Having just been informed that Harleys don't vibrate, how about you guys out there giving your opinions?

Question

I'm 71 and have owned virtually every model that HD have produced since 1942.

This includes the 250/350 (2 and 4 stroke) as well.

The Electraglide FLH was by far the worst for giving me the shakes.

Let's have your views.

Answer 1

I've been buying HDs since 1959, back then they vibrated somewhat, then they came out with rubber mount engines ( except for Softtails, they changed them later.) At idle the engine looked like it was gonna fall out of the frame but once it got moving it was smooth. I have an 08 FLHX now and there is absolutly no vibration at any speed. Alot of this stuff comes from HD bashers that heard something from 40 yrs ago and repeat it. They've never ridden a HD but they know everything there is to know about them.

Answer 2

Harleys don't vibrate?  Say what?!  The only bike that I've ever been on that seemed to not vibrate too bad was an Ultra Classic, but even it vibrated some.  I've never been on a bike that didn't vibrate (thought that was the whole point?!).

Answer 3

I have an 02 Deuce, and love it!  It's the only one I've had though.

Answer 4

ive only have one 2000 sportster it shakes some but dont you love it..... your lucky

Answer 5

The motor in my 2003 FXD jumped around a lot, but none of it transfered to the frame.

Answer 6

Surely ALL bikes vibrate at some point in the rev range.

The question is whether it's enough to bug you or not.

My inline four Suzuki is probably as smooth as it gets but I still feel a buzz through the footpegs and the seat at a certain point.

Our V-twin Honda vibrates a little more....but it's what you get from a V-twin and is part of the reason you buy one.

And try riding a big single and tell me it doesn't vibrate.

I'd find it hard to believe a Harley doesn't vibrate....I wouldn't give a great deal of credibility to that claim or the person making it.

Like I said, does it bug you or not?

Answer 7

depends on the model and how the engine in mounted.  My 2000 sporty and 02 Wide Glide vibrated alot.  The wg would smooth out at high speed.  The sporty would get worse at high speed.  My 08 RK doesn't vibrate much at all.

Answer 8

LOL.. harley don't vibrate. thats a good one. my 91 ultra would shake you sitting at a stop sign. was smooth as glass at 80mph. my '00 sporty didn't seem too bad sitting at idle, but was a bear after 60 miles in the saddle. my current ride, '05 heritage has the least amount of vibration of the three, with the balanced motor, but it still vibrates a little for sure. By the way, wife has an '03 honda shadow and it vibrates too. Whats up with that? lol

Answer 9

Whoever told you that doesn't know what they're talking about.My old Panhead will make your hands and feet go numb.My 02 FLH is ok because of the rubber mounted engine but it still hops around when your sitting at an idle.You just don't feel it.

Answer 10

well compared to a 650 triumph,bsa or yamaha  vertical twin they dont vibrate at all.

but compared to an inline 4 their paint shakers. but I still prefer the vibration to the  numbing high frequency buzz you get from the 4's on a long trip.

I've got a stroker fxr that shakes so much at a 700 rpm idle its hard to keep the both the motor & frame in the same lane & the front wheel on the ground when your stopped at a light . but at 80 mph the mirrors are so still you can see a mosquito or p****r gnat a quarter mile behind you.