[dayrider]

I've been chasing this vibration on my 1997 flht since last summer, it vibrates my left mirror and hand grip, its a high speed/buzz, worse at higher speed. It seems to get worse the hotter it gets. I've changed the front motor mount [installed not upside down], changed clutch drum to latter style, installed hydrolic primary chain adjuster. If I pull the clutch in the vibe's go away. Normally this wouldn't bother me, but I just had my left knee replaced in December and I don't think the vibe's are good for my knee. Any ideas appreciated...enjoy the day, Thanks

[duke76]

when you put in the primary tensioner did you check the compensator nut, they have been known to be an issue on the newer bikes, not sure on a 97 but worth a check. Also the the bushings on the swing arm get rotten and cause some issues, and when you put in the motor mount make sure you didnt tighten it to tight, the new motor mount has more vibes right away until they break in a little bit, Some people have actually put in a Buell mopunt with good success but if the vibe was there before the mpount that probably isnt your issue. Todd

[dayrider]

Thanks Tod, I torqued the comp. nut to 175. If I pry between the frame and the center bolt for the swing arm bushings I get about 1/8 inch movement on the right side, but about 1/4-3/8 inch on the left. Is that normal or two much?? How hard are the bushings to change? Thanks again

[hotroadking]

the rear swingarm bushings were upgraded by HD after your bike was built, way after, the rubber bushings (I call them donuts) have two rings, the new ones are stiffer and have 3

FBI (Fat Bagger) sells upgraded billet cleve blocks that really stiffen up the rear suspension.

We did the whole rear end getting the billet blocks, new 05 swingarm, axle from an 05 and converted his 98 RK to the new rear end setup.

Donuts from hd 3 ring
swingarm, axle, cleve blocks (drilled to accept your thinner pivot shaft) $225
Found a take off RK Custom wheel for nutthing
found a take off rear brake rotor for nutthing
found a rear caliper on sneebay for $40 perfect shape
bought some new pads
you will need the pulley for the newer wheels and change belt to the narrow belt which lets you run a 150 back there.

Advantages,
stiffer pivot shaft support,
less vibration and shake
smoother cornering transiston
less of that rear end wobble in the corner that puckers yer arse
less weight
new brake has oh somewhere near 300% more breaking power lol

at worse replace the donuts about $80 or so at any hd dealer.

It's a pia but not hard, if you don't have one get a SM for your bike it's detailed and makes a difference

Also the heim joints that adjust your motor to the frame
one top center, one up front wear over time, replace them and be
sure to set them up correctly to align the motor to the frame...

[duke76]

I would say 1/4 to 3/8 seems like a lot, I cant answer you how hard they are to replace because I havent done it but I think I would look into converting it like HRK said he did, Todd

[Tomflhrci98]

Originally Posted by dayrider

Thanks Tod, I torqued the comp. nut to 175. If I pry between the frame and the center bolt for the swing arm bushings I get about 1/8 inch movement on the right side, but about 1/4-3/8 inch on the left. Is that normal or two much?? How hard are the bushings to change? Thanks again

Dayrider, I'm curious, is you Road King fuel injected or carb?

[dayrider]

Hi Tom, It's carb., electraglide flht...

[Tomflhrci98]

oops, brain fart... Road Glide not Road King.

My bike has been running (for lack of a better word ) Harsher, ever since I had the engine rebuilt. I've checked or changed just about everything except the bushings inside the swing arm. I did change the donuts like HRK said.

One thing I did was had both wheels rebalanced.
I changed the heim joints a year ago. I noticed that they didn't swivel anymore. They kind of siezed up. That and the Kurakin ISO grips helped.

[hotroadking]

As they age the parts that hold stuff together need work, or replacement.

DougsRK is a 113 elbruto that is very smooth now that we replaced all the mounting bits.

Remember this is innernet tech, you might be best to get some eyes on the bike and be sure we are on track.

But what kinda high speed are we talking about 90 or 70

Also you could replace the bushings for the handlebars with new rubber grommets its a simple replacement.

[Tomflhrci98]

Originally Posted by hotroadking

the rear swingarm bushings were upgraded by HD after your bike was built, way after, the rubber bushings (I call them donuts) have two rings, the new ones are stiffer and have 3

FBI (Fat Bagger) sells upgraded billet cleve blocks that really stiffen up the rear suspension.

...

I would have thought that stiffer donuts, or cleve blocks would transfer MORE vibration .......... no ??

[hotroadking]

more slop = more motion = more vibration

motor has more room to oscillate - more vibration

you might get more mini vibes but not the big shake...

[jjohnson77536]

You could always get a 2009... less vibration