Allright Im throwing this out there. I know its been discussed before but Ive never gotten an answer for post 09 models. I would buy a 2014 Limited in a heartbeat if there was a motor mount that would eliminate at least 50% of the vibration. Multiple neck surgeries prohibit me from upgrading from my 2014 Heritage Softail. Ive done everything possible to convert my Softail into a touring but it is what it is, a Softail.

 

The touring bikes are rubber mounted and the engine isnt counterbalanced like a softail. HD touring bikes shake much more at idle than a softail, no real way to avoid that.

At speed, they are smoother, less vibration or buzzing.

 

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So true,my 09 flhtcu w-96" motor vibrates / shakes quite a lot at idle but when you get the motor to approx 2,200rpm and above the motor smooths right out.

So as long as the OP doesnt lug the motor running above 2,200rpm vibration should not be an issue .

But the stock suspension esp rear airshocks will be an issue for the OP's neck / back problems with the harsh ride they provide , properly setup quality aftermarket repl shocks will fix that.

Scott

 

I have a 2014 Limited. I previously had a 2008 Heritage Classic. Two completely different beasts. The '14 Limited is smooth as glass as soon as you give it any throttle at all and regardless of rpm while moving. My Heritage Classic had a TON more vibration while riding. I think the OP should test ride a new Limited. The air shocks can be adjusted for firmness and there are 3rd party shocks, such as Progressives, that can make it ride even better. Stay away from Street Glides and non-ultra Road Glides. Those are more harsh on the road due to less suspension travel, stiffer shocks and lower profile tires that don't absorb the bumps as well as the Ultras.

 

Converting your Softail into a touring bike? Have you been able to test ride a touring bike? I'm not talking just around the block, but putting some freeway miles on it. The motor is rubber mounted, so yes it vibrates while idling but it smooths out when on the road. What about your Softail when cruising down the freeway at 80 mph, vibrations, yes? Touring bike, no.

 

I test rode the Limited Low and didnt like it at all. Really stiff.

 

When they lower the bikes (either with the Low's or the Street Glide or Road Glides non CVO) they take travel out of the suspensions, and the rear suspensions of Harley s have limited travel to be gin with. To make up for this they shocks are usually stiffer to avoid bottoming out. So for those who either like to look of the lower bike or need the lower seat height it is a trade off of suspension travel.

And to be honest the OEM air shocks are complete crap, you can try more or less air, thinner or thicker oil, etc. but they are just cheap and about the worst you can get. The newer adjustable shocks that Harley offers are a step up but the aftermarket offers much better shocks. Progressive, JRI, Ohins, etc. Talk to just about anybody who has gone to a coilover shocks and they will tell you how much better these shocks are than the OEM air shocks, and really the hand adjustables.

I have Progressives on our RKC and Ohilins on our RGU, The Olins are better than the Progressives but both are better than the old air shocks sitting in a corner of my garage.

As for the vibration at idle, the Touring bikes are rubber mounted engines as said above, but some times raising the idle speed a little will help. Just try it with the throttle, mine shakes less at 1,100-1,200 rpm than at 800-1,000.

 

Agree with Dharn55. The Limited Low is going to be stiffer than the regular Limited. See if you can test ride a regular limited. Be sure to also have them adjust the air pressure. I am 180lbs and run 20lbs of pressure in mine without bottom out issues.

 

I've heard of items from VelvaRide like a vibration stabilizer for around 250.00. Wonder if anyone has tried anything like that?

 

I would call it a Harley shake rather than a vibration at idle. My '89 Evo had a very pleasant shake at idle. The front wheel would do a nice little dance if I released the front brake. My '07 with fuel injection, etc. is much smoother. I still kick myself for letting the Evo go. The newer bikes are even smoother and have a better engine mount setup.

I think the "vibration" would only be a bother for you at idle. I have found that if I'm idling on a level surface, putting it in neutral and resting my hands near my crotch helps. There isn't that much movement up through the seat (I know, easy for me to say but you might try it) and allows me to sit up straighter for better back/neck alignment.