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[Abbynormal]

Would appreciate any ideas as to why my bike started an unusual and fairly severe vibration. We have replaced all 3 motor mounts, both stabilizers, removed primary cover and disassembled and inspected alternator, clutch assembly, inspected frame for cracks, checked the main x-mission shaft for out of round, found only 1.5 thousands run out . The vibration is confirmed to be the engine. It is not involved with the frame or wheels. It is severe at around 11-1300 rpm and begins to be much improved at the higher rpm or when the bike is accelerating. It can still be felt in the pedals as a high freq viberation that tends to put your feet to sleep. This was a very, very smooth riding bike and this change happened overnight. The only thing remaining that we suspect is the flywheel somehow is now out of balance. Any new or additional thoughts will be appreciated.

[MUFFMAN]

Check to see if the rear of motor is touching the frame. Just 3 weeks ago my friends 01 Road king did the exact samt thing & it was due to rear mount coming loose. I guess when it was tightened down everything shifted just enough. Idled fine but around 1300 RPMs almost unbearable. Hope this helps. THE MUFFMAN

[Abbynormal]

Muffman, thanks for your thought about the bike. We have now narrowed the problem down to the possibility of a broken piston ring or shifted crankshaft. The bike is at the shop and being inspected. Hope to hear from the shop by mid week. Will do a top end if it is the ring and install a new engine if the crank.

[Abbynormal]

Received an update from the shop yesterday. Apparently valve guide seal on rear cylinder "weeped" or leaked oil for a long time. Build up of carbon on the piston and valves was excessive and was causing valve leakage resulting in low compression and the out of balance condition. We are doing a complete top end overhaul. Bike only had 21,000 miles. Should not have to do this work so soon. This out of balance condition has been very difficult to diagnose and did not reveal itself until we finally saw a puff of white smoke from the exhaust when cranking the engine.

[RedFXR2]

Apparently valve guide seal on rear cylinder "weeped" or leaked oil for a long time. Build up of carbon on the piston and valves was excessive and was causing valve leakage resulting in low compression and the out of balance condition. We are doing a complete top end overhaul.

This gives my flashbacks to my British sports car days.  Those things needed to be "de-carbonized" periodically for exactly the situation you had.  Back then, it was regarded as normal maintenance--nothing wrong.  Pulling the head and scraping the carbon off the piston tops.  What a way to spend a Saturday.

One of the many reasons I gave up my hobby of British sports cars.

[Abbynormal]

Bike back from the shop with top end overhaul. In the process of breaking in now. Still some excessive vibes but better. Today we loosened the top stabilizer link and front motor mount then cranked the engine for 30 seconds. That allowed the engine to seek its own center. Tightened all back down and did find some improvement. This bike is now smooth enough to ride but is not as smooth as before. It is possible that it will improve when the engine mounts soften a bit with miles and time. This has been an expasperating and expensive problem.

[elvislee]

Hey Abby...Well you finally got it back...That's great! Hope it settles in as you say and your back to riding the way you like...I know you'll be glad too. Enjoy and let us know how that yellow 4 is doing...Best to ya

[Abbynormal]

Our mechanic has now found the problem. He says that the bike is haunted (has demons). Bless his heart, he is a v-twin specalist and a grad of the Harley school. He has pulled out his remaining hair attempting to find out why this bike vibrates. He has now even gotten the Harley School instructors involved. After hearing all of the various attempted fixes we have done to the bike all persons have agreed on the same answer, (we don't know). Jim said that in all of the thousands of engine rebuilds that he has done, he has never felt a bike shake so much. After putting the bike back on the lift and installing new rocker boxes (others warped) the bike quit shaking so violently, NO, that had nothing to do with the shake but it abated. Jim has reported that he fixed it. The Harley instructors quickly asked how. He said, "I don't know". Anyway, bike is home and we are determined to ride it 1000 miles to see what falls off (hopefully it won't be the rider) or gets better. Still think the flywheel is the culprit and is somehow moving. Stay tuned for the exciting finale.

[Abbynormal]

Woooow,  beeebbebnnn ridddin mmmyyy bbikke, it sstttillll ssshhhakes.

[RedFXR2]

Our mechanic ....  says that the bike is haunted (has demons). Bless his heart, he is a v-twin specalist and a grad of the Harley school.

Hey, I give himpoints for his tongue-in-cheek honesty.  I mean, he could have said something about the franistan binding with the muffler bearing.

