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Dumb Vibration Question

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Old 03-12-2012, 01:37 AM
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Default Dumb Vibration Question

So, I've noticed a (very sight) buzz in my handlebars at freeway speeds.
Nowhere else, just in the bars. Enough to distort the mirrors.
I have the Chubby 503 knuckle bars on risors.

Today I rode the wife's 03, just to get out for a few. It never gets ridden, so I wanted to go out and run it for an hour (I really just needed to get out!!)

That thing was dead nuts smooth. 70,80 . . . It didn't matter.

Could it be just the different handlebars? Her 03 has 508s. It's a Heritage also.

I'll check the handlebars bushings 1st, but I'm almost wondering, mtr mount bolts?? Again it's minor, but noticable
 
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Old 03-12-2012, 12:45 PM
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I have the same vibration on my fatboy. I have 10" mini apes and have always just chaulked it up to having taller bars. I figure it's like anything else that you can shake. The further you get away from the source of the shake (motor) the more you will notice it.
 
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Old 03-12-2012, 09:45 PM
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I'm no mechanic, but it sounds like the front tire is out of balance.
 
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Old 03-12-2012, 11:41 PM
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Dont have the buzz in ours with the stock mini apes. seems like I heard of a nylon bushing in the risers, some use to solve the issue.
 
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Old 03-13-2012, 04:22 PM
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Wow guys!!Thanks for the replies.
All good ideas. I am wondering about those
bushings. They are original.
But the tires are new.
I'll check it all out.
Most likely, I am selling this bike. I won't though
if I think there is an issue. It would be fixed 1st.
 
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Old 03-13-2012, 04:49 PM
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What year bike is it? Could be vibration from pinion shaft wobble. On the later models, they are allowing way more pinion shaft run out than with the 05-earlier motors.
 
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Old 03-13-2012, 09:31 PM
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It's a 2000. 22K miles. 203 cams and a Thunderheader and a re-jet.
Stk Ign/Module.
It runs too good for something major to be wrong.
It's only in the bars. Not in the seat or the footboards. It's very minimal. You would think the 508s on the OL's Heritage would be worse, 'cause they're longer. That 03 is SMOOOOOOOOOTH !!!!
(And DON'T tell me because it's FI - HA HA)
I'm thinking back. This slight change came about when I put the Wild One risors on there. I'm going to go back and double check my work. Maybe change out those bushings. It's just enough to make the mirrors buzz. If I take my left hand off the grip, it does the old Shovelhead trick.
on that side mirror.
Thanks again for all the replies. Oh and on the FI note. I do have to put some ketchup on my foot and say, that 03 hasn't skipped a beat since Nov,02!!! Hot or cold. You just push that button, and it's running. Right now.
 
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Old 03-14-2012, 11:15 AM
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What kind of saddlebags are those? They look like Heritage bags without studs.
 
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Old 03-14-2012, 11:23 AM
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I would say it is the riser bushings but i am no expert.
 
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Old 03-14-2012, 02:26 PM
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You're close. I sent my sagging, studded bags to Osprey.
He took the Harley bags, used them as patterns and made these.
Same size (tad wider), but uses the stock backing w/mounts.
I wanna say it was $450. Probl 7-8 yrs ago. They've held up well.
I'd recommend Osprey bags to anyone.

On the vibe note; I'm going to repl the bushings. Just for sh__s & giggles, I'm going to put the stock risors on. Try it. I'll bet it'll be vibe free. Then I may put a slightly shorter set (Deluxe type) back on. (I like the look of the cap on the Deluxe)
These are kinda tall anyways.

Originally Posted by str8jacket
What kind of saddlebags are those? They look like Heritage bags without studs.
 


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