Engine Shake Riddle

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Mar 25, 2013 | 10:47 PM

#11

gdoc89

Tourer

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 300

Likes: 0

From: Everett, WA

Quote:

Originally Posted by heritageblue2013

My 13 Softail is smooth at the light, while cruising, and smooth with the ladies.

My lady likes it at idle!!

Mar 25, 2013 | 11:32 PM

#12

mkguitar

Extreme HDF Member

Joined: Sep 2010

Posts: 14,744

Likes: 402

From: Phoenix '53, '88, '09 Big Twins

as touched on above:
the counter balancing is a parasitic load on power, adding complexity to the lubrication, drive and bearings- any of which go wrong and pooch the motor.

the "rubbermount motor"- is actually the entire drivetrain, primary drive, clutch and tranny- the mount system adds the to overall height and will not fit the softail frame with out changing the entire concept of the styling.
The rubber mount system also robs some power- some forward motion is lost to the bushings.

as for comfort, some are fine with the solid mount buzzing along at speed- esp the pan/shovel/evo

but for all day operation the rubber mount bikes are more popular, the motor really only shakes at idle. stay off the front brake at a stop and the rider will notice it even less

mike

Mar 25, 2013 | 11:56 PM

#13

Tom Hudson

Road Captain

Joined: Jan 2012

Posts: 621

Likes: 3

From: N CA

I think HD took a survey a few years back & they found this is what the owners wanted - they didn't want the balanced engine in the touring - My Ultra Classic is pretty smooth at speed, not as smooth as a GoldWing but what is - I think the Shake is just part of the Harley charm - not so sure a shake that bad is good for any engine but it is what it is - tom

Mar 26, 2013 | 02:08 AM

#14

fxdxrider

Road Captain

Joined: May 2009

Posts: 505

Likes: 2

The B engine came out a year after the standard (rubber mount) 88 engine because they had to design and build the counterbalanced system for it. The reason the softail motor is solid mounted is because it enabled the bike stylists to wrap the frame around the engine a lot closer than with a rubber mount system to give a "neater" more custom look. It makes less power but vibrates less at idle. It's not smoother once your feet are on the pegs.

Mar 29, 2013 | 08:30 AM

#15

FL-kruzen

Thread Starter

Road Master

Joined: Oct 2011

Posts: 1,221

Likes: 17

From: West Palm Beach, FL

Thanks for all the comments. I just always wondered why. All the jap and British bikes don't have the shakes so I just thought it was a Harley thing.

Mar 29, 2013 | 08:45 AM

#16

decencyxdefied

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2012

Posts: 5,157

Likes: 740

From: new caney, tx

My fxst was smooth all the time

Mar 29, 2013 | 11:20 AM

#17

sargek

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2006

Posts: 1,916

Likes: 0

From: San Antonio, Texas

I like the shake and wouldn't want a "smooth" idling Harley. My EG is smooth at speed, which is all I care about. The ONLY thing I don't like about the rubber mounting is the fact the stupid oil filter is right on top of the front mount, but that's another story...

Mar 29, 2013 | 11:39 AM

#18

Notgrownup

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 24,709

Likes: 9,209

From: Snow Hill, NC

I used a loaner Heritage from the dealer last year and found out quickly at 70 mph what they meant.... it goes through the handlebars... I will stick with the rubber mounted for trips... i might buy a Softy for local rides or for the wife after a few years on the FXDP ...