08-26-2013, 11:39 PM
Back to engine vibration. I've got some to compare so here is my opinion. It's subjective. Harley's (well some of them anyways) don't vibrate they SHAKE. If you mention that to their owners typically the response is something to the affect well "they smooth out once you get rolling". This is pretty much true but sitting at a stop light shaking would get old for me. The counter balanced engines much better.
BMW twins? If you twist the throttle at rest the bike actually jerks right and left but again smooth out at speed. There is some buzz from any two cylinder engine and certainly the singles are worse yet. The more cylinders the smoother on the average. How the engine is mounted makes a difference as well. Have had a couple Harley sportsters and the rubber mounting of their engines had made a HUDGE difference. A early sportster is absolutely crude compared to a new one.
The CB1100 and again in my opinion is over all a very smooth running and riding bike but I do notice a area in the rev band where there is some buzzy vibration. Those who don't notice it probably are coming off motorcycle that are worse and or are just taking this as normal for any motorcycle (which I think it is) If you keep the revs at or around 3000 RPM's there isn't much out there smoother. Depends a little on riding style.
BMW's. I like them but I've found them WAY too expensive to repair. Sold my last two. Honestly I like my Triumphs as well as the Honda's. And the Harley's have not been a lick of trouble either. Harley makes a nice machine they just seem to cost more and sell better then the other stuff. I feel it's image to a large extent. Having said that when you entire a Harley dealership you have to be impressed with the presentation. The bikes look fantastic in the show room and they look good on the road as well. Sex sells and Harley's are sexy boys.
BMW twins? If you twist the throttle at rest the bike actually jerks right and left but again smooth out at speed. There is some buzz from any two cylinder engine and certainly the singles are worse yet. The more cylinders the smoother on the average. How the engine is mounted makes a difference as well. Have had a couple Harley sportsters and the rubber mounting of their engines had made a HUDGE difference. A early sportster is absolutely crude compared to a new one.
The CB1100 and again in my opinion is over all a very smooth running and riding bike but I do notice a area in the rev band where there is some buzzy vibration. Those who don't notice it probably are coming off motorcycle that are worse and or are just taking this as normal for any motorcycle (which I think it is) If you keep the revs at or around 3000 RPM's there isn't much out there smoother. Depends a little on riding style.
BMW's. I like them but I've found them WAY too expensive to repair. Sold my last two. Honestly I like my Triumphs as well as the Honda's. And the Harley's have not been a lick of trouble either. Harley makes a nice machine they just seem to cost more and sell better then the other stuff. I feel it's image to a large extent. Having said that when you entire a Harley dealership you have to be impressed with the presentation. The bikes look fantastic in the show room and they look good on the road as well. Sex sells and Harley's are sexy boys.