After putting the bike back on the lift and installing new rocker boxes (others warped) the bike quit shaking so violently, NO, that had nothing to do with the shake but it abated. Jim has reported that he fixed it.

So did it actually improve temporarily, as a result(?) of replacing the rocker boxes?  Since he had to remove the front engine mount in order to lower the engine as a part of this repair, then re-install the front mount when done, could something have changed about the front mount during the process?  and it's now returned to it's previous state?   Could it be over-tightened, or a washer put in the wrong place, maybe?  Or maybe too loose?  I've done this job and I'll try to think about it, look at my bike, and see if I can remember any particulars.

Woooow,  beeebbebnnn ridddin mmmyyy bbikke, it sstttillll ssshhhakes.

Sounds like a blast!  OK, seriously, is it a high frequency buzz or a more defined "coarse" vibration?  Do you feel it in the pegs or bars or both?  At idle and at cruise?

[edit: never mind, I just re-read your first post.]

[RedFXR2]

It is possible that it will improve when the engine mounts soften a bit with miles and time. This has been an expasperating and expensive problem.

Just a thought but it's been my experience that rubber motor mounts don't soften with time, they harden.  If they soften it's usually due to prolonged exposure to oil or something that has damaged the rubber.

[RedFXR2]

We have replaced all 3 motor mounts, both stabilizers, removed primary cover and disassembled and inspected alternator, clutch assembly, inspected frame for cracks, checked the main x-mission shaft for out of round, found only 1.5 thousands run out . The vibration is confirmed to be the engine. ...This was a very, very smooth riding bike and this change happened overnight.

Well, never mind my motor mount thoughts.  Since the bike went from good to bad overnight, it would appear that something has at least partially failed, as opposed to gradually wearing out.  Evo bottom ends are quite tough--properly cared for they'll go 100K.  But "stuff" can always happen.

Today we loosened the top stabilizer link and front motor mount then cranked the engine for 30 seconds. That allowed the engine to seek its own center. Tightened all back down and did find some improvement. This bike is now smooth enough to ride but is not as smooth as before.

Could you somehow quantify the degree of improvement here?  The self-centering thing will work somewhat, but apparently you've got bigger problems.  Still, I'm curious as to how it helped at all if the motor has an internal problem.

[RedFXR2]

Received an update from the shop yesterday. Apparently valve guide seal on rear cylinder "weeped" or leaked oil for a long time. Build up of carbon on the piston and valves was excessive and was causing valve leakage resulting in low compression and the out of balance condition. We are doing a complete top end overhaul. Bike only had 21,000 miles. Should not have to do this work so soon. This out of balance condition has been very difficult to diagnose and did not reveal itself until we finally saw a puff of white smoke from the exhaust when cranking the engine.

Hmmmm.  How about this alternative scenario.  Could the rear connecting rod be ever so slightly bent?  Hence the low compression?  Maybe at some point the piston touched the valve, ruining the guide seal. 

It is severe at around 11-1300 rpm and begins to be much improved at the higher rpm or when the bike is accelerating.

At 21000 miles, you're probably due for a new set of lifters, anyway.  20k is the rule of thumb that I've always heard for Evo lifters.  Could one of your lifters be going soft above 1100 and finally pumping up above that, but never quite all the way?  If so, one valve is never opening fully.  Might cause incomplete evacuation of the cylinder,  hence the carbon build-up.  Would cause a vibration on a two-cylinder motor, for sure.

Just thinking at the keyboard. I'd change the lifters, myself.

[110tHunDer]

 
Could it also be a timing or ignition-related problem?

[Abbynormal]

Many thanks for all of your ideas and encouragement. We really don't believe a lifter is involved because we don't hear anything out of the norm. The timing has been set with a light at 2500 RPM. The bike starts and runs fine. At around 1300 RPM a  "shudder" vibration is felt but increasing the RPM will move through the vibration. Things smooth out somewhat except for the high freq felt in the pedals. It is similar to what you feel in your feet when riding a pre 2004 Sportster. I can ride the bike and will do so for the 1000 miles requested by the mechanic and see what happens. If it gets worse then we either split the cases and search for a bottom end problem or just replace the engine. This FXR has been custom fitted for me and is a pleasure to ride so I am keeping the bike. We will eventually find the cause or replace the engine. Again, I appreciate all of your suggestions.

