Handelbar vibration/cure

Gohot229

Gohot229

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It's aparent theres been a substantial amount of experementation with all the aspects of the handlebars and ways to quell the vibes coming through to the grips ultimately. Bar snakes, lead shot, lead fishing weights, bar-ends, gell grips, grip puppies and what ever thing available, it seems they all have been tried. Well an idea that hasnt been tried to my knowledge is the use of rubber-mounted risers. Now I'll admit, having a Gen. 1, I cant say for the Gen. 2, but I'm thinking they dont have them. So with that in mind heres my solution:.... In 2003 Kawasaki made the Z1000 and being a Kawai, we all know their shakey growling lopy monsters, crude but highly appealing, never the less they had to address the vibration coming through the bars, which was abundant. Their solution was to mount the risers in rubber cusions inside the top triple tree. Well going on a search to Bikebandit.com , I went ahead and punched in Kawasaki, 2003, then Z1000. It took me to the exploded views for the Z1000, where I punched on the 'handlebars'. There I was able to see the configuration used on the risers to rubbermount the bars. A cursury examination revealed the application to be fairly straight forward. Now I'd imagine that there are aftermarket rubbermounted risers for the Z1000, ie. eye candy, but at this point I havent looked, still the stockers could be used on the FZ1. There certainly would be some drilling or milling needed to hog out and make the triple clamps from the FZ accept the Z1000 rubber groments, but it ought to be simple enough. My feeling is that with rubber-mounted bar/risers, aluminum 'weighted'' bars, bar-ends, gell grips and gell gloves, it should become civilized, mabe even enough where gell gloves aren't nessessary. Well this is all speculation on my part, but I think I'll look into just what the rubber-mounted risers would entail for a conversion. One thing some might not like would be 'exactly' the feeling of the rubber-mount system, but as a trade-off for numbness, I'd try it. I doubt it would have a percievable 'loose' feel to it, or if so, very very minimal.
 
I've had a couple bikes with rubber mounted bars and they will reduce the vibes but I wouldn't advise it for a bike like the FZ1 unless you want a very uncomfortable "loose" steering feeling. To be truthful, I've also had some bikes that had really bad handlebar "buzz" like a lot of the earlier litre size in-line fours had and the FZ1 is nothing like them. Good gloves that have some palm padding will do as much as all the things offerd so far to isolate your hands from vibration.
 
Upon closer side by side examination, the similarities between the Z1000 and the FZ1 are simmilar, yet different enough to see the design on the Z1000 would offer additional absorbtion. I can apreciate your take on 'rubermounts' as all dialogue is welcome, ultimatly in the quest for a cure. I know exactly what your pointing out.....and a valid point it is. I did see that the Fz1 infact has rubber-mounts. However the design looks to be such a tight fit so as to negate any damping of vibration, where-as the larger donut rubber gromet design of the Z1000 looks to be able to have more movement by the nature of design. One thing, the vibration dosn't seem to be an issue in the twisties, where little attention to it is paid, rather on droning along on freeways and backroads where it is straight-line riding when the mileage and time piles up. Certainly thats due to the activity of the hands and quite a bit of 'english' used while moving around on the bike. And as Lonerider59 says, mabe were missing the obvious, and that is that simply 'gloves' will sufice.
 
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That is my concern. I want all the feedback from the road I can get. It is just the high frequency vibration that gets me. So far I am very satisfied with what I have done. I have an even longer ride this AM out to Galveston Island which is about 150 miles one way from where I live. Today will be a good final test.
 
Handlebar Vibration

I had a 2009 FZ1 that had almost no vibration except for a harmonic at about 5,000 RPM, and it was very minor and acceptable. Rode 600 mile days with no problem.

Now I have a 2008 FZ1, and immediately noticed vibrations the first time I rode the motorcycle. The worst is the same 4,800 to 5,200 harmonic. Once that vibration begins, I still feel a little something on up through 7,000 RPM. Also can feel some minor vibrations at lower RPMs, such as around 3,000.

I just do not know why such a drastic difference. I have double checked the engine mounting bolts, etc. and found nothing wrong. Have not checked throttle body synchronization, however the engine is factory stock and never been touched.

