A or B motor?

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Feb 14, 2012 | 08:50 AM

#21

ga4boats

Road Warrior

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,270

Likes: 1

From: Atlanta, GA

I have had two bikes with B motors and while they are smooth at idle, I really like the shake that comes with the A motor. To me, the Harley experience and enjoyment includes some vibes.

Feb 14, 2012 | 09:29 AM

#22

bigdaddy33

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 4,082

Likes: 11

From: Long Island, NY

Thanks for posting the pics. That's the best visual explanation of the difference between the A and B I've seen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by boogaloodude

Here's what the balance mechanism looks like in a B motor. The top picture is the two counterweights, the middle pic is the assembled balance mechanism. Finally, the bottom pic is the flywheel in an A motor.

Feb 14, 2012 | 09:36 AM

#23

ezriderpgh

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2008

Posts: 2,156

Likes: 1

From: Pittsburgh, PA

A's shake when stopped, B's shake when moving. I will never again own a B because the ride is just too uncomfortable.

Feb 14, 2012 | 09:51 AM

#24

Mike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,786

Likes: 40

From: Centralia, Wa

The idle shake is a feature, not a problem.

Feb 14, 2012 | 09:56 AM

#25

Nickpisp

Road Captain

Joined: May 2008

Posts: 523

Likes: 0

From: Owasso, OK

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChristoHD

So the smaller bikes/frames get the B motor and the heavier bikes get the A motor which has some more oomph.

Dyna's have the "A" motor too..

Feb 14, 2012 | 10:07 AM

#26

beary

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 4,928

Likes: 285

From: Edmond Oklahoma

After riding Baggers for 10 years, I finally got the opportunity to rent a 2012 Heritage for a day. While it was a very comfortable ride, the motor felt like it wanted to come apart above 2500 RPMs. I had a hard time believing that was normal.

Beary

Feb 14, 2012 | 10:20 AM

#27

rh8234

Elite HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2005

Posts: 3,968

Likes: 34

From: Lockport Township, IL

I did not read all the posts, but my understanding is that there are NO motors with an "A" designation. The "B" motors are in the softail models and the "B" designates that it is a balanced motor. Dynas and Touring models do not have the balanced motor because the motors ar rubber mounted.

Feb 14, 2012 | 11:49 AM

#28

hattitude

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2008

Posts: 14,141

Likes: 11,210

From: San Diego, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by beary

That isn't normal.....

I've had my '03 Heritage since new. I rented/rode an FLHTK on two long rides in the last six months, and now have one on order.

While the bagger is slightly smoother at cruise speeds than the Heritage, my Heritage certainly doesn't feel like it wants to come apart..... I'll bet the rental had an issue....

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Feb 14, 2012 | 11:59 AM

#29

hougz79

Road Warrior

Joined: Apr 2010

Posts: 1,255

Likes: 1

From: Superior, WI

Quote:

Originally Posted by acdccox

Difference at highway speeds (70-75mph) between my '05 deluxe with 88B to my '09 RoadGlide is amazing. Softail always had a steady viabration that transferred through the bike. '05 was a 5 speed, the '09 RG a 6 speed, don't know if that is factor or not.

I know what you are talking about. Swapped bikes with my buddy for a few miles. He has a 2010 Fat Boy Lo with the B motor. I could feel the steady mechanical of the vibrations all the way to the throttle grip.

I like my rubber mounted motor.