My bike developed a weird buzzing type vibration yesterday.

I was out practicing starts and stops and low speed figure eights in a school parking lot. I've had the bike a couple of weeks and I really need to get used to it. I don't feel comfortable on it yet, especially while going slow.

The bike is an '06 FLHTP, stock, with 220 (yep, 220) miles on the clock.

I was practicing in first gear, using the clutch to control my speed in the figure eights, basically running the engine at or just off idle.

I practiced for about 10 minutes or so. I proceeded to take a quick spin through the neighborhood, again practicing stops, starts and turns.

The bike was warmed up, outside temps were in the low 40s.

I then rode the bike home. However, once I got the bike up to highway speed, 40 miles an hour or so, I could feel a severe buzzing through the footboards and seat. I mean this buzzing was bad, enough so that I could feel tingling in my back side.

In my brief saddle time with this bike, I've found it to be quite smooth once under way. Still gotta get used to the V-twin shake while stopped, tho.

Everything else seems normal, no odd noises, the clutch felt like it was totally engaged at speed (no apparent slipping or rpm jump when applying the throttle), no bangs, no clunks. The engine seems to have it's normal vibrations and pulls strong with no pops or misfire.

I put the bike up on a jack (J&S), started 'er up, put 'er in first gear and let out the clutch at idle. Everything seems normal, clutch engagement is smooth, rear wheel isn't wobbly, drive belt seems to track fine. Again, I observed no bangs, clunks, shimmies, shakes.

What do you think? Overheated clutch? Rider abuse? Busted parts?

I plan on adjusting the clutch and cable as I'd like the clutch to come in a bit sooner. It feels like the clutch now comes in at just about full handle release. I plan on changing the primary and trans fluids at this time as well.

I'm thinking hot clutch with a dose of adjustment issues. That being said, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Except about the back side tingling.

Thanks.

 

Ive lost the bolt in the exhaust brkt on the trans. and gotten same type of vibration,worth looking at.

 

Thanks for the tip.

I did find the problem. Long story short, I had the battery out a few days ago, lost one of the cable to battery bolts. Searched high and low, no where to be found. Well, I found it today.

It was wedged between the rear of the primary chain case and the frame. Needed a long screwdriver and hammer to get it out.

Took the scoot for a ride, end of buzzing.

Still gonna adjust the clutch and do the servicing as planned before.

Didn't think something this small could freak me out as much as it did.

 

Nice pic :>)
Glad you found the problem.