Excessive vibration at stop using front brake

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Apr 30, 2014 | 09:19 AM

SmittyFXDL

Thread Starter

Road Warrior

Joined: Oct 2009

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From: Texas

Excessive vibration at stop using front brake

Not sure if its just me or not but lately I think Im noticing excessive vibration when at a stop and using front brake only. Its quite noticeable when stopped and vibration kicks in when holding in front brake. Not sure I noticed this as much before.
Anyone else experience this or know where to start looking? Thanks.

Apr 30, 2014 | 09:20 AM

Hogpro

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I'd check motor mounts first. Sounds like they may be worn out.

Apr 30, 2014 | 09:26 AM

shooter5074

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From: Western Illinois, land of bad roads, and corrupt politicians

I can't believe I'm going to say this..................

They all do that.

Perfectly normal. The engine rocks on the motor mounts, and when you hold the front brake the rocking motion has no place to go except into the frame. When you don't hold the front brake, the front wheel actually rolls back and forth a fraction of an inch to absorb the rocking motion.

Last edited by shooter5074; Apr 30, 2014 at 09:29 AM.

Apr 30, 2014 | 09:38 AM

EasternSP

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From: King George, VA

If you can look down the fork leg with the bike sitting still, you can see the front axle cap vibrating. The higher your compression ratio, the more the vibration swing.

Apr 30, 2014 | 11:06 AM

mkguitar

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by shooter5074

They all do that.

and he means all- my BMW, my Hondas, my old Harleys and new Harleys

all motorcycles do.

and the 'swinging mass' on a rubbermount drivetrain can make it more noticable

mike

Apr 30, 2014 | 11:13 AM

grbrown

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From: Bedford UK

Let go of the front brake and hold your bike on the rear. In the days of twin-leading shoe front drum brakes that was the only way to hold a bike stationary at an uphill stop!

Apr 30, 2014 | 11:20 AM

yowflhtk

Cruiser

Joined: Sep 2012

Posts: 131

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From: Ottawa, Canada

Quote:

Originally Posted by AnthonyFLHX

That would be the vibration of the motor that you are feeling. When the front brake is not applied, the vibration in the front fork is minimized because the wheel rolls back and forth slightly. When you apply the brake, the wheel can't move and thus the vibration is transferred up to the handlebars. This is normal.