09 Road King Classic vibration
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,078
Likes: 19,236
From: The Wasteland
09 Road King Classic vibration
Is it just me or does the 09 Road King Classic vibrate a lot? I had an 03 Road King and loved it. It rode nice and vibration was minimal. I bought the 09 hearing all the hype about the new frames and superior ride. Seems to me the more I ride the 09 the more I miss my 03. I put about 3,000 miles on it last year and the 09 vibrates much more than the 03. The bars shake some but a decent pair of gloves handles that, where I really notice it is in the foot boards. Those things really vibrate. Anyone else notice this?
Also seems like my 03 handled better in the corners and at highway speeds. Is there something going on with my scoot (motor mount or something) or do they all vibrate like this? BTW I have owned seven HDs so I do know what "normal" vibration is
Also seems like my 03 handled better in the corners and at highway speeds. Is there something going on with my scoot (motor mount or something) or do they all vibrate like this? BTW I have owned seven HDs so I do know what "normal" vibration is
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 14,744
Likes: 402
From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins
I think your experience tells you that yours is vibrating more than others.
any idea what the previous owner(s) have done to it- or not?
At this point the chassis could be as old at 8 1/2 years.
alignment , mounts, bushings etc
mike
any idea what the previous owner(s) have done to it- or not?
At this point the chassis could be as old at 8 1/2 years.
alignment , mounts, bushings etc
mike
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 5,894
Likes: 1,908
From: East Coast, USA
Your service manual will list a number of things to check if you have excessive vibration. For instance:
- Wheels bent or damaged and/or tires worn or damaged.
- Engine/Transmission/Rear Wheel not aligned properly.
- Primary chain badly worn or links tight as a result of insufficient lubrication or misalignment.
- Engine to transmission mounting bolts loose.
- Upper engine mounting bracket loose/damaged or mounting bracket pre-loaded.
- Ignition timing advanced due to faulty sensor inputs (TMAP and/or CKP)/poorly tuned engine.
- Internal engine problem.
- Damaged frame.
- Stabilizer links worn or loose, or stabilizer link brackets loose or damaged
- Rubber mount (front) snubbers not centered and contacting side of mount.
- Rubber mounts (front or rear) loose or worn.
- Rear fork pivot shaft fasteners loose.
- Front engine mount bracket bolts loose.
- Exhaust system binding and causing unnecessary side loads.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
There was a common problem on the 2009s with loose exhaust hanger bolts on the back of the oil pan. The footboard vibration is a common symptom of this issue. In my case the bolt came out completely. The footboard vibration went away with a new bolt.
Beary
Beary
Road Warrior
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,800
Likes: 307
From: Houston, Texas
Stock floorboards? I had the rubber that holds the foot pad to the metal floorbaord come apart on my 08 RKC. They act as isolators/dampers. Replaced the rubber and it was much better.
I've also had what I thought were vibration issues, looked down and realized it was my pants leg flapping in the breeze.
I've also had what I thought were vibration issues, looked down and realized it was my pants leg flapping in the breeze.
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 11
From: Macon, GA
I moved over from a Suzuki M109 to my 09 RKC about three years ago and ALL vibrations on the RK were considered to be excessive. :} After a couple of years, I finally got used to it and it doesn't bother me anymore. I don't have your experience with a wide variety of HDs. The 09 RKC is my only experience and that experience tells me that they vibrate a lot.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 21,078
Likes: 19,236
From: The Wasteland
I'm gonna look at some of the stuff listed here but here is some more stats on my bike that I should have listed in my original post;
Stock foot boards
Stock AC
Rush slip ons
Spoke wheels
30000 miles on the odometer
Lowered front and rear
Stock handle bars & grips
New front tire
New front brake calipers and pads
New brake fluid
Stock foot boards
Stock AC
Rush slip ons
Spoke wheels
30000 miles on the odometer
Lowered front and rear
Stock handle bars & grips
New front tire
New front brake calipers and pads
New brake fluid
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Grand HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,928
Likes: 285
From: Edmond Oklahoma
If you are feeling a buzz or vibration in the handlebars or footboards, there is something wrong. Harley touring bikes (especially 09 frames) are one of the smoothest cruising bikes on the road. Even my 4 cylinder Kawasaki 1400 Concours has more buzz than my Harleys.
Beary
Beary
Cruiser
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 115
Likes: 11
From: Macon, GA
I moved over from a Suzuki M109 to my 09 RKC about three years ago and ALL vibrations on the RK were considered to be excessive. :} After a couple of years, I finally got used to it and it doesn't bother me anymore. I don't have your experience with a wide variety of HDs. The 09 RKC is my only experience and that experience tells me that they vibrate a lot.