09 Road King Classic vibration

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Mar 1, 2017 | 09:54 AM

#11

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 285

From: Edmond Oklahoma

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine09

Perhaps I should qualify my statement above. When I say that my 09 RKC vibrates, I'm talking about when it is standing still - both in gear or in neutral. It rides smooth going down the road.

Ah, that is normal. It's a different vibration than the OPs issue.

When at a stop, the vibration is more significant when you hold down the brake because free or unlocked wheels absorb some of the vibration.

Beary

Mar 2, 2017 | 10:49 PM

#12

Bingee

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2008

Posts: 2,007

Likes: 353

From: Ohio

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fine09

Perhaps I should qualify my statement above. When I say that my 09 RKC vibrates, I'm talking about when it is standing still - both in gear or in neutral. It rides smooth going down the road.

The 2007's and newer are 96" stroker engines. And that will account for more shaking while sitting than a 2003 88". Nothing wrong though.

Oct 4, 2023 | 09:09 AM

#13

don67

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 189

Likes: 123

From: Ottawa

Thought I'd revive this thead, as my brand-new RKS exhibits a pronounced driveline shudder under deceleration when RPM declines to 2,200 or lower.

Although I'm a HD noob, this doesn't feel like "Harley rumble". More like a bad section of washboard road. It also happens to a lesser extent when accelerating or cruising, although I generally avoid that by keeping the bike in the sweet spot (ie: 2,500 to 4,000 rpm).

Gonna try loosening the belt, assuming my finger finding of 1/8" deflection is accurate. Pretty hard. Just waiting on the Amazon fairy to deliver a deflection tool. Failing that it'll be off to the dealer.

Opinions & personal experience welcome.

Oct 4, 2023 | 10:02 AM

#14

Keithhu

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 17,148

Likes: 6,170

From: SE Michigan

Quote:

Originally Posted by don67

Sounds like a warranty issue to me.

Oct 4, 2023 | 10:13 AM

#15

downzero

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2008

Posts: 2,328

Likes: 2,205

Quote:

Originally Posted by don67

M8s are far smoother than the more traditional H-D engines (evo, twin cam). If you have any vibration at all like that, you have a far more serious problem than a minor belt adjustment is going to fix.

Oct 4, 2023 | 11:29 PM

#16

Highway Handler

HDF Community Team

Joined: Jan 2022

Posts: 1,123

Likes: 859

From: B.C.

Your engine is mostly counterbalanced. It should not feel like a twin cam Road King at all. If you feel vibrations they are not “Good Vibrations”.

Oct 5, 2023 | 05:45 AM

#17

don67

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2023

Posts: 189

Likes: 123

From: Ottawa

Stopped by the local dealer and one of their techs took it for a spin, said he felt it too but attributed it to the low RPM. Don't be afraid to rev it, bring it back after break-in, two-year warranty, etc.

In other words try to enjoy the honeymoon before making us tear down your brand-new bike. And that's fine with me. I've got some accessories to bolt on and some riding to do anyway.

Thanks for the feedback.