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Vibration

Discussion in 'Motorcycle Tech Talk' started by dayrider, Mar 16, 2009.

  1. dayrider

    dayrider New Member

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    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
    dayrider, Mar 16, 2009
    #1
  3. duke76

    duke76 New Member

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    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
    Last edited: Mar 16, 2009
    duke76, Mar 16, 2009
    #2
  4. dayrider

    dayrider New Member

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    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, Mar 16, 2009
    #3
  5. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    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...
    hotroadking, Mar 16, 2009
    #4
  6. duke76

    duke76 New Member

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    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
    duke76, Mar 16, 2009
    #5
  7. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    Dayrider, I'm curious, is you Road King fuel injected or carb?
    Tomflhrci98, Mar 16, 2009
    #6
  8. dayrider

    dayrider New Member

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    Hi Tom, It's carb., electraglide flht...
    dayrider, Mar 17, 2009
    #7
  9. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    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.
    Tomflhrci98, Mar 17, 2009
    #8
  10. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    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.
    hotroadking, Mar 17, 2009
    #9
  11. Tomflhrci98

    Tomflhrci98 Active Member

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    I would have thought that stiffer donuts, or cleve blocks would transfer MORE vibration .......... no ??
    Tomflhrci98, Mar 18, 2009
    #10
  12. hotroadking

    hotroadking Super Moderator Staff Member

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    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...
    hotroadking, Mar 18, 2009
    #11
  13. jjohnson77536

    jjohnson77536 New Member

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    You could always get a 2009... less vibration :)
    jjohnson77536, Mar 23, 2009
    #12

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