[RedFXR2]

If it gets worse then we either split the cases and search for a bottom end problem or just replace the engine.

Quite a mystery.  Please keep us advised as to the final resolution.  I'm sure there will be something to be learned from it.

And if you replace the motor, will you get another HD 80" Evo, or go aftermarket and maybe upscale?  This could be a whole new thread.  I'v pondered before what I'd do if my motor went south for whatever reason.  I know that folks have put S&S 124's in their FXR frames (hold on tight).  And another guy I've talked to has a S&S 113 in his.  They both talk favorably about the swaps.

And a friend down here has a TP 107" in his 94 FXLR.  That thing is a real hot rod.

[RedFXR2]

Abby:  You may want to check your exhaust system.  I found this on another posting board.  much back and forth about a mysterious vibration on his FXR, all the way to pondering a new motor, like you.  From that board, final entry in the thread:



Well the vibration is fixed she runs smooth as she once did.
First let me say there is no fool like an old fool and I sure fit the bill.
I Was able to get a meeting with a service Engineer at the Harley factory
to explain my problem. The man was not fresh out of the box he had been
around for some time. He listen to my tell of all that had been done by two
different Harley Dealers service center and the money that I had spent on
trying to fix the Vibration problem.

Once I was through explaining all he kind of smiled and said "Don't know if I should tell you
this BUT.......Your engine is ok...the .006 output shaft run out is way within the limits.
from where it was measured.

He said "tell me again about the day the tyranny was over filled and don't leave anything
out. I once explained that the shop had over filled the tranny and that they drained
and refilled the tranny after that the service man took the bike out for a test ride to make sure
all was ok....The only other thing was when he came back he said your exhaust is to low and on a tight turn it drags . I told him that it never had done that with me but he said he would adjust it up so as not the damage the pipes.

The service engineer looked at me with a yep.....your problem is with your exhaust system....
none of the other things were causing your vibration.
He said the FXR is sensitive how the exhaust is clamped up.
He said I should loosen all the bolts and clamps holding the exhaust system then start the
bike let it run for just a few seconds so the exhaust would naturalize so no stress was on it
then tighten everything back up starting with the manifold first.

Well let me shorten the story when I went to reset the exhaust system I found that the exhaust bracket that mounts between the engine and the pipe clamp were not tight but very loose.
Must be that when the service person raised the exhaust he did not re tighten all the mounting brackets

My thoughts is why did the two different Harley dealers not have check all mounting bolts first
But on the other hand WHY DID I NOT CHECK THE EXHAUST........
Like I said nothing like an old FOOL.

[110tHunDer]

 
Ol' Red might be on to something there . . . but the story is it "happened overnight."  That's the thing that makes me think it could be electrical in nature and not mechanical.

Very intersting thread and please continue to keep us in the loop on what transpires, Abbynormal.

[Abbynormal]

Yep, I got all excited when I read the post from Redfxr2. The exhaust is the one thing that we had not considered, and about 500 miles before this all started, I had put baffles in the mufflers, and wrapped the pipes to reduce some of the heat in these Texas summers. Then my husband reminded me that we have just had a top end done,and the pipes would have been removed and replaced. None of this had any effect on the vibrations.

When all this started, I had just come home from an uneventful 400 mile trip to Fredricksburg, left the bike in the garage all night, and when I pulled out onto the highway the next morning the first thing I noticed as i accelerated to highway speed, was a bad vibration in the left forward peg. The vibration has changed off and on, sometimes worse and sometimes not so bad, but always there. It is a horrible SHUDDER of the entire bike at 1300rpm, but moves right through that rpm and smooths out to ok until about 2400 rpm, when a fine vibration starts, felt primarily in the foot pegs. Before all this started this was the smoothest riding bike around. We also have an 883 sportster, a 03 SERK, and just sold a nice softail heritage. This fxr4 was the pick of the lot for me, and I have been grieving for it. Demons, I am amost sure of it. Anyone know a good exorcist?

I will for sure keep you posted, and thanks for your interest. Any and all ideas are welcome.

[Hoist!]

1300-2400 RPM range takes you right thru the "lugging" zone. Unfortunately it sounds like a bottom end problem. You shouldn't need a new engine as this one can easily be rebuilt. Unless you were just looking for the excuse to put an S&S 113 or 124 in it! Good luck Abby!

Hoist!

