asking allot of question about the Sportsters. It is possible to get an older Sportster to vibrate less. The first thing you should do is add a single fire ignition. Next is to blueprint the engine. I know a guy with a 94 883/1200 stage 2 that was balanced and blueprinted with single fire ignition. It’s one smooth riding bike. When I got the 99 fixed and rode it, it just wasn’t the same as the 94 and I’m not talking power. I started to ask a few question about both bikes and found a web page that confirmed what I found out.
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Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 119
Likes: 0
From: Levittown, PA (outsite Philly)
RE: Vibration
CSR. But how much are you going to end up spending after doing all that? IMHO I would go for an 04-05. I have an 04 and love it. Very confortable ride. The changes that were made to the 04 is one of the main reasons I purchased it, that and the $$ 
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,726
Likes: 12
RE: Vibration
Id have to agree with justonemore. I bought a 04 883 for the price of $6100, with 1600miles. There are deals like that to be had, and in the winter months is the best time to find them. Mainly I had found earlier models around 5000 to 5500, so I felt the 04 for just a little more money would be a far greater deal. If you want to be content with an older model, just dont drive a newer one, cause ignorance is bliss.
