Vibration

[mcilvenny]

My handlebars are vibrating more than normal at higher RPM, IÌve recently fitted new tyres which were balanced and IÌve since had the front balanced again. ItÌs getting to the point I cant run for more than a few miles at a steady speed before my hands are going numb.



What should I check or look for that may be causing the problem ???

[JRO]

How many miles on your bike?  Could it be time for plugs and such?



You might also try modifying your handgrips.  Get a pair of cheap, gel dirt bike grips, cut the ends off, and slide the things over your handgrips.  Won't work if you have heated grips, but if you don't, then it makes wonderful, comfortable, thick grips.  Seriously reduces vibration, too.

[kiwitiger]

Have a look at your handlebar end weights - are they missing or loose ??

[mcilvenny]

Bike has covered 27,500 miles. I've recently serviced it and balanced the carbs, so I would say engine is ok. Bar end weights are on and tight and I've got heated grips fitted so that counts out one idea.



It's been suggested that the head race bearings may need tightening, the front wheel bearings may be at fault or the oil in the forks needs changing ???  



Not sure which to tackle first ???  Could the problem be on the back end, chain to tight etc ???

[iansoady]

Tight chain often causes this. The accepted wisdom here and elsewhere is 45-50mm with the bike on the centre stand.

[sporthog93]

I don't think steering head bearings will cause a vibration. If they are dinged hey cause aweave as you go down the3 road. Thast is the mos common thing with steerin g head bearings

Bike has covered 27,500 miles. I've recently serviced it and balanced the carbs, so I would say engine is ok. Bar end weights are on and tight and I've got heated grips fitted so that counts out one idea.



It's been suggested that the head race bearings may need tightening, the front wheel bearings may be at fault or the oil in the forks needs changing ???  



Not sure which to tackle first ???  Could the problem be on the back end, chain to tight etc ???

[DirtBiker]

Have you checked to see if it's engine or chasi? I would get it up to speed then pull in the clutch if it goes away at least it's not the drive train (most likely). If it still vibrates it's probabley something to do with the tires, wheels, brakes, maybe swing arm?. Your new tire could have a flat spot also or a flaw in it. I would also try to pin it down if it's at a certain rev or is it a certain speed.



Toby

[Ken_T_frm_CA]

Have you ever ridden a Bandit 1200?  Now *there* is a bike that can buzz the handlebars!  If you want to fix that vibration, get the entire stock bar end weight assembly off a new Bandit 12.  This is a highly engineered piece consisting of about 6 parts for each side but HIGHLY effective.  It's designed to allow the end wieght to float opposite vibration in a series of rubber donuts within the handlebar.  I've used this fix on other bikes to great success.  However I don't feel the Tiger buzzes that bad.  Let me know how it works out.