I am wanting the truth about vibration in the 04/05 sporsters vs. pre-04 evolution models. I would like only those that have owned a pre-04 evolution model and now own a rubber mount to respond. I have a 00 883, before I sink any more money in it (bars, 1200 conv., mirrors, seat, sissybar, etc.) I would like to know if the newer models are that much superior in the comfort level, especially at 65 - 75 mph, but also in town. I am very happy with my bike to 60 mph, but after that, no fun at all. Any rubber mount comments?

Well ya said ya didn't wanna hear no posts from anyone else so I won't comment other than ta say, if yer vibes over 60 ain't fun, sumpins' definetly wrong. :frownthre

Buy the rubber mount and be done with it!

Like Will said, go with the rubber! :clap

I had a 2002 XLH 883. As a 883 it was OK up to about 65 mph. Extended travel at 70 or above was a problem. For me, it didn't put any body parts to sleep but the fatigue and comfort level were not good.

I converted to a 1200. The vibes on acceleration were MUCH bigger. Same problem with extended riding above 70 mph. I did have ISO grips which helped. Mirrors were pretty much useless at any speed (except with the clutch in).

I now have a 2005 XLC 1200. Vibration is NOT AN ISSUE at any speed. There are a few speeds where i can detect a little buzz in the mirrors, or if I pay attention I can feel a little vibration in the footpegs. I NEVER feel any vibration in the handelbars. Mirrors are usefull at any speed.

Nothing comes without a price though. Some of the thrill is gone. When I opened up the 2002, the bike felt like it was going to jump out of my hands. The sensation of acelleration and speed was very apparent. With the 2005, I can hit the rev limiter without even trying. You just can't drive by feel (vibration level) any more. Also, the cornering clearance is much reduced. I NEVER dragged parts on the 2002, now I have the same clearance as a big twin. Major bummer.

I'm gonna risk gettin' slammed here but I wish you'd have asked for solutions to excessive vibes. There are some very simple fixes that are often overlooked. While it may never equal the rubber mount, it can and should be be fun over 60.

If it ain't vibratin' it ain't runnin'.

But just guessing you'll probably like the '04 better.

Just to clarify, I am talking 20 plus mile runs at a maintained 70 mph. I regularly run the bike up to 90+ epecially when racing my buddy's BT. I just don't want to ride the bike for extended highway miles. There is nothing mechanically wrong with the bike (tires, motor) just the normal sporty shake. I am considering the lead shot or Barsnake route, but I can sell this bike and get a rubber mount if that is the consensus. I don't really want to go to a dealer and test ride one, because it will be 5 months before I can buy a new one.

I have done 50 plus miles sustaining over 85...seating position was an issue..vibes were barely there in the seat...definitely NOT an issue on my bike..nothing in the hand grips..engine smooths out in the upper revs. I notice if I wear no gloves I can feel the vibes more..just buy some good gloves and save the money.

My '03 883 Standard was totaled, now I'm waiting for my '05 to come in. I must have had an overly smooth machine 'cause it didn't start to buzz until 80mph. Anything below that and you did know there was an engine below you, and the mirrors were fuzzy but the ride was very smooth. I did have a mustang seat though.

Mine seems to hit a sweet spot around 70mph. I've done many 500+ miles a day and never really noticed anything I'd call intolerable... or even close.

get the rubber mount :)

I have not ridden a post '04 sporty. I have only ridden pre '03 sporties, I have ridden no other bike in my life. So I don't know any better, I have always ridden sporties and I can feel the vibration, but unless you have experienced no vibe on a bike you don't know the difference. They have been building these rigid mount bikes forever, and people didn't mind riding them.

Okay I'm a gonna break the rules too, since I've never ridden an '04... but I hope I can shake a little sense into ya.

I think YOU definately ought to rent an '04-'05 for a day or two before you go out and buy one to eliminate the vibes. If you run out and buy a new bike and still don't like the way it rides you'll just be out a lot of cash.

I wouldn't necessarily trust anyone else's opinions on whether the rubber mounts reduce the vibes enough to make YOU comfortable. No one knows what YOU need to be comfortable. Everybody who I've heard that has ridden both says the '04s have less vibes, but are "less" vibes good enough to make YOU feel comfortable, only YOU can say.

Gary

I agree, break down and rent one from your local stealer, better than wasting money

Having owned lots of bikes, Trumpets, Nortons, iron heads I got used to the vibrations and some bikes were worse than others. When I bought the 04 sporty I was really surprised and find it quite refreshing to ride. Get the rubber mounted one, you won't be disapointed.

I'll have to agree that you should seriously think about getting the 04 or later to cut down on vibes. I ride with guys who have pre 04 sporties and we swapped out a few times - and while they are :tour extremely fun to ride, the vibrations start taking a toll after more than about 50 miles. I never realized how much more they shook until one of my buddies asked me at a stop light "what I did to the mirrors" on mine to keep them from shaking all the time. I informed him that I didn't do anything to them, the MoCo did!

I've put over 6000 miles on mine since May and much of that has come as 150 mile plus rides through bumpy Illinois and Wisconsin roads - and I've never even thought about vibration. The other guys on here are right though, just go rent one for a day and see what you think. I'm of the opinion that you'll love it, but of course I'm totally biased! :smoke

I gotta say it guys. My mirrors ae clear and well defined throughout the gears and while cruising at 60+. When I have had unacceptable vibrations I go down the checklist and readjust things. It's usualy something simple.

I think the pegs dragging is just the difference in the custom and the roadster. I just installed the adjustable highway pegs on my 1200r , but havent been able to really twist the wick and see if the make a difference in clearence . with all the crappy weather we have been having I have reduced my speed and not really laid into any curves to hard. and not to hijack the thread I have owned a bunch of different bikes and the new 04-05,s ride just as smooth as any bike on the market.

Had a 92, now have an 04. Get the rubber. I won't go back and you can't make me.

Thanks for all the comments. I forgot about the rent option, I know the dealer in Franklin, TN (100 miles from me) rents bikes, don't know about my local dealer. No big deal either way. I should have mentioned one more detail. The guys I ride with have no problem switching bikes mid ride. So I have been on a HD Softail standard TC88B and a Suzuki 1200 Bandit the last 2 weekends, makes the sporty stand-out a bit in the vibe dept.

Since 1995 I've had several bikes from BMWS to Suzukis. I test road a couple of pre 04 Sporties and thought the vibes would be too much for on long rides. I then test road a 2004 1200 and thought now here is a Sporty I could live with. After 3700 miles and several 300 plus days I've not been disappointed. It does vibrate a little more than my DL1000 but I have not found it to be a problem. I'm over 50 and have found that my riding style really differs when riding the Custom than when I'm riding my DL. I tend to ride a little slower and check the scenery out more on the Sportster. I'm lucky to be able to have 2 bikes one for really playing with and the other for just going out and riding. I would go along with the guys who mentioned renting one for a couple of days. I've heard of some dealers that will put the cost of renting a bike toward the purchase of a new bike if you decide to buy from them. You might check with your local dealers. I don't know what your riding style is so I'll leave the decission of whether a Sporty is for you or not.