I like the B motor, you can really feel the power pulses when riding it. The A motor is way too smooth once under way, it doesn't feel like a twin...

 

I take back my previous comments....don't know where that came from.

I can definitely tell you the A motor is smooth as silk under power.

~Joe

 

I have one of each. I find it hilarious that bagger guys call the "B" motor junk. I have to wonder how many they've had apart. With a six speed my Fat Boy is almost as smooth as my 103 Streetglide. As far as parasitic power loss, a noted shop has said that some of their top numbers have come from "B" motors. The counter balance system seems pretty trouble free. I've replaced more rubber motor mounts than counterbalancer chains or tensioners. I also don't see any stabilizer systems advertised for softies.

My take. Rubbermounts a little smother at speed, but more maintenance. I don't leave town on my softie anymore, but it's really more about the stereo and bags than the vibration.

 

Most likely due to the rigid mounting. I will admit chugging along on a Softail is pretty cool. They seem to like to be lugged, unlike a bagger.

 

That's exactly what I thought to when I moved from a Softail to my RK. The B motors will happily pull low RPMs in higher gears that would have an A motor shaking and shuddering.

I'd be very happy if HD offered the B motor in a touring platform, the rigid mount offers a lot more v-twin character anywhere except at idle.

 

FWIW, it's bad to lug any twin. beats the crap out of the rod bearings.

If you like those pulses, go take an EVO softail for a ride.

~Joe

 

I drove a Heritage for a weekend when my bagger was in the shop and at about 75mph i could feel the vibes in the bars...I wouldn't mind having one because they ride smooth around but on trips which involve interstate riding...My bagger is the shizzle...Not knocking the b motor at all it was smooth as silk at lower revs...Plus i think the Heritage is the most beautiful bike HD makes. If i could afford a 2nd bike it would be it.

 

That's what my wife has said about her deluxe with the b engine, only in her words. I had a feeling that is what it was.

 

I just got back from an 1,100 mile long weekend on the Night Train. There is a little more buzz in the bars and the seat than with the Limited, but that's mostly mitigated by a decent set of grips. As far as parasitic loss from the balancers? Maybe, but the 'Train's 103 is making 116/116, so that ain't bad.

 

Same old ****. Everybody has an opinion even if they have never ridden or owned a B motor. I wonder how everybody that owns a softail can stand to ride more than a couple of miles at highway speeds. GMAFB.