Try installing some Grip Puppies. Cheap ($10), easy (should take about 3 minutes) possible solution to your problem. It won't 100% cure that slight buzz you get, but it might make the difference for you.
I'm also presently a Bonneville/CB owner, and have had the same inner conflict about maybe selling one or the other, although for different reasons. Although I still haven't decided myself, I'd highly recommend getting more seat time in with the CB, as it's a lot more bike than the Bonnie.
Best of luck, whatever you decide!
a lot of vibration can be managed by the throttling....there is a usually a sweetspot on all bikeswhere the bike just glides...while maintaining the desired speed ( of course within limits)... cannot vouch for high speed riding though..
..I would say ride a bit more on the CB and expirement on the throttling a bit...you wont be disappointed..
also grip buddies.. and a nice glove helps..
I hate to bring up oil, but..........
going from 10w40 to 10w30 on mine made a big increase in vibes. Rode 4 months from new w/10w40, never a tingle in my hands. Temps dropped to around 50 in the fall. Swithed to 10w30 for winter, hands numb after 15-20 minutes.
Might be worth a try?
The smoothest I found was Amsoil 10w40
oh boy it's an oil thread now!
Thanks to everyone who has replied. I've got my eye on Triumph Street Triple as a stablemate for the Bonnie, so if someone wants the CB I'd sell it, but could easily give it more time and miles to see if it sorts itself out. Just kind of crave a completely different experience than the retro standard. I have tried riding without my knees hugging the tank and it helps, but that isn't how I like to ride. Truth be told, I'm very finicky with my bikes and buy and sell way more than I should. I'm always searching for that magic combination I don't want to get rid of. Come to think of it, I'm that way with women too. Might explain why I'm 40 and single.
Put some miles on it. That won't change the resale value, but it might change your mind. Good luck...
I am with you on the buzz. It is noticeable, prevalent at 4500 then again at 7000 revs, and requires me to ignore it. I love the bike, but I've had to adapt to short shifting it and gritting through. It's really the only shortcoming of the bike, I just did a nice 100 mile spirited ride yesterday, and had no problems keeping up with some pukka sporting machines.
I also own a Bonnie, which, while a class below the CB on almost every level, is not as vibratory and to me, smoother.
Sell it and move on. Different strokes, and all that. Life's too short to spend time trying to warm up to something when you have the means to make the change.
No harm no foul. Ride what makes you grin from ear to ear!
Best wishes!
Capo, I feel exactly the same about the CB and Bonnie Comparison. I honestly think the CB is the mre refined and better bike, but I like riding the Bonnie more. If only the Bonneville had a few more horses. If anyone is interested in buying the CB, send me a PM. $7500 including a National Cycle deflector windscreen.
At least by being single you do not have to explain anything to some one else ! You lucky man....