Disappointed, need advice...
Road Master
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 7
From: tomball tx
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
i feel ur pain. sold my 07 night train and truly loved that bike and the way i had modified it. great bar bike. however, not worth a s%$t for long rides. i am 6'2 and could only ride about 100-150 miles before i had to get off. bought my geezer glide after renting one and riding thru n. california and fell in love. can ride 500+ miles no problem + hey, tunes too. you can get a different windshield. the "B" motor (shaking) did take a little getting used too,especially after pulling in the clutch and coming to a stop. however, you will get used to it, believe it or not. will not be long before you realize you are riding a great bike. check out a electra glide classic or a street glide. you will love the fairing too.....ride safe!!!( on a geezer glide!!!!)
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
Likes: 4,440
From: anacoco, la
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: IsurvivedNMU
Thank you for all the replies. I agree with all of you. The shaking is cool at idle, surely not what I expected when coming to a stop. And after the 40 mile ride, I was used to it. I guess I thought it was a little more sporty, and that might be the root of my issue. I do not want to go back to my softtail... I would not have sold it if i liked it... I always thought the road king is/was the sporty touring bike... Maybe it is... Maybe my idea is a little different...
The bike is sure footed and rides like my wifes denali when moving. Sounds good with even stock pipes, and turns like a dream... I guess i just want some sport. I was happy with the power... I guess it was the sport look...
Sorry for the rambling, but I just cannot get to the root of my issue, and I would like to pick up my bike for the year. A buddy of my fathers has an Ultra. I think I might hop on that to see if there is any difference to me. I like the looks of the King better, but....
Thank you for all the replies. I agree with all of you. The shaking is cool at idle, surely not what I expected when coming to a stop. And after the 40 mile ride, I was used to it. I guess I thought it was a little more sporty, and that might be the root of my issue. I do not want to go back to my softtail... I would not have sold it if i liked it... I always thought the road king is/was the sporty touring bike... Maybe it is... Maybe my idea is a little different...
The bike is sure footed and rides like my wifes denali when moving. Sounds good with even stock pipes, and turns like a dream... I guess i just want some sport. I was happy with the power... I guess it was the sport look...
Sorry for the rambling, but I just cannot get to the root of my issue, and I would like to pick up my bike for the year. A buddy of my fathers has an Ultra. I think I might hop on that to see if there is any difference to me. I like the looks of the King better, but....
after riding my road king for a while, i don't even notice the engine shaking... its like an old friend, but i would definitely notice it if it wasn't there
good luck with your search.
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 348
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Well, I have both a Softail and a touring bike. 2004 Heritage and a 2007 Ultra.
I will admit that especially with the motor work I've had done, at an idle the motor in the Ultra looks like a monkey f*****g a football! LOL
The mirrors on top the Tallboy handlebars also shake enough to make me motion sick.
The Softail sits and purrs right along at idle and no noticeable mirror movement.
But out on the highway the Ultra motor balances nicely on those rubber mounts and there is very little motor / drive vibration transmitted to the rider. The Softail DOES develop a slight dull vibration that can be felt even at the highway pegs. If you are used to it you don't notice it. Ride a bagger for a day or two and you will.
The biggest advantage of the touring bike over the Softail is a better suspension forhighway riding. Much smoother and better handling out on the open road.
Another advantage of the touring bikes is the steering geometry. The reduced rake keeps the forks from fighting back at ya in slower turns. The reverse triple tree design of the touring sleds also make for a nimble handling bike in town. The Ultra, when properly handled, will turn circles around the Softail. If I'm gonna be down on the boards, I wanna be on a bagger for sure.
Not sure about the vibration on slowing though, that isn't normal at all. One thing to check which sounds stupid but I saw it on another thread and it was my problem is to check the muffler brackets. If the brackets are not centered, the movement of the exhaust system will vibrate on the brackets.
As far as the windshield height issue, consider that the seat is too high. Not all tall riders need the same fit. A somewhat short legged long bodied rider will need to drop the seat not raise the windshield.
Good luck what ever you decide.
U
I will admit that especially with the motor work I've had done, at an idle the motor in the Ultra looks like a monkey f*****g a football! LOL
The mirrors on top the Tallboy handlebars also shake enough to make me motion sick.
The Softail sits and purrs right along at idle and no noticeable mirror movement.
But out on the highway the Ultra motor balances nicely on those rubber mounts and there is very little motor / drive vibration transmitted to the rider. The Softail DOES develop a slight dull vibration that can be felt even at the highway pegs. If you are used to it you don't notice it. Ride a bagger for a day or two and you will.
The biggest advantage of the touring bike over the Softail is a better suspension forhighway riding. Much smoother and better handling out on the open road.
Another advantage of the touring bikes is the steering geometry. The reduced rake keeps the forks from fighting back at ya in slower turns. The reverse triple tree design of the touring sleds also make for a nimble handling bike in town. The Ultra, when properly handled, will turn circles around the Softail. If I'm gonna be down on the boards, I wanna be on a bagger for sure.
