Lots of vibration

[greenbarn]

that's interesting....

[Pilgrim]

I had excessive vibration after installing a K&N air filter. I adjusted my fuel controller and the vibration went away.
Running lean must cause vibration.. I also have Roadhouse dooleys installed and a Cobra FI2000 fuel processor.

[greenbarn]

The front and back large motor mount bolts.

[richaud]

Hi all.. What motor mounts are to be checked? Looking to get some vibrations out of mine and this could be a Place to start

[moosewing3]

Thanks for all the input guys!

[Drifter1500]

Another thing to look at is a fuel controller for the fuel injection. My bike was pretty smooth from day one, then I added a fuel controller. Let me say what a difference it made in how the bike ran once it was dialed in. The bike was noticeably smoother throughout the RPM range, was easier to start, and the plug readings were spot on. I did not really see a gain in MPG. But the bike runs smooth as silk, and has a little more getty up and go. I was a little bit hesitant about running one, I have the stock type air filter with true dual exhaust, but it made a huge difference in the way it runs.

[greenbarn]

I re-mounted mine using some valve cover grommets from a Ford 5.4 engine.  Similar to these:
http://www.autozone.com/engine/valve-cover-grommet/mr-gasket-valve-cover-grommet-and-pcv-grommet/506105_0_0/

This is, in essence, similar to Troll's post below.   I just had the Ford grommets laying around the shop.

The ford ones are the blue silicone rubber, though, should be fairly heat resistant.    The trick is to use bolts and lock nuts so that you can tighten them snugly without smashing the rubber, which would take the shock absorption out of it.

Notice in Troll's picture - and the grommet in the autozone page - the rubber extends into the hole, so you get isolation between the bolt and the hole - as well as between the bolt head/bracket, and nut/bracket. 

[chief]

I must be very lucky as I get no noticeable vibration with my 1500 and it's got longshots on it. I did hire a 1200 Sportster when I visited Arizona a few years ago and my hands were numb when I finished riding it.

Check, I will wager it has classic pipes and a classic peg mount, making it a rubber mounted installation. Check and see if there are rubber grommets at the hanger.

[shunter v8]

I must be very lucky as I get no noticeable vibration with my 1500 and it's got longshots on it. I did hire a 1200 Sportster when I visited Arizona a few years ago and my hands were numb when I finished riding it.

[chief]

Check the REFERENCES tab... all of our mods, accessory sources, reference info are included under that tab.

Rubber mounting of pipes is a simple process, but it varies based upon whether or not you have pipes MADE for the Drifter (bad) or made for the Classic etc. (good).
The Drifter pipes are all hard mounted which is very bad for the bike. Classic pipes are rubber mounted by replacing the right peg mount bracket with one for the classic... easy and effective.
1. If you have Drifter pipes you need to fashion a rubber mounted hanger... http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/tbracket.html includes Trolls solution.
2. If you have Classic pipes, you just need to buy a right peg mount bracket with one intended for the Classic... same as the Drifter peg bracket except the pipe hanger part is rubber mounted.

[moosewing3]

Thanks GB. I am running Longshots, that set up looks like it might work.

[Troll]

Which pipe? I posted a rubber mount solution that I've been using for years that worked very well. I have a Cobra peace pipe, and I put a set of W-650 rubber muffler mounts in it, and now, at least 25,000 miles later, it is working beautifully. I had the peace pipe off for 2 seasons, 13 & 14. I was running a totally stock exhaust. I put it back on for this year just because...Comparing the two set ups, side by side, as it were, shows me that my mod actually cuts more frame vibration out than the OEM installation.

[moosewing3]

So I can not find a how to to put some rubber mounts on my exhaust bracket any help would be appreciated, Mrs. Moosewing has pretty much refused to ride the Drifter anymore and that's gonna cut into my saddletime. Already saying she doesn't want to take the bike to New Brunswick next month and I've been counting on that trip. Please someone save me.

[chief]

Where do you get the rubber for this mod? Is there a how to on here anywhere?

If you are talking about the T-bracket mod those grommets are taken from the frame where the "goat bladder" from the OEM exhaust was attached. If there are no grommets in those holes now, it is still an active OEM part... P/N 92071-1270.

[greenbarn]

moosewing, fear not because GB is one heck of an awesome photo guy and will post nice clear crisp pictures of his work step by step with a write up that would make popular mechanic's green with envy.

once he starts I am sure we will have a complete synopsis on what needs to be done and were to get the parts.

Well, I'll try.  Not sure yet what I'll use.  But it's got to be done.  Rode over 100 miles today, and that vibration is awful. 

[CDNRatMan]

moosewing, fear not because GB is one heck of an awesome photo guy and will post nice clear crisp pictures of his work step by step with a write up that would make popular mechanic's green with envy.

once he starts I am sure we will have a complete synopsis on what needs to be done and were to get the parts.

[moosewing3]

Where do you get the rubber for this mod? Is there a how to on here anywhere?

[greenbarn]

It's on the lift table, getting ready to tear down for my Mod list...    rubber mount is on the list.

[chief]

The vibration is coming from the hard-mounted pipes. You have a rubber-mounted engine being strapped down by the pipe hangers... BELIEVE ME this does NOT work. Do the mod to rubber mount the exhaust right away. Its easy and quick.

[Drift1]

LOL GB .... I know the feeling as I did the same thing . I'm cruising along thinking I'm doing 60/65 look down and I'm pushing 85  .... Once you check the torque and rubber mount the exhaust the grips should do the trick . I think you'll like the ISO grips as there bigger round and very comfy . I've had no problems with my hands going numb once I changed to these grips . 

[CDNRatMan]

  lol thanks GB,

I see they make golf club grips, so I figured Ratman would have them...

was never a fan of Avon grips as in the damp humid days they get slippery and hard to grip properly, so I like Winn grips and Golf Pride, and both those are the best to work with also.....

[greenbarn]

Yea, the 1500 is S--M--O--O--T---H at higher speeds.  The other day, I was meeting up with a buddy to go on a ride, and when I looked down I was doing 80, and didn't even realize it.   I don't have that problem with the 800...   It does vibrate a bit more at top-end, but not bad at all.   The 1500 is definitely a low-rpm issue - I was hoping that the rubber exhaust mount and the re-torquing the motor mount will take care of it.  I want to put grips on anyway - I like the bigger grips better anyway.

Has anybody tried the Avon air-cushioned grips???    I see they make golf club grips, so I figured Ratman would have them...

[Drift1]

GB I'd have to believe the majority of your problem is the hard mount . The ISO grips will help out , but I'm not to sure how well with the vibration your talking . I have these grips on both bikes and absolutely love the difference they have made . The 1500 came with them installed already , but I'm also not experiencing the bad vibration you are . I have more vibration in the 800 at high speed that is 72+ mph and the 1500 is like troll said , " smooth as glass " , but that's a whole nother story ...... LOL 

[CDNRatMan]

  Seriously I went to the ISO grips and they made a big difference.

[pcarrell]

I got ISO Grips that I covered with leather, and then got some gloves with gel palms.......problem solved!