I Almost Gave Up on Harleys
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 110
Likes: 3
From: Sykesville, Md
I had ridden bikes since the mid seventies and had many Yamaha's, Honda's, and Kawasaki and also bought my first Harley in 2009 which was a 2000 1200 custom. I rode it until 2012 when I purchased a 2006 Electra Glide Classic. This is by far the best bike I've ever owned. Touring bikes are the best!
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
I've been riding Harleys for about 46 years now, and honestly, with the exception of only one bike, I have never been bothered by the vibration...it's a low amplitude vibration which I enjoy, it's kinda comforting to me...Now, I realize that probably 50-60% of all Harley riders today haven't ridden anything other than a Twinky with counterbalancers or soft engine mounts, and the expectation is different... But with both of those models you mention, they both have some sort of anti-vibration measures taken on them...so I'll keep my thoughts to myself on that one!!!!
The only Harley that I found vibrated WAY too much was a brand new 54 CI Sportster that my brother bought in like 1988...I rode it from the dealership in Canoga Park home to Fillmore, and I must honestly say that this was the worst motorcycle ride I've ever taken! Back in those days (sheesh, only 26 years ago) the Sporties were solid mounted...I know, it was brand new, not broken in, coulda been a Monday bike too for all I know...He replaced it in short order with a Softtail...much better.
The only Harley that I found vibrated WAY too much was a brand new 54 CI Sportster that my brother bought in like 1988...I rode it from the dealership in Canoga Park home to Fillmore, and I must honestly say that this was the worst motorcycle ride I've ever taken! Back in those days (sheesh, only 26 years ago) the Sporties were solid mounted...I know, it was brand new, not broken in, coulda been a Monday bike too for all I know...He replaced it in short order with a Softtail...much better.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 4,377
Likes: 647
From: Santa Clarita
Truer words have never been spoken!!!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 2,053
Likes: 39
From: San Diego
Harley seems to make different bikes, depending on the length of the expected ride.
Sportsters are great around town.
Dyna is great out in the Suburbs
Softail is great around the county
Road Bikes are fantastic out on the open Highway, both Interstate and secondary roads.
Pick your ride…pick your bike.
Now I know that some will have a ball on a Sporty out on the freeway, and others will want a Road Bike for commuting to work due to it's storage capacity, so guess there is a seat for every butt.
Sportsters are great around town.
Dyna is great out in the Suburbs
Softail is great around the county
Road Bikes are fantastic out on the open Highway, both Interstate and secondary roads.
Pick your ride…pick your bike.
Now I know that some will have a ball on a Sporty out on the freeway, and others will want a Road Bike for commuting to work due to it's storage capacity, so guess there is a seat for every butt.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 239
Likes: 3
From: Connecticut
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
