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Author Topic: Just my observation of a Harley today.  (Read 817 times)
Roidfingers
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*****
Posts: 729


Tuscaloosa, Alabama


« on: November 04, 2015, 07:10:22 AM »

So I was headed to work in my cage today, due to drizzling rain. Came upon this Harley. Not sure what model. Sorta looked like a GW with the saddlebags, trunk and front cowling. Well we stopped at a light and I was one lane over and just behind him. As we were sitting there I noticed just how bad the vibration was on his bike. Handlebars shaking, cowling jumping up and down. Really the entire bike. I thought to myself, "Wow, I'm so glad I have my Valk."

I haven't owned mine very long. Only 2 months but I now know I made an excellent choice on a fine machine at an excellent price. Thank you previous owner for selling it.  Grin
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Valkorado
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Posts: 10514


VRCC DS 0242

Gunnison, Colorado (7,703') Here there be twisties.


« Reply #1 on: November 04, 2015, 07:44:41 AM »

And in 18 years that Harley probably won't even still be vibrating.
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Have you ever noticed when you're feeling really good,
there's always a pigeon that'll come sh!t on your hood?
- John Prine

97 Tourer "Silver Bullet"
01 Interstate "Ruby"

..
Member
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Posts: 27796


Maggie Valley, NC


« Reply #2 on: November 04, 2015, 07:47:41 AM »

I have a riding friend with a Harley.

It is quick, handles well and doesn't seem to vibrate too badly. But it does vibrate.

It's a 2014 with too many letters for me to remember.

Doesn't look like a GW.
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hubcapsc
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Posts: 16802


upstate

South Carolina


« Reply #3 on: November 04, 2015, 09:06:41 AM »


I think they mostly vibrate on purpose when sitting still, and smooth
out right away when you take off...

-Mike
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Punisher
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Posts: 308


No, not vengenance. Punishment.


« Reply #4 on: November 04, 2015, 10:52:03 AM »


I've had more than a couple of Harley riders say that shaking and noise represents power.

To each his own...
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FLAVALK
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Posts: 2699


Winter Springs, Florida


« Reply #5 on: November 04, 2015, 10:53:54 AM »


I've had more than a couple of Harley riders say that shaking and noise represents power.

To each his own...


Now that's funny right there  2funny
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Live From Sunny Winter Springs Florida via Huntsville Alabama
Patrick
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Posts: 15433


VRCC 4474

Largo Florida


« Reply #6 on: November 04, 2015, 10:59:06 AM »

This is Harley country, some friends own them. Rode a couple new ones not long ago. They do shake and the mirrors are useless till about 2500 rpm. They smoothen out at speed, but, I couldn't wait to get back on the Valk.  I think I've said it before, I ain't ever getting rid of that bike.
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Mike M in ohio
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Posts: 131


« Reply #7 on: November 04, 2015, 11:23:23 AM »

     As a FORMER Harley devotee (1972-1997), I too have to inform you that the vibration at a stop is purposeful. The rubberized engine mounts allow said movement at a stop, but it does smooth out as the bike rolls forward and the revs come up. HOWEVER, I also came to believe, through the decades, that the nature of the HD beast, which displays such continuous vibration, results in constant (metal-fatigue) failures throughout the bike's life. Thus, a "high-maintenance" machine.  But, the high cost of the brand, and the subsequent cost of upgrades, and upkeep, is part of the mystique, is it not?
                                                                                  Mike in New York
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DirtyDan
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Posts: 3450


Kingman Arizona, from NJ


« Reply #8 on: November 04, 2015, 11:41:18 AM »

smoothest Harley ive ever seen



dan
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Do it while you can. I did.... it my way
Jess Tolbirt
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Posts: 4720

White Bluff, Tn.


« Reply #9 on: November 04, 2015, 11:58:49 AM »

there are two engines now days, the ones like on mine vibrate like crazy at idle, this keeps a smile on Bev's face as she likes the vibs it puts out, but once you take off the vibration is gone,, now on the Dyna's they have counter balancers in the engine and they dont shake at all,,
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art
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Posts: 2737


Grants Pass,Or

Grants Pass,Or


« Reply #10 on: November 04, 2015, 12:12:26 PM »

I bought new in 1998 a Honda shadow Aero,Hondas ans. to Harley. It looked like a harley and the engine crank was like harleys in that it gave the feeling of a v twin vibration and the sound. It was a wonderful machine and I grew to like it a lot. I sold it after buying my 02 Valk after getting laid off. something had to go and the Valk was financed and I had payments to make. The Aero had 86000 miles on it so I sold it. Having said that I like the feeling of a little vibration and I also did like the exstream power of the Valk. I would but another Areo if I wanted another bike. I only road one Harley and didn't like the seating area. I thought it was too small compared to the Aero and Valk.
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jdp
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Posts: 451