Not sure about the vibration on slowing though, that isn't normal at all. One thing to check which sounds stupid but I saw it on another thread and it was my problem is to check the muffler brackets. If the brackets are not centered, the movement of the exhaust system will vibrate on the brackets.
As far as the windshield height issue, consider that the seat is too high. Not all tall riders need the same fit. A somewhat short legged long bodied rider will need to drop the seat not raise the windshield.
Good luck what ever you decide.
U
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 259
Likes: 17
From: Montana
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
What do you want? A profiling bikefor around townor a riding bike to get somewhere? I rode my 08 RK 600 miles on the first Saturday after I bought it just to get the break in all outa the way. I rode it 284 miles yesterday with one stop and that was just long enough to get gas. It is a RIDIN' bike. Oh and I'm 6'2" over 50 years old and still have a broken lumbar processor in my back that hasn't healed in 10 years. Sure it vibrates at idle but not at speed. Too much wind, tire too small, not long enough. Vibration is cool at stops? Like to pick up a new bike for the year? Sounds like buying new shoes or designer pants! Cowboy up or take the car.
If you want super comfort and a bike that handles the turns at very sporting speeds buy a Gold Wing. An 800 lb luxury tourer built on a sport bike frame. Mirrors don't shake and it has a fat rear tire! Think it won't go fast, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
You sold your07 at the end of the season last year? How many miles did ya put on it? I'm just curious if it's enough that how the bike actually rides makes much difference.
If you want super comfort and a bike that handles the turns at very sporting speeds buy a Gold Wing. An 800 lb luxury tourer built on a sport bike frame. Mirrors don't shake and it has a fat rear tire! Think it won't go fast, watch this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0nrMQ3QwyPo
You sold your07 at the end of the season last year? How many miles did ya put on it? I'm just curious if it's enough that how the bike actually rides makes much difference.
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 1
From: Canada
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
If you like the look of the RK, but hate the motor.......... sounds like you should take a hard ,long look at a Heritage.
You sit in it, It has the B motor, your legs are further forwards. I know how you feel. It was a bigger different feel than I expectedbetween the RG and the Heritage. If the RG didn't handle the way it does, I might have gone back to the soft tails as well.
You sit in it, It has the B motor, your legs are further forwards. I know how you feel. It was a bigger different feel than I expectedbetween the RG and the Heritage. If the RG didn't handle the way it does, I might have gone back to the soft tails as well.
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 889
Likes: 1
From: Long Island, New York
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: agapsdiver
Doesn't happen! smooth as can be from -0- up to
at least 90...don't need to go any faster than that.
ORIGINAL: Mandog
your whole frame vibrating from the counter balance shakes above 75 mph?
your whole frame vibrating from the counter balance shakes above 75 mph?
Doesn't happen! smooth as can be from -0- up to
at least 90...don't need to go any faster than that.
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 452
Likes: 2
From:
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Not the case on my 07 FLST but couldn't see out of the right one on the 07 FXD until I hit 80. Don't know what B motor and model you have but if it's a 96 you might want to have it checked out for a bad crank.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,077
Likes: 26
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
ORIGINAL: Mandog
Which would you rather experience...shakes at idle or your whole frame vibrating from the counter balance shakes above 75 mph?
Which would you rather experience...shakes at idle or your whole frame vibrating from the counter balance shakes above 75 mph?
I've never OWNED a "B" motor, but have demoed several. Really liked it, UNTIL I got up to freeway speeds. Ill take the idle shaking over the highway BUZZING any day. They reminded me of several newer metric bikes I have demoed, the Star Roadliner being the best example. It was a VERY powerful and SMOOTH motor... until I got up above 65 on the highway. Then I felt like I was riding my 1981 Yamaha XS400 special all over again. 20 miles of that and my hands and feet would be asleep.
Honestly, you DO get used to the shakes at idle. After a while you barely notice it. I just tell people I bought the "vibro-massage" option.
Another thing, if the bike has under 3000 miles on it, it will smooth out as the motor breaks in and loosens up. My 07 that I upped to 103" shook/vibrated so bad I thought I had made a MAJOR mistake doing the big bore kit. But after 500 miles, I started to notice it getting better, and by about 4000 miles, it was very much smoother.
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Disappointed, need advice...
Yes, thealpha engines do shake at an idle....but they have rubber motor mounts they take over a speeds and are smooth. I too had to get use to it, but it passed by quick....my softail would buzz my hands andput them to sleep at extended highway speeds. Plus the seating position of a FLH says everything....After I got myStreetGlideI didn't want to touch the softail...and eventually sold it, because I wasn't using it! Sad, but true.....Hang in there, and you'll get use to it and youwon't even think about...
milo8155
07 FLHX
03 FXST
Collierville,TN
milo8155
07 FLHX
03 FXST
Collierville,TN