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[ronshood2000]

I have a 97 RK and a new 07 SERK. I've noticed that the ride, suspension, and vibrations are tighter, more nimble and more vibration (almost like bogging down, but not really) is much more prevalent on the SERK. Sixth gear is really strange, have to continuously  break the speeding law for the bike not to shake too much. Anyway, what's this all about? 

Ron

[Welshman]

Ronshood

Thanks for asking this I have found the vibration much worse once the RH TD's and sert is on , one question to all as this is my first tourer is this common to that set up as before I have only had softails ( Fatboys ) ?.
BTW I had a triumph rocket put Jardines and PC 11 on that and had no increase in vibration .

One other point when the pipes and SERT were installed HD Tampa  found THE FRONT ENGINE MOUNT BROKEN , replaced it warranty FOC. Is this common ?

Thanks all

[RJ749]

Front mounts have been an issue but haven't heard much on them in the '07 bikes, maybe we will as time goes on.  Welshman, have you dyno'd the SERK since the install?  Sounds like you may need to.

Ron, 6th is really a highway gear and in any gear you're going to get the shakes if it lugs (assume you know this but) with the larger motor you'll find it a bit more noticeable at near lugging rpm.

Always more fun to just speed up to eliminate the shake in 6th, however it may be expensive over time.

[BalDeagle]

This issue has been raised before and it seems to be down to the new gear ratios and the introduction of the sixth gear for highway cruising. I guess the solution to the problem is to keep the gears in a higher rev range before changing up. From what I hear the lugging problem is not a good thing for the engine, particularly during the running in period.

Cheers,

Nige

[ronshood2000]

Yeah, I figured it had something to do with the 6th gear.  I have been noticing that RPM's in the 3k range sort of eliminate the problem (if it is a problem).

I really enjoy the 40-90 MPH blast, had it to 110 MPH with my wife on back and she is normally yelling at me @ 70 MPH on the 97 RK. She didn't even know!

[Welshman]

Rjob

Yes I did have it dynoed 7 Hrs !!!. bit teh dyno looks great very smooth . Figures are at rear wheel ( 96 hp , 115Tq) , its just the left handle bar and the floor board vibration seems revs have to be above 3000 for any cure.
BTW Rev limiter now at 6200 .

HD are looking into it for me , but am conscerned about the mount brake .

CYA at Daytona

[greglyon]

I think all the 6 speeds require higher rpm at each gear to prevent noises associated with lugging.  I typically am doing 2800 + before i shift to 6th.  65 mph is when the bike starts  to get happy in 6th.  When I went in for the download commonly referred to as torque smoothing it seemed to help and allowed my to ride the bike at lower rpms

[Trailer4E]

I agree with IROAR-I do not even think about shifting to 6th gear till I am going 65 MPH.

[jeffj]

Just a thought...IMHO

6 gears doesn't mean you have to be in 6th all the time on the highway
Watch your tach and shift accordinly and I think the scoot will preform better
I am not as fortunate as you 6 speed guys as I only have 5 but my scoot really likes 4th gear....vroom
Oh and yeah when the motor/tranny gets a few more miles on them, you will notice the scooter really loosens up 

jeffj

[woody]

See that, not a dumb question at all. Plenty of good responses here, By the way, great looking SERK.

[MichaelHDMD]

Ronshood2000 - My scooter (2007 SERK BLK ICE) has much more engine vibration at cruising speed 45-65 in 5th/ 6th gear.  Not sure if this is what you are describing.  I am coming off a 2006 FLHRCI - Road King Classic (sold Monday!).  I noticed the vibration much more during colder rides this past fall.  I talked to my dealer about it and they said that the anit-vibration engine mounts are smaller then the 06's and earlier RK's.  They did indicate that they would "loosen" over time and the vibration would be reduced.  They also said that we would notice much more vibration because of the 110.  I just installed Rinehart's (w/Thundermax+Autotune) last week, but I have not been able to get out on the road because of all the salt left over from the last few storms hear in Maryland.  Hoping for lots of rain followed by lots of sun!    

[BalDeagle]

Seems like you have a concensus of opinion here Ron. I have spoken to a couple of people who have bought standard )& bikes (1584cc) and they too notice that the engine seems to need to be ridden at slightly higher revs or the lugging problem kicks in. It'll be interesting to see what the bikes are like once they have a few thou on them.

 

Nige

[Hoist!]

You don't lug the engine as long as it's above 2000 RPM in any gear except first. You don't feel good below 2500-2800 RPM because of the stock cams. Different models always have their sweetspots. Different cams will change those sweetspots and shift the useable power band. The range they feel just right being ridden in. The cams, how the bike is geared, weight, etc, determine where that is on each bike. These big new bikes like to be short-shifted quickly up and down through the gears. With the six-speed, you need to constantly be shifting to "stay on the cam".  If you ride it that way, you'll never feel any lugging, sluggishness or excessive vibrations. That's providing northing's broken in the rubbermounts or suspension/tires, and the engine is properly set-up. Hoist!

[sooiee]

I have a 97 RK and a new 07 SERK. I've noticed that the ride, suspension, and vibrations are tighter, more nimble and more vibration (almost like bogging down, but not really) is much more prevalent on the SERK.

Well, the 97 vs. the 07...you've got a stroked motor which has MUCH more mass moving than the 97.  SO...you're gonna have more shake.  Ever notice you can tell a stroked motor from a mile away???  It's that sweet sound...oh nevermind. 
Bottom line is, you've got the mass of the pistons moving a lot more so you're gonna have more shake, especially at idle. 
6th is definatley for highway speeds.  I'm glad too...I remember getting out on the road and always looking for that next gear. 

enjoy the ride!
 

[ronshood2000]

Everything mentioned seems to makae sense. I spoke to the wrench at my H-D shop on Sat and he seemed to confirm what I was thinking and what everyone else is indicating.

Also asked him about the 110's munch'in themselves and he also indicated that the early 07 models had a problem and he believes that the issue is resolved.  I guess time will tell.