Smooth as glass: vibration-free bars

[Ulvetanna_imp]

To wrap up this last loose end, I am posting about the CB500F bar fitment and my modifications to just the inital swap of the CB500F bar for the CB1100s handlebar.

The fit was very good, as forum members can read in [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=980]ChipBeck's original thread about this mod. Then there was my [url=http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=9700]riser flip, which moved the low CB500F handlebars about another 3/4" further forward, which was just perfect for me.

The problem for me was the CB500F bars, even with the CB1100 internal and bar-end weights fitted, still vibrated excessively and were beginning to created issues for my hands. That stuff can be long-term and while grips can help the real solution is to use proper weights to damp the vibration.

I purchased all the OEM components for the weights originally fitted to the CB500F handlebars; internal weights, rubber grommets, end clips, bar-end weights, and Phillips mounting screws. All that stuff cost about another $60.00.

I immediately noted that the internal weights were half-again as long as those from the CB1100 handlebars, and they were made of a much denser metal, and were much heavier. The CB500F bar-end weights, while actually shorter, were also made of a dense metal and are heavier than the CB1100 bar-end weights.

I pulled out the CB1100 components from the CB500F handlebars which had been installed inside the bars during the initial modification, and replaced all components with those designed to fit the CB500F handlebars as installed on the CB500F originally.

The result was astonishing. The bike is virtually free of any kind of deleterious or intrusive vibration from 3,000 RPM to 5,000 RPM and above. It was so smooth I was revving right past my shift points and had to glance at the tach to make sure I wasn't overrevving. From 60-90 mph on the freeway, the bars are, for all intents and purposes, buzz-free. I test rode the bike at night and planned on just a short jaunt, but it was so incredibly pleasant and smooth, I put on about 65 miles of freeway riding. It's the smoothest bike I own now, and I'd consider this most likely the final modification.

My mods, for the record:

-Complete brake and clutch line replacements with Galfer stainless steel lines
-EBC HH sintered superbike pads for the front calipers
-Ikon shocks
-CB500F handlebars, flipped risers, CB500F OEM bar internals.
-Continental Road Attack II Classic Race tires
-OEM Engine guards

I doubt I will put any more money or effort into this machine as I could not be more pleased with it. I bought it in July, 2013 and it has a little over 10,000 miles now. The valve check was uneventful, no adjustments were needed. I hope to put on many more miles. This bike is a very nice contrast to the much more modern equipment I also ride.

It's reliable and well-adapted my style.