on the highway that is? We were cruising the highway the other day and Scootergrrl said her bike was shaking a lot (2005 883L) Rubber mounted by the way. I have been trying to figure this out ever since. I have ridden her bike on the freeway many times and did not experience any shaking. What might a realtive newbie consider to be "shaking?" I find the sporty to smooth as silk. I did determine originally that her helmet was too big and was "shaking" all over her head. I have since gotten her a helmet that fits beatter but am concerned that she needs a smaller helmet yet. My other thought is that she might be gripping bars too tight or just not used to what it is like on a bike at 65 MPH. We also have sections of the freeway which are kinda bumpy as earthquakes have caused this but I do not know. She has a windshield but refuses to use it.

 

all sporties vibrate.

even the rubbermounted ones. my '07 gets really "buzzy" over 85mph.

but yeah, holding on too tight can make it shake in her arms, and a few guys over on the sportster forum have noticed a high speed "wobble" in some of the rubbermounts.

but i'm guessing if it's only at 65, its prolly just the sportster vibe.

 

You hit on two possible causes, and combined, they can beVERY unnerving!

1. Helmet too large - this will throw her head (or seemingly so) all over the place at speed.
A. Her helmet should NOT move at all on her head.

2. Gripping the handlebars too tightly - a common new-rider syndrome.
A.She consciously has to overcomedoingthis.

3. Both together - a VERY uncomfortable ride at speed!
A. Get her the RIGHT helmet and have her practice her grip.

 

I vote for tight grip...

How long has she been riding?

 

When I first got my Sporty, after 25 year absence from riding, I thought the thing was shaking all over the place. Especially at any speed at all. Now, the bike feels very smooth to me.Iride most of the time with only one hand on the bars. If you've rode it, and it feels smooth, I'd say it's just her getting used to the virbation. I don't even notice the bike vibrating anymore. But everytime a chick gets on, that has never rode a harley, they certainly comment on the vibrations.

 

I find that mine will vibrate at times between 65 and 70. Cannot really recall the conditions--running at stready pace, giving it a little throttle to get over a hill, or whatever. I just don't pay that much attention to the vibration or when it occurs so cannot give any real reason. As far as I am concerned after riding a ironhead for years, this `07 is like you say, smooth as silk.

 

vibrating(buzzing) some at higher speeds but no shaking

wayne

 

If it was on the 710 on your way to or from the Meet n'Greet there's a good chance it was the DEEP rain grooves on that fwy and her front wheel tracking in them.

 

Maybe take her out on a smooth section of highway, on a calm day... If she still feels the shaking, then you can rule out road/weather conditions... And focus on grip and helmet... etc.

 

speak for your self . how do you know all sportys vibrate . mine is as smooth as silk at speeds in excess of 80-100mph.
and the infamous high speed wobble thread is way over blowed.
anubiss more than likely she is just not using the proper riding technique . my wife had living hell until she finally relaxed loosend up her grip and learned to trust the bike. we also had a helmet issue and her head would buffet so bad she would blow snot bubbles so I took her and found one that fit and all the bad problems went away. if you suspect mechanical problems check the motor mounts to see if there loose and the fall away on the front end . could be a loose steering head bearing but I doubt it.