Smooth as glass: vibration-free bars

[Nemo_imp]

Hmmm... Funny how my hands get less numb in long rides since I installed the Renthal bars. I'd think that the thick-walled aluminum would vibrate less at hand numbing frequency.

[aschem_imp]

Removed the buzzing by changing grips and installed Heavy (1 pound) bar end weights

[flynrider]

I fixed this quite cheaply by not shifting into 5th gear. Once the RPMs get to 5K, the bar buzz virtually disappears.

[the Ferret]

now that you mention it, I fixed mine by never getting above 4000 rpms

[davidsargee_imp]

I find it interesting that some people feel, or should I say are bothered by the vibes in the CB1100. Of course being an inline 4, some vibes are inherent due to motor design, but honestly I just never feel them, at least to the point where they take attention away from the task at hand. Just yesterday I was on the freeway on mine for awhile and remember thinking how smooth it was at 75 miles an hour. Of course on the 6 speed that's still below 4000 rpms, but I don't recall being bothered by vibes on my 2013 5 speed either. Maybe because 5 of my last 6 bikes have been I-4's and I'm just used to them? My V4 seems to have more vibes than my CB.

27,000 on mine now and I agree, what a bike!

Hi Mickey, I see it pretty much the same as you, the vibrations really don't bother me all that much. I find your statement interesting regarding how smooth your bike is at 75 mph. I have made the same observation several times on my 2013 model.

My '13 model has a "sweet spot" between 75-80 mph in which it becomes smooth as glass, particularly when the air is dense, (early in the morning, late evenings, and in cool weather). This may be what you are seeing as well.

Regards
David

[Novice_imp]

I don't notice the vibrations much either. If anything, the wind blast due to the upright position is a bigger issue if one doesn't have anything on the front to deflect it, which, by the way, I refuse to add purely for aesthetic reasons.

[Graham T_imp]

Was reading your post the other day and I had already done the 500 handlebar thing then flipped the posts around. Is working nice but I need to get some more miles under me to sort it out properly. Found I was sliding forward when a bit hard into the corners but it's more likely my ordinary riding style. The bars moved forward make it more comfortable when I want to tuck up behind the dart fairing to get out of the wind. Cheer

[Nightengale_imp]

Hmm. Interesting observations.

My '14 standard 'buzzes' in the bars (stock grips / stock weights) at around 3900 - 4xxx (forget, it's winter here) with a annoying vibration. I pulled the stock weights and assembly complete out to learn what was in there. The weights inside the bar aren't that heavy and it appears to me that changing this to a denser material would be worth trying. I also thought about using lead shot inside the bars...

I don't ride fast or in high RPM's most of the time. So just loping along at the posted speed limits (two-lane highways, so 50-60 mph) I get irritated at the buzziness of the bars. It sounds like the CB500F internals and weights would fit the stock bars. I don't want a more forward lean, so I'd not be interested in the CB500F bars, just the weights.

If anyone knows for certain this will work - I'll go buy the pieces. Or try the 1 lb bar weights (where do you find these?)

Also intend to change out the stock grips, they're marginal at best.

[Ulvetanna_imp]

Hmm. Interesting observations.

My '14 standard 'buzzes' in the bars (stock grips / stock weights) at around 3900 - 4xxx (forget, it's winter here) with a annoying vibration. I pulled the stock weights and assembly complete out to learn what was in there. The weights inside the bar aren't that heavy and it appears to me that changing this to a denser material would be worth trying. I also thought about using lead shot inside the bars...

I don't ride fast or in high RPM's most of the time. So just loping along at the posted speed limits (two-lane highways, so 50-60 mph) I get irritated at the buzziness of the bars. It sounds like the CB500F internals and weights would fit the stock bars. I don't want a more forward lean, so I'd not be interested in the CB500F bars, just the weights.

If anyone knows for certain this will work - I'll go buy the pieces. Or try the 1 lb bar weights (where do you find these?)

Also intend to change out the stock grips, they're marginal at best.

Exactly one year later, someone found this thread?

I went back over my posts, and wanted to comment on one thing in particular.

The trouble I was having with my hands, which my electric toothbrush exacerbated, has completely cleared up. One hundred percent gone. It took about a year. I was concerned about the onset of arthritis, but it was temporary.

Likewise the rotator cuff issues. When I got back into riding motorcycles after about three years off (riding road bicycles instead pretty much full-time), both my rotator cuffs started giving me big problems. It was very discouraging. I could not lift my right arm high enough to put my truck into gear (shifter on the steering column, American-made).

It took about two years for that to heal to where it's not perfect but can be well-managed and does not affect my ability to do things.

In many cases the conservative approach works.

Your body can do amazing things but it takes a lot of time.

[Nortoon_imp]

Hmm. Interesting observations.

My '14 standard 'buzzes' in the bars (stock grips / stock weights) at around 3900 - 4xxx (forget, it's winter here) with a annoying vibration. I pulled the stock weights and assembly complete out to learn what was in there. The weights inside the bar aren't that heavy and it appears to me that changing this to a denser material would be worth trying. I also thought about using lead shot inside the bars...

I don't ride fast or in high RPM's most of the time. So just loping along at the posted speed limits (two-lane highways, so 50-60 mph) I get irritated at the buzziness of the bars. It sounds like the CB500F internals and weights would fit the stock bars. I don't want a more forward lean, so I'd not be interested in the CB500F bars, just the weights.

If anyone knows for certain this will work - I'll go buy the pieces. Or try the 1 lb bar weights (where do you find these?)

Also intend to change out the stock grips, they're marginal at best.

Marginal! That's being very kind. I found the Honda grips on my CB500X and CB1100 EX to be miserable. They are too small in diameter and much too hard. My throttle hand would cramp within an hour.

Fortunately Grip Puppies (slip-on foam covers) are inexpensive and easy to install. They are soft, increase the diameter, and dampen any handlebar vibration. I can now ride all day with no grip discomfort. I recommend trying these before changing the bar weights.