Another interesting thing I noticed, is that if I feel of the frame, triple tree, gas tank, fairings, or rear section of the frame - any vibration is very minimal. But if I grab the handle bars, even in the center between the mounting risers, IT IS HUMMING SEVERELY. I checked the rubber mounting grommets at the bottom of the risers, where they are secured to the triple tree, and these seem like new. Thay are quite stiff, and I cannot feel any movement that they allow. Began to wonder if there was a design change for these grommets between 2008 and 2009.

Does anybody have any knowledge or ideas what may be causing this difference between the two motorcycles? Thanks.
 
Some people say they dont feel a thing, EVER, I can say that at 5000 and below, I don't either, but 5500 and above, boy howdy. I tamed it down a bit with fishing weights and spray foam. Funny thing is, it's JUST the handle bars. Not in the feet, or around the tank. I've ran the whole shebang, mounting bolts, new tires, throttle body sync, it's just the nature of the beast I suppose.


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Aplologize, if this appears as a high jack, but Im an old beat up buzzard with a internal titanium collection. Just picked up another Gen1 FZ. I cant sit in the saddle for long durations so long distance work is out of question. My stock bars are killing me. Im not sure if its the buzz (Ivans jet kit cured ALOT on my previous FZ), or the cocked angle my wrist are at (mostly right hand). Im getting desperate for a solution. I have ridden bikes in the past with lots of factory isolators on the bar assembley, and did not like the disconnected/slop/play this solution offered. This may not be so bad on the FZ as long as your suspension set up dosent favor your front end heavily. If I were to go down that road tho Id suggest spare bushings so that they could be freshened in the off season. They are sketchy once the bushings wear/pack. Does anyone have a replacement bar suggestion. Im long in the arms like a primate.
 
Tartan46 said:
Aplologize, if this appears as a high jack, but Im an old beat up buzzard with a internal titanium collection. Just picked up another Gen1 FZ. I cant sit in the saddle for long durations so long distance work is out of question. My stock bars are killing me. Im not sure if its the buzz (Ivans jet kit cured ALOT on my previous FZ), or the cocked angle my wrist are at (mostly right hand). Im getting desperate for a solution. I have ridden bikes in the past with lots of factory isolators on the bar assembley, and did not like the disconnected/slop/play this solution offered. This may not be so bad on the FZ as long as your suspension set up dosent favor your front end heavily. If I were to go down that road tho Id suggest spare bushings so that they could be freshened in the off season. They are sketchy once the bushings wear/pack. Does anyone have a replacement bar suggestion. Im long in the arms like a primate.
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Well, what I did on my GenI was to install 07' Handlebars. They are much straighter than the GenI and more forward. I also siliconed one end, let dry, filled the bar with sand, siliconed the other end, let dry, and reinstall the bar ends. Very little vibration at any rpm now and much more comfortable for me.
 
Thanks Billy. I may have to climb on a Gen2 (despite the seat bar differeance) and pay more attention this time. I climbed on Gen2 a few weeks ago and felt better about picking up another Gen1. My Gen1 takes cross winds much better IMO. I thinks my right hand issues are going to remain a constant. The throttle twist binds my wrist and my hand goes to sleep. Product of all that clean living Ive done.
 
Tartan46 said:
Thanks Billy. I may have to climb on a Gen2 (despite the seat bar differeance) and pay more attention this time. I climbed on Gen2 a few weeks ago and felt better about picking up another Gen1. My Gen1 takes cross winds much better IMO. I thinks my right hand issues are going to remain a constant. The throttle twist binds my wrist and my hand goes to sleep. Product of all that clean living Ive done.
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Well then sitting on a GenII won't do much good as the ergonomics are a bit different. If you mean just to see how you like the "bend" in the GenII bar then I'd say go for it. Just remember that your a little further back from the bars on your GenI. I had actually gone to a stock GenI bar last year and it lasted all of two weeks before I bought the 07' bars again. I swapped them out after having an accident which ruined the GenII bars I had that came with the bike from the previous owner. I'll never go back to the GenI bars.
 