[Abbynormal]

HA!!  There you go...a good friend of ours who is also a motorcycle mechanic, is lobbying for an S&S!!!  If I were prone to hot rodding my bike I would be all over that, but I am simply a 64 year old gramma who loves her bike. I do love to move quickly from 0 to whatever the speed limit is (70 in front of my house), but am not a speed demon. The v-twin specialist who is scratching his head over the bike is recommending a new EVO, if we cant find a fix for this one. Whatever, I just want my scooter back.

That being said, let me state how much I enjoy this site! Whenever I need a good chuckle, I just log in and see what antics the guys here are up to. I have had many a belly laugh over the banter here. Like the "garage door opener" suggestion.  If the general public finds out how entertaining this place is, woe is to us cause we wont be able to get online for the overcrowding!  And everyone is too kind, like Elvislee, who donated my new/old baffles out of the kindness of his heart!  Thanks guys.

Abbynormal 

[RedFXR2]

...a good friend of ours who is also a motorcycle mechanic, is lobbying for an S&S!!!  If I were prone to hot rodding my bike I would be all over that, but I am simply a 64 year old gramma who loves her bike.

Heck, half the fun in having power is just knowing it's there.  Kind of like walk softly and carry a big stick.  What mods I've done to my Evo transformed it but I don't redline it through the gears.  It just responds so much better that I don't feel the need anymore.

And everyone is too kind, like Elvislee, who donated my new/old baffles out of the kindness of his heart!  Thanks guys.

Yep.  Some good folks here.  Nice going, Elvis.   I "donated" some freebies to another FXR guy here about a year or so ago, myself.

[Hoist!]

HA!!  There you go...a good friend of ours who is also a motorcycle mechanic, is lobbying for an S&S!!!  If I were prone to hot rodding my bike I would be all over that, but I am simply a 64 year old gramma who loves her bike. I do love to move quickly from 0 to whatever the speed limit is (70 in front of my house), but am not a speed demon. The v-twin specialist who is scratching his head over the bike is recommending a new EVO, if we cant find a fix for this one. Whatever, I just want my scooter back.

That being said, let me state how much I enjoy this site! Whenever I need a good chuckle, I just log in and see what antics the guys here are up to. I have had many a belly laugh over the banter here. Like the "garage door opener" suggestion.  If the general public finds out how entertaining this place is, woe is to us cause we wont be able to get online for the overcrowding!  And everyone is too kind, like Elvislee, who donated my new/old baffles out of the kindness of his heart!  Thanks guys.

Abbynormal 

You can get a RevTech 100" Evo pretty cheap. Or you can get a HD factory 80" Evo pretty cheap too.

Hoist!

[RedFXR2]

. . . but the story is it "happened overnight."  That's the thing that makes me think it could be electrical in nature and not mechanical.

to reduce some of the heat in these Texas summers.

These two things brought back another Evo memory.  Heat and electrical problems.  Have you looked at the cam position sensor lately?  It's in the conical housing on the right side of the motor.  A couple of years ago when I did the motor makeover on mine, it was discovered that the packing (silicone-like stuff) around the circuitry was melting and seeping out of the bottom along the wire insulation.  I wasn't experiencing any problems yet, but I replaced it with a new one.  I'm amazed that the ignition was still functioning properly in that condition.  I've since seen this mentioned several times on other HD posting boards as apparently a common problem that can cause igntion malfunction if it gets bgad enough.  Pull the cover off and take a look.  It's easy to do and will be obvious by sight if it's happening.  Just another thing to check/eliminate from suspicion.

[elvislee]

Yep.  Some good folks here.  Nice going, Elvis.   I "donated" some freebies to another FXR guy here about a year or so ago, myself.

Yea Red, I remember when I first joined this site seeing somwhere that you had donated some stuff; a kind gesture it was too. I guess kind deeds rub off; at least that's what my Mom always told me and Abby and her husband are very nice folks. Maybe will get to go Texas way one day and ride the range with them...yeeeHaaaaw!!

[elvislee]

Hey Abby...Anymore news on your 4? I've been wondering the past few days...Keep us abreast on the skinny...Bets To Ya

[Abbynormal]

Bike about the same. Slight vibration. still shudders as you pass through the 1300 rpm range. About like old time sportster in pedals. Called shop yesterday and explained that bike still smoking on startup. He asked us to change sparkplugs. Front plug slightly fouled with oil burn. Rear plug clean and looks good. Have ridden about 1300 miles since top end. Mechanic said to ride more and see if cylinder cleans up. If not, he will take apart and re-do top end free of charge. Am tired of this, but still want to get 'er right and keep riding.  Thanks for the inquiry! Will keep you posted.

