softail engine in touring bikes?
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 9
From: Woodinville, WA
The reason Harley's aren't "smooth" is because of the ridiculous geometry of the engine, however it's traditional now so we get to appreciate it for what it is. Why do you think the vrod uses a different geometry?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 10,135
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From: Sandpoint, Idaho
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 0
From: Nevada
<p>The vibs at idle are probably what I love about my new sg the most. And its smooth as butter at hwy speeds. I just am surprised they would keep something I like so much. It usually goes the other way ��</p>
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14,778
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From: Badlands of ND
Well, I have both types of engines. I can tell you that the Softail motor is smooth. I have never had any vibration problems at all. I do prefer it to the standard motor. As said earlier the b motor is just not needed in the other bikes. It is more complex and more expensive and because of the extra parts it has to spin, makes a bit less HP. Still in the Softails it is totally the right power plant.
Cruiser
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 117
Likes: 6
From: Issaquah
I wondered the exact same thing. I traded in a 2012 Softail Slim for my 2013 Glide. I do miss that smooth motor in the Slim. I didn't experience any extra vibration at higher speeds as I shift at about 3k RPMs. The real diff is that above about 3500 RPM or so you notice more vibes that get worse the higher into the RPMs you get. The touring bikes are the exact opposite. If given the choice I would pick the 103B over the 103A for my Glide. In 6th gear at 3000 RPMS you can't tell the motors apart. Both going about 80 MPH. I really don't mide the vibes at idle anymore. It does bother me a little bit when I am slowing down and I can feel the vibes in the brake. It feels like ABS is kicking in until I pull in the clutch and it smooths out again.
Novice
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Warner Robins, GA
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 461
Likes: 4
From: Yale, MI
My understanding was that, people wanted the old skool vibrations in the Touring bikes, not a smooth running "B" motor.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 5
From: CT
Yup. I agree with that. Sat a softail and a road king side by side running and definitely preferred the sound and shake of the road king. YMMV..
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 20,616
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From: anacoco, la
ummm, that's not normal.