New rider and new to the forum. Just bought an '05 XL 1200 C and love riding it. Already have 800 miles in two weeks. My question is about vibration at highway speeds. When I hit 55 MPH plus I get a pretty severe vibration going -- actually makes it hard to read road signs and images in the mirrors are bouncing like crazy. The ride is still comfortable, the vibe is just a little annoying. Seems to be caused by the engine more than the suspension. Being a new rider I wasn't sure if this was just the way Sportsters ride or if there are ways to smooth out the ride.

Any ideas?

 

Just part of owning a Harley. We call it the side mirror shakes.

 

Maybe you are having a stroke.

Just kiddin'. Some of the mirrors have a couple of allen screws on the back that will tighten the mirror a bit. Also, make sure the mirrors are tight to the handle bars. Oftentimes when the bikes are assembled at the shop, they don't always get everything snugged up. It wouldn't be a bad idea to give all the fasteners the once over.

 

Welcome to the forum BB. I think what you are experiencing is pretty normal. My bike vibrates a tad a hwy speeds so that its a little hard to see in the mirrors but it's not uncomfortable and it's still a very smooth ride. I have found that I have gotten used to it and learned how to check the mirrors and turn my head before I swtich lanes. If it's that annoying, you might want to have your dealer check it out for you. Good luck.

 

Look at this way BB...If you had one of them smoothies, you'd have to buy a vibrator as an accessory. Vibrators aren't cheep.

 

You think that rubber mount Sporty vibrates, you shouldride an older one! My 03 is horrible onthe highway. But I dont know of a BT that can keep up with me on a twisty back road! Make sure your mirrors aretight, check the torque on anything you bolted on (to include your lisence plate) and ride the vibe!

 

if your ride is vibrating, thats one thing. but if its bouncing too sounds like you have 2 issues. as far as the vibrating, i put a 30 tooth pully on my 97 and it doesnt vibrate near as much, plus iso grips and pegs help a ton. if its bouncing you may want to check to see if the wheel is ballanced properly. good luck

 

I owned a 05 1200C Sporty also - and the ride was interesting once I was going over 60mph. Although first inclination would be to check the tire pressure and wheel balance - however, it was pretty standard in seeing the world shaking up and down in my mirrors. And grizzly is right - you should ride on that isn't rubber mounted. But you do end up getting used to it.

 

I don't get it. I don't experience much ENGINE vibration at highway speed. 60-70 something mph is as smooth as it can get. What I do experience is my head bopping up and down with the bike from road imperfections because the suspension is so damn stiff. Once I reach 80-90 mph the ride becomes interesting. The bike wants to go straight but my body acts like a sail and I really feel the pressure of the wind against me wanting to blow me off the bike. Once I tuck down the bike can take me 100+ without any problems. I'm pretty sure a windshield would solve some of these problems. My vibration problem is in second gear over 30 mph. Third gear will be smooth, fourth gear also (although I rarely stay in fourth) and fifth gear will be smooth. Ya the bike vibrates, but it's in narrow rpm ranges. However, it isn't all that bad.

 

Yes im a newbie also to the harly ride and my 96 883 vibrates a bit too and i some times think i may be over reving the engine then i will shift up a gear and then i hear some like clunking sounds like its lugging but i am told by all the people i know that have been riding harlys for 30 plus years let it vibrate not clunk because its normal so vibrate on