Abbynormal

[RedFXR2]

Something just aint right here.  Now, after a top end job, the front cylinder apparently is leaking oil into the chamber and the rear is good.  It was just the opposite at the start of this story.

Bike about the same. Slight vibration. still shudders as you pass through the 1300 rpm range. About like old time sportster in pedals. Called shop yesterday and explained that bike still smoking on startup. He asked us to change sparkplugs. Front plug slightly fouled with oil burn. Rear plug clean and looks good. Have ridden about 1300 miles since top end. Mechanic said to ride more and see if cylinder cleans up. If not, he will take apart and re-do top end free of charge. Am tired of this, but still want to get 'er right and keep riding.  Thanks for the inquiry! Will keep you posted.

Abbynormal

Before the top end job, it was the rear cylinder that had oil in the combustion chamber.

Received an update from the shop yesterday. Apparently valve guide seal on rear cylinder "weeped" or leaked oil for a long time. Build up of carbon on the piston and valves was excessive and was causing valve leakage resulting in low compression and the out of balance condition. We are doing a complete top end overhaul. Bike only had 21,000 miles. Should not have to do this work so soon. This out of balance condition has been very difficult to diagnose and did not reveal itself until we finally saw a puff of white smoke from the exhaust when cranking the engine.

So essentially, you've got the same problem as before, only now it has changed locations.

After you've ridden 1300 miles, I highly doubt that the oil in the cylinder is going to cure itself.  A couple of years ago I had new heads and rings put on my Evo and I had nothing like this in the break-in period or since.

Is there somebody else there (another tech) that you can get a second opinion from?

[Texas 103]

Received an update from the shop yesterday. Apparently valve guide seal on rear cylinder "weeped" or leaked oil for a long time. Build up of carbon on the piston and valves was excessive and was causing valve leakage resulting in low compression and the out of balance condition. We are doing a complete top end overhaul. Bike only had 21,000 miles. Should not have to do this work so soon. This out of balance condition has been very difficult to diagnose and did not reveal itself until we finally saw a puff of white smoke from the exhaust when cranking the engine.

Time for a 95 & Head work>>>>

[Hoist!]

Time for a 95 & Head work>>>>

It's an Evo Greg. Don't know of that being an Evo size with standard bore pistons. Maybe a 96, or 89, or, 100, 103, or 110, or 113, or 124....

Hoist!

[Abbynormal]

Hey guys, we may have confused you somewhere along the way with this thread. It is and has always been the front cylinder that had the oil/carbon deposit build up. One important item that happened was not posted in the previous thread. The rebuild shop for some unknown reason (in a hurry, i guess) did not change the oil in the bike after the top end. He told us to change the oil when we got it home. He did not know it was Mobile 1 in the bike. We rode 40 miles home with a new top end and Mobile 1 synthetic oil in the bike. We believe that has caused a delay in seating of the rings. The 1300 miles ridden now are with Castrol 20-50. The bike only smokes on start up. This could be either exhaust pipe due to the cross over tie in with both exhaust pipes. At this time we believe that the Mobile 1 has created the current smoking. Maybe a valve guide seal still leaks or ring problem again. Anyway, the mechanic is creditable and will honor his work with a second rebuild at his cost. We feel obligated to ride the bike per his request until proven that the problem will not go away. The vibration has decreased to a livable point. After all of the changes we have done, I doubt that the bike will ever ride as it did prior to the work. Once again, we appreciate your help and ideas.

[RedFXR2]

After all of the changes we have done, I doubt that the bike will ever ride as it did prior to the work.

Thanks for the update, but I would say that once the motor is sorted out, it certainly should ride as smoothly as before.  Again, referring to my own motor experience, I got no additional vibration after all the work/performance mods done to it.

I think I only broke in my new rings for 500 miles.  Never had any smoke on start up or anytime.  I have read Techs argue about the break-in aspects of synthetic versus conventional oils.  Take your pick.  My Tech used conventional HD oil for break-in then I went back to Amsoil.

Anyway, keep us posted and good luck.

[Abbynormal]

I have to admit, I am feeling just a bit discouraged! We have had two mechanics working on my problems, and one is a V-twin specialist with all kinds of certifications. I guess that I will just have to be patient and see how it all "shakes" out, so to speak!  You guys are great to stay in touch and offer suggestions.