This was when I went back to the stock bars.......
IMG_0021-2.jpg



This was with the 07' bars installed. Much different feel......
IMG_0001-7.jpg




This was why I swapped them out in the first place.......Not pretty.
IMG_0313-1.jpg
 
WABBMW ...Bill, I bought a 2008 FZ1 about a month ago and immediately noticed that hi-frequency vibrations in the handlebars were causing my fingers and hand to tingle and go numb after 30 minutes or so of highway riding. I added some foam slip on grips, but they didn't help much even though it felt comfortable. My right hand (fingers) now stay sore because I continue to ride and enjoy the bike, but this gives me cause for concern. Today I called Yamaha Motor Corp and spoke to an FZ1 Product specialist. Here is what he told me:
1. Vibrations are characteristic of an inline 4 cylinder.
2. There are sizeable (1.5 inch) rubber grommets in the handlebar mounting studs to help with vibration.
3. The handlebar ends are heavy to help absorb vibration and it would be far more noticeable to ride without them. (I took one off..to see..they are heavy.)
4.Throttle body synchronization is important and should be checked every 4000 miles as it can contribute to more vibration if they are not set accurately. He suggested this would be about the only thing I could try to help relieve some of the vibrations.
5. I told him I'd almost bought a Gen 1 bike but then found this 2008 Gen 2. He said the vibration is usually more on the Gen 1, so I'm glad I got the Gen 2.

That's about it....it seems there will always be some vibration...just indicative of inline fours. I just finished a 5 month restoration of a 1979 Honda CB750F last May and it has the same hi-freq vibrations...made my fingers tingle and eventually go numb. I'm going to check the TB's on the FZ1 and be sure they are in sync, and other than that I guess any residual vibration is something I will just have to get used to. Regards,
 
sirreal1 said:
WABBMW ...Bill, I bought a 2008 FZ1 about a month ago and immediately noticed that hi-frequency vibrations in the handlebars were causing my fingers and hand to tingle and go numb after 30 minutes or so of highway riding. I added some foam slip on grips, but they didn't help much even though it felt comfortable. My right hand (fingers) now stay sore because I continue to ride and enjoy the bike, but this gives me cause for concern. Today I called Yamaha Motor Corp and spoke to an FZ1 Product specialist. Here is what he told me:
1. Vibrations are characteristic of an inline 4 cylinder.
2. There are sizeable (1.5 inch) rubber grommets in the handlebar mounting studs to help with vibration.
3. The handlebar ends are heavy to help absorb vibration and it would be far more noticeable to ride without them. (I took one off..to see..they are heavy.)
4.Throttle body synchronization is important and should be checked every 4000 miles as it can contribute to more vibration if they are not set accurately. He suggested this would be about the only thing I could try to help relieve some of the vibrations.
5. I told him I'd almost bought a Gen 1 bike but then found this 2008 Gen 2. He said the vibration is usually more on the Gen 1, so I'm glad I got the Gen 2.

That's about it....it seems there will always be some vibration...just indicative of inline fours. I just finished a 5 month restoration of a 1979 Honda CB750F last May and it has the same hi-freq vibrations...made my fingers tingle and eventually go numb. I'm going to check the TB's on the FZ1 and be sure they are in sync, and other than that I guess any residual vibration is something I will just have to get used to. Regards,
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...except that there are many here who swear they experience no vibration at all on a Gen II. As soon as I got new tires the high frequency vibration all but vanished which had me thinking that the balancing on the stock front Dunlop was way off.
 
