Touring Models Road King, Road King Custom, Road King Classic, Road Glide, Street Glide, Electra Glide, Electra Glide Classic, and Electra Glide Ultra Classic bikes.
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Vibration

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 02:50 PM
  #1  
bandoman's Avatar
bandoman
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default Vibration

I just purchased a 2007 ultra classic, had a problem with the front end to which the dealer had to replace the frame. Now I have a vibration at speeds over 60mph, noticed it more in 6th gear but after after a while I now feel it in 5th. All the dealer tells me is that it is in normal limits and that I need to finish with the break in period. The vibration is more noticable on the foot pegs (crash bar) than on the foot boards. Do not really feel it in the handle bars. Did not have this in my 2005 and now really reget selling it. Any ideas?
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 03:13 PM
  #2  
mrsr71's Avatar
mrsr71
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 1
From: Santa Clarita
Default RE: Vibration

This may be a mute point but, check your tire pressure. Also, check out this thread: https://www.hdforums.com/m_2017267/m...tm.htm#2017267
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 03:35 PM
  #3  
Retired_Ted's Avatar
Retired_Ted
Road Warrior
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 1
From:
Default RE: Vibration

What in the world caused the dealer to replace a frame in an '07? Very unusual.
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 03:51 PM
  #4  
Geezer Glide Bob's Avatar
Geezer Glide Bob
Tourer
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 16
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Default RE: Vibration

Vibration at rpm /not moving = Engine alignment

Vibration at speed moving = rear wheel alignment / drive pulley alignment


Do you hear your belt making any noise?

If they had to replaec the frame, I would question if they got the engine aligned correctly. There is a certain order this MUST be done. But, since you say this is a speed sensitive issue, I would question if they got the rear tire aligned properly! You might think this sounds crazy,, but I had an issue when I replaced my engine in my FXDWG this spring I had a vibration. I did all my own work and gave up at one time and had the "Steeler" work on it and they charged me $450 and didn't make any progress. Well, talked with an expertand they told me on HOW TO ALIGNand this took care of 98% of the vibration the other 2% I would mark this up to being a Harley!!! I will say, this is easy to mess up, but VERY noticable when driving.
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 10:18 PM
  #5  
bandoman's Avatar
bandoman
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default RE: Vibration

The steering column bearing race was not machined correctly was the reason they replaced the frame. The only noise that I notice is a kind of grinding in 5th gear which I was told would go away after the break in period and the oil is changed. I will ask the dealer to check the tire alignment. The vibration feels to me to come from the engine, I say that because under load, like when climbing a hill or acceleration, the vibration is more noticable. I have been in 4th gear at 60 and do not feel it but then a shift to 5th gear brings is out and then to6th it is even more noticeable. Of course this is also as the speed is increasing. This is not a teeth rattling vibration but more of a nusiance,since I just came out of a 2005 that was as smooth as silk at all speeds and since this vibration was not there before the new frame, it has to bea problem with theinstall of the latter. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in getting the dealer to acknowledge the problem, yet!
 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 10:41 PM
  #6  
Geezer Glide Bob's Avatar
Geezer Glide Bob
Tourer
15 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 302
Likes: 16
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Default RE: Vibration

What tranny oil are you using? Might sound weird, but for giggles try "Red Line" heavy shock proof oil. It goes for about $10 a quart but this stuff is great. I still think there is an alignment issue. Most overlook this and only a few know how to properly align an engine.

 
Reply
Old Aug 6, 2007 | 11:01 PM
  #7  
drdiesel1's Avatar
drdiesel1
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 714
Likes: 0
From:
Default RE: Vibration

Sounds like your front tire is out of balance.[8D]
You stated its speed related. Also what RPM`s are you running, what speed and what gear when you feel it.
Your old bike was a 5 speed and the new one is a 6 speed. There will be a big RPM change related to speed and gear selection. Make sure your above 2500 RPM in whatever gear your running. If tire balance and RPM`s don`t help...Install an IDS...
 
Reply
Old Aug 7, 2007 | 01:53 AM
  #8  
glens's Avatar
glens
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,609
Likes: 1
From: Indy area
Default RE: Vibration

2500-2600 is when I shift to the next gear on my '07...
 
Reply
HD Forum Stories

The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders

story-0

10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-8

Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Aug 10, 2007 | 09:05 AM
  #9  
bandoman's Avatar
bandoman
Thread Starter
|
Stage III
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Default RE: Vibration

The dealer installed the new IDS on the bike and the vibration is gone, never would have believed it and was very skepical when he told me that was what he was going to do. Amazing!! As for the noises, it did quite down 5th gear but not completely. I now have some other noises in 6 gearbut not sure if that is a problem yet or not.
 
Reply
Old Aug 10, 2007 | 09:18 AM
  #10  
tda69's Avatar
tda69
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,272
Likes: 83
From: Southern California
Default RE: Vibration

ORIGINAL: bandoman

The steering column bearing race was not machined correctly was the reason they replaced the frame. The only noise that I notice is a kind of grinding in 5th gear which I was told would go away after the break in period and the oil is changed. I will ask the dealer to check the tire alignment. The vibration feels to me to come from the engine, I say that because under load, like when climbing a hill or acceleration, the vibration is more noticable. I have been in 4th gear at 60 and do not feel it but then a shift to 5th gear brings is out and then to6th it is even more noticeable. Of course this is also as the speed is increasing. This is not a teeth rattling vibration but more of a nusiance,since I just came out of a 2005 that was as smooth as silk at all speeds and since this vibration was not there before the new frame, it has to bea problem with theinstall of the latter. Unfortunately, I have not been successful in getting the dealer to acknowledge the problem, yet!
How pissed are you? You bought a brand new bike and they had to replace the frame because of manufacturing problem? That bike never shoul have left the factory. That takes the cake. So why not just have the frames made in China? Everything else is these days.

Man the MoCo quality really is going in the toilet! This is the kind of crap that I cannot stand. Sorry to hear about your bike. I hope it all works out for you in the end.
 
Reply



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:28 AM.

story-0
10 Most Awkward-Looking Motorcycles Ever Built

Slideshow: Not every motorcycle can be a design icon, and these machines prove that bold styling doesn't always age gracefully.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-18 10:29:31


VIEW MORE
story-1
Jason Momoa Is Turning Classic Harleys Into PHEVs

Slideshow: Jason Momoa's latest restoration project blends 1920s Harley-Davidsons with modern electric technology, creating some of the most unusual hybrid motorcycles ever built.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-10 17:18:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Harley-Davidson Fat Boy Becomes a Dark, Decepticon-Inspired Custom

Slideshow: Killer Custom's latest build relies on styling changes rather than performance upgrades, giving the cruiser an entirely different personality.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-03 18:28:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
6 Weirdest Harley-Davidsons Ever Sold to the Public

Slideshow: From military-inspired singles to scooters and three-wheel utility vehicles, these Harleys took the company far outside its comfort zone.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-02 18:34:10


VIEW MORE
story-4
7 Times Harley-Davidson Chucked Tradition Out the Window

Slideshow: Harley-Davidson built its reputation on nostalgia, but every so often, the company took a hard left turn into the future.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 11:18:19


VIEW MORE
story-5
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles

Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 16:50:35


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: Not every Harley gets it right, but these are the ones that genuinely earned their reputation.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-15 14:23:21


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever

Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-01 20:01:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In

Slideshow: Killer Custom's "Jail Breaker" build focuses more on stance and visual aggression than mechanical overhaul.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-18 19:20:32


VIEW MORE
story-9
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?

Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-07 16:15:30


VIEW MORE