« Reply #11 on: November 04, 2015, 03:33:16 PM »

They all vibrate but some models just hide it better with counter balancer rubber mounts on everything, but the high cost, not very reliable , and all the tough guy stuff, you have to admit they sure look good, I'm a Harley tech and ride a Valkyrie that should say something, oh yeah and when they (HD riders) wave why do they point down? Never got that one yet.
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Moonshot_1
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Posts: 5142


Me and my Valk at Freedom Rock


« Reply #12 on: November 04, 2015, 03:35:36 PM »

They all vibrate but some models just hide it better with counter balancer rubber mounts on everything, but the high cost, not very reliable , and all the tough guy stuff, you have to admit they sure look good, I'm a Harley tech and ride a Valkyrie that should say something, oh yeah and when they (HD riders) wave why do they point down? Never got that one yet.

They point down to indicate where their oil is dripping?
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Mike Luken 
 

Cherokee, Ia.
Former Iowa Patriot Guard Ride Captain
MP
Member
*****
Posts: 5532


1997 Std Valkyrie and 2001 red/blk I/S w/sidecar

North Dakota


« Reply #13 on: November 04, 2015, 04:02:18 PM »

They all vibrate but some models just hide it better with counter balancer rubber mounts on everything, but the high cost, not very reliable , and all the tough guy stuff, you have to admit they sure look good, I'm a Harley tech and ride a Valkyrie that should say something, oh yeah and when they (HD riders) wave why do they point down? Never got that one yet.

They point down to indicate where their oil is dripping?
Pointing out parts falling off?
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"Ridin' with Cycho"
Daddie O
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Posts: 811


Elk Grove, CA


« Reply #14 on: November 04, 2015, 04:40:26 PM »

Harley Davidson engineers are pretty amazing.  They found the most efficient way to convert gasoline into noise without the side effect of horsepower.  2funny
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Light moves faster than sound.  That's why some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
signart
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*****
Posts: 2095


Crossville, Tennessee


« Reply #15 on: November 04, 2015, 05:50:01 PM »

They do not smooth out. They get smoother. NO where close to a Valkyrie by which smooth is judged by.
If you really want to know what smooth a Valkyrie is, let a Harley rider ride your Valk. He won't stop talking about it for days.
 
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Rams
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Posts: 16684


So many colors to choose from yet so few stand out

Covington, TN


« Reply #16 on: November 05, 2015, 03:35:37 AM »

     As a FORMER Harley devotee (1972-1997), I too have to inform you that the vibration at a stop is purposeful. The rubberized engine mounts allow said movement at a stop, but it does smooth out as the bike rolls forward and the revs come up. HOWEVER, I also came to believe, through the decades, that the nature of the HD beast, which displays such continuous vibration, results in constant (metal-fatigue) failures throughout the bike's life. Thus, a "high-maintenance" machine.  But, the high cost of the brand, and the subsequent cost of upgrades, and upkeep, is part of the mystique, is it not?
                                                                                  Mike in New York

While I've ridden a few HDs (never owned one), the comment about rubberized mounts is funny to me.    I can only imagine the vibration of an HD with solid mounts.    Those with dentures would most surely have issues keeping their teeth in.   Cheesy
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VRCC# 29981
Learning the majority of life's lessons the hard way.

Every trip is an adventure, enjoy it while it lasts.
signart
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Posts: 2095


Crossville, Tennessee


« Reply #17 on: November 05, 2015, 04:06:39 AM »

Not to mention a glass eye! Shocked
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Romeo
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Posts: 1612


J.A.B.O.A.

Romeo, Michigan


« Reply #18 on: November 05, 2015, 04:48:09 AM »


I've had more than a couple of Harley riders say that shaking and noise represents power.

To each his own...

hilarious. Yup represents power being used for something besides forward motion.
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dragonslayer
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*****
Posts: 179

palm bay fl.


« Reply #19 on: November 05, 2015, 06:55:17 AM »

Was talking with a guy about his new water cooled Harley.Only had it a few months and so far has spent more time in the shop than on the road.So far has blown both spark plugsIt's now going into the shop for an electrial out of the heads so Harley replaced both heads,pistons ,and other assorted parts to the top end,also the electric fuel pump lasted 2 days from when he picked it up.NOW it's going back again for an electrical problem.Sure glad I have a 14 year old bike that still runs great.
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2k IS
98 Tour
2001 Stand
Gryphon
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Posts: 544


Resistance is futile; if less than 1 ohm.

Fulton, MO


WWW
« Reply #20 on: November 05, 2015, 06:57:31 AM »

[quote  oh yeah and when they (HD riders) wave why do they point down? Never got that one yet.
[/quote]


Maybe you're young or maybe it's a regional thing; but the pointed down wave thing is usually done with 2 fingers and used to signify "2 wheels down/safe journey".  Or at least that's what I was taught in the 70's.
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