As a recent new owner of a 2008 FZ1, I quickly discovered that handlebar vibration was bad enough to cause my fingers to tingle, hand to go numb and eventually cause a constant soreness in the finger joints which would ache for days after riding. First I tried to add the slip on foam grips...didn't help at all. Then I tried thicker winter gloves...vibes less noticeable but hands sweat when its warm out...so nope...not the answer. Then with help from a friend did the throttle body sync...and that seemed to help reduce the vibration at slower speeds (60 and below) but not at highway speeds...(running at about 4800 rpm or more). OK so then I read the forums and found Chappy's suggestion using this stuff called Mortite caulking cord.
Well I found that Mortite stuff and removed my handlebars and filled them as suggested tamping down many balls of it until they were full from both sides. Took the bike for a ride after hours of messing with that sticky stuff...and noticed NO difference in the handlebar vibration whatsoever. My friend with an identical bike did the fishing egg sinkers plus squeezed silicone through them too and we traded bikes. His had far less vibration than mine. So using a long drill...I spent another few hours yesterday trying to remove enough of that sticky putty stuff (what a pain in the backside) from inside the handlebars so I could get in some egg sinkers. I managed to get enough putty out (after a couple hours) to fit in 6 or so egg sinkers and put in a ball of putty to hold them in then screwed the bar-ends back on. Took the bike for a ride again...if there is a difference it really isnt noticeable. This vibration thing is gonna drive me nuts....called Yamaha Corp in California again and spoke to the FZ1 product guy about it. He suggested I try the "engine mounting bolts thing" and if that didn't help then take it in to a dealer and have them test ride it. I did the engine mounting bolt thing yesterday afternoon...took the bike out last nite for a ride...NOPE...didn't help...still got vibrations at highway speeds.

If the dealer agrees the vibrations are excessive (my hands think they are since I am now experiencing constant joint pain in two fingers from the damn vibrations)...then they will work with Yamaha Tech support (factory) to correct the problem. Going to contact a dealer today...see where this leads. Oh....I did confirm...the engine is NOT mounted to the frame with any rubber to absorb vibrations....the GEN 1 FZ1's did have rubber mounts...but NOT the Gen 2...go figure...I'd say Yamaha could have saved those of us bothered by vibrations a lot of time and anguish had they rubber-mounted the engine in our Gen 2's.
 
Just for grins, I'd mention - in an electron microscopy lab I worked in back in my photographic life, the microscope was mounted on 1 inch thick pads of silicon, on a table whose legs were sitting in containers of sand. I imagine that accommodated various vibration frequencies from the surrounding building.

Vibration damping would involve addressing both high and low frequencies - the low being accommodated by bar-end weights and flexible steel bars (instead of aluminum). The higher frequency suppression can't really be anything that takes away from accuracy of the h-bar/tire/road connection... I would think filling the handlebar with silicon would be a great way to divert the high frequencies. It is what you are doing with the gel gloves in essence, without losing the feel of the road.

Other than that, some way to damp it might be to divert it through a structure, like an internal (inside the handlebar) mass that could absorb and dissipate the vibration. So you have a flexible metal bar matching the shape of the handlebar, inside the handlebar, connected to the bar-end. that kind of tech is what building designers use to protect buildings against earthquakes in Japan... I wonder if that would work?

Filling the bar with silicon would be simpler though... ;) I don't know if it would work, but I would bet it would.
 
Hey Glen, Brad and Jeff:
I adopted Hail's idea about using the 1 oz. lead fishing weights from Wal-Mart. Was able to get 34 of them into the handlebar. I found that lead shot would have been 35 oz., but is too much trouble to handle. Then I forced silicon through the handlebar, past all the weights, until it come out the other end. Was quite difficult to do. But the results were outstanding. We need to all ride together sometime.
 
I have never tried these but they have been given excellent reviews. I think Motorcycle Consumer News tested them. Bars on my Gen 1 don't vibrate to the point of annoyance so I haven't looked into it more thoroughly.

Vibranator.com
 
I've experienced the vibration/hand tingling and have done a few mods that have helped. I changed bars, due to my wrist injury . . . a set of Renthal (sp?) that are about 1.5" taller. I then had bar ends made, out of SS, that are 1.25" long x 1.2" in diameter that have a 'snout' that extends inside the bars about 1.5". I mounted them via a bolt/rubber 'cork'. These bar ends are heavier then the stock ones and dampen the vib down. THe other thing is the grips . . . . after several grip changes, I've found one that does seem to make a difference.
 
ElTigre1 said:
I have never tried these but they have been given excellent reviews. I think Motorcycle Consumer News tested them. Bars on my Gen 1 don't vibrate to the point of annoyance so I haven't looked into it more thoroughly.

Vibranator.com
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Thanks for the link to this site. I think I will give these a try next spring on my 07 Fizzer. :tup:

Chad
 
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