Thanks

[FXR2evo99]

First of all, I am totally impressed by your articulation and manner in which you are able to relate what is happening on your FXR4.  I hope my health remains to be able to enjoy riding as well....you are an INSIPURATION!!!

We have replaced all 3 motor mounts 

I am curious if you replaced with new OEM motor mounts?

I am also curious if anyone has attempted to raise the bike off the ground and start the bike and run it through the gears.....for a minute or two....of course the next step would be to sit on the bike and see if you feel the vibration while it's off the ground....I know this sounds crazy but my bike would be held securely on my jack with me sitting on it.....of course have I done this, "no" but given the parameters that you have gone through I probably would try it....if I found it didn't "shutter" I "might" be turning my attention back to the front wheel and axle of the bike....

Could the pistons be oscillating just enough within the walls of the cylinders?


Regards,

FXR2evo99

Tim

[Abbynormal]

Yes, we used Harley motor mounts and stabilizers. Just pulled the plugs again after 50 miles (it was a nice ride and saw a small bit of the Texas Hurricane clouds pass over) the plugs appear to be clean. Some slight darkening around the base but clean tungsten. Bike still gives its personal bike fart (white puff of smoke each pipe) when starting. We have signed up for two upcoming rallies so must have the bike in top shape within 30 days. Tomorrow we take the bike by the shop just to drop off the removed plugs for inspection. I will ride it another 500 miles if he wants me to, and then take it back in for a redo on the top end if still burning oil.

Thanks so much for the nice compliment. I did not learn to ride until I was 62, and would have never made the grade ( I was scared spitless!) if not for my patient and attentive husband.

Will keep the updates coming.

[FXR2evo99]

Abby.....

So what's the latest....have you found the solution yet or what the culprit was?
I am sure you are aware of this....but just in case you are not, if you end up anywhere close to contemplating the idea of changing out your engine because of the "symptoms" you are experiencing, are you aware that HD does indeed have a EVO engine "Swap" program which you can do through your local HD dealership, it requires that you take your bike to a dealership, they pull your engine, they send it in and in a couple of weeks you get a new "rebuilt" engine back, some have said most everything typically is new just because it's easier for them....perhaps others here might be versed in what the facts are on this matter.  Once the engine arrives back at the dealership they put it back in and your off and running also included is a 1 year HD warranty on the engine......so....I believe the cost is around what $2,400.00 for the engine, then you have to pay the local dealership for the removal and installation on top of that, which allows for the 1 year warranty since of course they did all the work.  The other matter is that whatever you send in with that engine doesn't matter because all you get back is a stock "OEM" evo engine in return.....so if you have a 'hot" cam you are fond of or other goodies like screamin eagle heads, etc.. you loose them as they don't come back to you, so you either have to remove and put your stock parts back into the engine being returned or realize you will loose those items....and of course finally, if you are willing to "forego" the HD warranty for the new "EVO" engine, you could always remove your old "evo" engine, and then take it to the dealership, and then upon it's return, reinstall it yourself....this of course saves you the additional labor costs at the dealership and passes those labor charges on to however you choose to implement them yourself, via your own indy mechanic's labor or your very own labor....

So anyway.....just some ideas on a hot summer nite....I hope you get back on to the road again, perhaps you are already on the road....and all is well....

Regards,

Tim

[Abbynormal]

Yep, the FXR4 is back at the shop. Our mechanic has returned from vacation and at his cost will once again take apart the front cylinder. Maybe, just maybe, he will find the source of the engine oil in the cylinder. It will be great to once again have a normal bike to ride. Hiding from the EPA is not fun. We have fought this vibration and smoke problem for over a month. Fall is near, it is time to enjoy not repair. Stay tuned for the final chapter. May have news as early as tomorrow. We are now also enjoying our 2003 SERK. We are bike poor. My FXR4, 2003 SERK, 2003 performance enhanced (very hot) Sportster.

Elvislee, you have been SO kind to stay interested in this ongoing and lengthy saga!  I have decided to simply live with the vibration!  My husband thinks that the city will be sorry to lose their mosquito fogger!

