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Engine vibrations at higher speeds on a 2016

4K views 18 replies 10 participants last post by  rg113 
#1 ·
Hey there,

Picked up my road glide special yesterday and have been out Cruising around a little. :grin:

I've just traded in my 08 street glide that had quite a few miles on it and I was super familiar with very nuance of the bikes performance. Seems like 80 was the bikes sweet spot, just wanted to doing that speed.

I understand that the new bike will feel different especially at first. Here's the thing. When I'm around 80 miles an hour, I seem to be getting quite a bit more vibration in the seat then I did on my 08 SG even though at that speed, both bikes are at about 3000 rpms. I seem to instinctively want try to shift to a higher gear from the feel of it although I'm already in 6.

I didn't feel that way on the street glide. Now, I've had the new bike less than 24 hours and I've only put 150 miles on it and it's still breaking in.

I'm wondering if the tighter frame of the new bike and/or the fact that the rubber mounts are brand new and likely stiffer, is making the difference, or just the fact that it's not fully broken in.

I could cruise for hours on long trips at 80 on the SG with seemingly little seat vibration. I would be less comfortable doing that on the new bike.

I did a forum search and haven't found much on this.

Any insights?

Thanks,

A
 
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#2 ·
Check your settings on your rear shocks, also tire pressure. You may just need some break in time on the new rubber.
 
#7 ·
Check your tire pressure & put some more miles on it. Brand new motor mounts are stiff & will break in after awhile. Same thing will happen when you put new motor mounts on an old bike.

Lil Chief
 
#10 ·
There may also be a issue with the tire balance. Mention the vibration to the dealer when you take it in next. There may also be the possibility that the engine is out of alignment and the motor mounts need adjustment.
The motor mount doesn't need a break in period for the engine to smooth out.
 
#11 · (Edited)
I should rephrase what I posted. What I meant is that the mount needs to settle in, not break in. Either way, check the tire pressure first, & as stated, its under warranty so have the dealer check it out. I'd be shocked if it was not something simple such as that. Although I haven't had issues like this on my '15, I replaced the front mount on my '02 when I had it, & it took a bit of time for the Glide Pro mount to settle in. The vibration it had for a while was like a fast, hand numbing type vibration until the mount settled in.

Lil Chief
 
#14 ·
Ya know, another thing to consider is that your seat isn't even close to being broken in. It might be a combo of engine harmonics & a stiff seat that's causing the issue. I've found that at about 185lbs, any new seat I've ever had, it takes around 500 miles before it starts to soften up and dampen some of the vibrations.

Lil Chief
 
#16 ·
You posted this on HD Forums also, so I'll repost my reply here.

Something isn't right. I've only had my 15 RGS up to 90-95 but its planted, solid and smooth as silk at all speeds. Check your tire pressure would be my first recommendation. Second would be tire balance. Beyond that no clue except the usual checklist, engine alignment, motor mounts, etc., but all of those are usually fine from the factory.
 
#17 ·
One thing that is different is the low profile tires on the Roadglide and Roadglide Special. I like the feel and cornering with these but you do feel more vibration from the roadway I have found. Now I'm used to it and really don't notice it unless I jump on my 04 Ultra and ride, then jump back on the Roadglide.
 
#19 ·
For guys whose vibes don't smooth out after a 1000 miles, one thing that hasn't been covered is the tune. My 2015 RGS when new had a bad vibration from 55mph through 70 mph, after checking tires/wheels etc. with no cure I had it dyno tuned, vibration disappeared. Timing can have an affect on vibes.
 
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