Many manufacturers have opted for rubber bushings in their engine mounts to reduce vibration; Harley did this with the Sportster in 2004. One would think that the rubber mount would increase engine "play" within the mounts and lead to drivetrain wear elsewhere. Is this the case or are the components to which the engine is linked engineered such that they can tolerate the vibration?
2007-02-26 01:41:07 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Motorcycles
Manufacturers engineer the frame and drivetrain of their bikes with isolation-mounted engines with production tolerances that allow for the limited amount of flex. All the Harley big twins since introduction of the Evo engine (and the current TC88 engines) have isolation (rubber) engine mounts. The Sportster was always "hard mounted" to the frame until 2004 or 2005, when they went to isolation mounts. This significantly reduced the vibration transmitted to the frame and rider. I have not experienced any drive train component problems with my "rubber mounted" Harleys.
2007-02-26 05:54:13 · answer #1 · answered by 310Pilot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The swingarm on mine is fastened to the back of the transmission, which is solidly bolted to the engine. The rubber mounts are very similar to the kind found in a car or truck. Most of the 'vibration' is fore and aft motion as opposed to sideways like an auto. What minimal play there may be would be taken up by the entire assembly, engine to axle, so it is never noticed.
2007-02-26 08:45:47 · answer #2 · answered by Firecracker . 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many systems mount the swingarm right to the back of the engine in order to eliminate drive train misalignment. Also depending on the design there are ways to limit engine movement into one plane. The old Norton "Isolastic" system used shims to eliminate any side to side engine movement and Harleys use what are basically tie-rods in order to limit engine movement to the vertical plane. Many other early rubber mounted systems were simply rigid enough so as not to be a problem.
2007-02-26 02:17:46 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With Harleys belt drive the belt is flexable and allows for engine and tranny movement, same with a chain. I would imagine a shaft drive would have a u-joint of some sort to allow for some movement of the engine also.
All Harley Evo engines are rubber mounted.
2007-02-26 02:11:00 · answer #4 · answered by e.sillery 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
all evos arnt rubber mounted,twin cams are designated by the 'A' or 'B' model,rubber mounted engines are 'counter balenced' to adjust for the vibration
2007-02-26 05:35:02 · answer #5 · answered by BEAVIS 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a couple with rubber mounts and have not had any problem with them.I actually like them better.If they do give me a problem I'll replace them.
2007-02-26 04:56:42 · answer #6 · answered by bill b 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well, with a chain drive, I don't see an issue. With shaft drive, perhaps unless they use a slip yoke drive shaft.
2007-02-26 01:44:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