Abbynormal

[elvislee]

Hey Abby...Well, I sure hope you get this gremlin out of your motor. I was wondering about what FXR2evo99 (Tim) said about the wheel (front)? Has everything been checked? Maybe the axle, brake rotors, balancing, or the tire itself? I don't know a lot about this stuff but just maybe something to look at if it hasn't already. I know with the smoke problem one would think somwhere in the motor, but hey; maybe just check it anyway...anyway, keep hangin in there and at least ya got some backup rides; but, I know how you love that 4 and it ain't the same...is it? Take Care and keep us posted...Best to ya...Blaine

Oh...and wouldn't ya know the kids started back school today and it's poured cats and dogs almost all day and supposedl;y for the rest of the week   

[Abbynormal]

End of story (maybe). After our mechanic removed the front cylinder, head, rockers, etc. he has determined that the bike is truly possessed. It has demons living in the engine. He found nothing wrong with anything, put the bike back together and behold, it has ceased to smoke. In all of his many years of rebuilding engines he commented that he has never had a problem such as this. I rode the bike 35 miles home with no smoke or problems. He does suspect that it is possible that the flywheel sometimes moves out of balance starts the vibrations and then corrects itself. Sounds crazy but that is the only part remaining that has not been replaced or inspected. Right now the bike is fine to ride and that is what we plan to do. Our Texas evenings and early mornings are beginning to cool a bit which make us want to hit the road. Many thanks for the support shown by all of you. Remember that "The Three Sisters" rally and ride are coming up in South Texas November 6-9th. It should be a wonderful ride at that time of year. WWW.threesistersrally.net for details We are camping at the Koyote Campgrounds on Hyw 16 South of Kerrville, Texas They have cabins as well. See you there.

[110tHunDer]

 
Strange story, but glad it seems to be OK, at least for the time-being.  Maybe take it to the next Bike Blessing in your area and hold an exorcism?

[Abbynormal]

I never realized the true meaning of "horror" until I saw parts of my fxr scattered around Plasmaman's (my husband) welding shop. Long story in short version: got the bike back for the second time from the mechanic (one top end, and another front  cylinder redo for more smoking). Rode it for about 100 miles total and suddenly it is blowing white smoke all over the county. Plasma man is fed up, says he can figure this out or die trying. He dismantles my bike, and I go off to work with my fingers crossed and wondering where I will find another fxr to ride. Lo and behold, after taking the rear cylinder down, we can see oil in the cylinder. Not only that, but it seems that (unknown to us) there may be a high lift cam there, and it took 100 miles for it to properly squish the lifters.....
Bike is now back together, and not a hint of smoke anywhere. If it starts smoking in another 100 miles we will do another top end and make appropriate adjustments.

I am ashamed for having so little faith!  Guess there is nothing more brilliant than a determined man, especially when it comes to motorcycles!  As to the vibrations that initally started this thread, we still have no idea if the two are related problems, or if they are independent. Either way, I am delighted to be back on the road for a while and just trust that things will work out one way or another.  For further updates, refer to the threat asking about removing an evo rear cylinder box. There you can read PlasmaMan's posts when he totally took over!

[elvislee]

I never realized the true meaning of "horror" until I saw parts of my fxr scattered around Plasmaman's (my husband) welding shop. Long story in short version: got the bike back for the second time from the mechanic (one top end, and another front  cylinder redo for more smoking). Rode it for about 100 miles total and suddenly it is blowing white smoke all over the county. Plasma man is fed up, says he can figure this out or die trying. He dismantles my bike, and I go off to work with my fingers crossed and wondering where I will find another fxr to ride. Lo and behold, after taking the rear cylinder down, we can see oil in the cylinder. Not only that, but it seems that (unknown to us) there may be a high lift cam there, and it took 100 miles for it to properly squish the lifters.....
Bike is now back together, and not a hint of smoke anywhere. If it starts smoking in another 100 miles we will do another top end and make appropriate adjustments.

I am ashamed for having so little faith!  Guess there is nothing more brilliant than a determined man, especially when it comes to motorcycles!  As to the vibrations that initally started this thread, we still have no idea if the two are related problems, or if they are independent. Either way, I am delighted to be back on the road for a while and just trust that things will work out one way or another.  For further updates, refer to the threat asking about removing an evo rear cylinder box. There you can read PlasmaMan's posts when he totally took over!

Hey... If the man can build such a fine grill ta cook jalapeno's on; my money is on that he'll figure this out...  

[Plasmaman]

+/- 300 miles on PlasmaMan's rear cylinder redo, and NO smoke!  Maybe, just maybe he is a genius!