buzzy handlebars--anyone tried this as a fix?

[copdocpvd]

Despite installing a throttlemeister, new exhaust and grip puppies, I still have that buzziness in the right grip that puts my hand to sleep.  I was thinking, what if I were to put something rubber between the handlebar riser and handlebar (to deaden the vibrations).

Has anyone tried this, before I go through the process of trying to find a flat sheet of appropriate rubber, cut it to size, etc?


thanks!

[MAN OF BLUES]

no, I have not.
the bars require the 3 bolts to be tight, as the strength of them in tension reduces the shear forces on those puny bolts.
placing anything there reduces the hard face to face contact of the riser to the tripple tree, thus putting the bolts into an undesirable shear mode.

don't do it, there will be no way to keep the bolts tight, and the results may be dangerous.
besides, placing rubber there just allows the bars to move more, at a different harmonic.

[maxtog]

don't do it, there will be no way to keep the bolts tight, and the results may be dangerous.

I have to agree.
I don't have any problems with "buzzing", but grip puppies (as you tried) are the first defense.  Next would be larger bar weights.  Might also have some luck with risers of ANY sort to try and change the harmonics.

[connie14boy]

Try relaxing the death grip a little and get 2 'throttle rockers'-one for each side. This has worked great for me for over 20 years and 3 bikes.

[maxtog]

get 2 'throttle rockers'-one for each side. This has worked great for me for over 20 years and 3 bikes.

For some reason I have never been able to use the throttle rocker concept... just can't get used to it and makes me feel like I am out of control.  It is very effective for issues with carpal tunnel and other stuff, however.  I think if I could get a really, really small one that lived on the far. far right, I could probably deal with using it optionally.  Hmm, sounds like a good idea...

[katata1100]

I have found that the best fix is a good synch.
Other than that, I recommend grip wraps from DK. They are like the material a mouse pad is made of, with velcro. They wrap around your grips. The foam, plus extra thickness really help.
FWIW, my other bike is '91 Katana 1100, the king of bad vibes. I'd use grip wraps, finger less gloves w/ gel insert in the palm area and JR tour gloves (with their gel) over those fingerless gloves.
Even with that, I'd still make sure to take a celebrex before a long ride.

[philipintexas]

Not sure if it would help but I've made some 1" longer bars for several people, they might interrupt the harmonics.?

[VirginiaJim]

Not that anyone wants to hear this...but my vibrations seemed worse with my Area P.   Using the stocker, they are much less.  I've been giving that some thought and I'm thinking (probably not good for any of us) is that the weight of the stocker is acting like a damper, much like the heavier bar weights claiming to damp out vibrations in the bars.  Also, I can certainly tell the vibrations are much worse on the right side of the bike.  Could it have something to do with the way the exhaust system is attached?  Uneven tightening of the exhaust to head bolts?

[Jim M.]

 I tried some rubber gasket material on my old C-10. It did work, but you have to keep re-tightening the bolts. You can't keep them from backing out no matter what you try. Another guy used some kind of plastic material (like plastic bathtub material) and that seemed to help on his C-10. I ended up getting rid of the rubber pretty quickly and filled the inside of the bars with lead shot. That seemed to work. I don't know if you can do that on the C-14 as I've never checked.

[philipintexas]

"filling the bars with lead shot"
The bars on the C-14 are 7/8" solid aluminum.  I've wondered if one could fill some of the recesses in the cast stanchions with lead shot? Tape would hold it until it could be determined if it's effective. They maybe mix the shot with epoxy or some adhesive for a permanent fix.?

[wally_games]

"filling the bars with lead shot"
The bars on the C-14 are 7/8" solid aluminum.  I've wondered if one could fill some of the recesses in the cast stanchions with lead shot? Tape would hold it until it could be determined if it's effective. They maybe mix the shot with epoxy or some adhesive for a permanent fix.?

What about sticking some wheel balancing weights to the risers?

I tried a thin layer of rubber under the riser and couldn't tell any difference. My right hand always had issues until I got used to riding with a very light grip.

[sherob]

These are much better than those foam POS Grip Puppies. 

http://www.shop.originalbeemerbuddies.com/SUPER-SHARK-Original-Grip-Buddies-OGB-AB-SS.htm

[RBX QB]

These are much better than those foam POS Grip Puppies. 

http://www.shop.originalbeemerbuddies.com/SUPER-SHARK-Original-Grip-Buddies-OGB-AB-SS.htm

Make sure you get the sharkskin ones in Sherob's link... the normal foam Buddies (not even on the website) are prone to foam gauging and loss (I imagine similar to Grip Puppies). The shark ones look like they would be more durable (I hope).

[omcrider]

I have the throttle meisters, stock pipes (never heard of the pipe aftermarket or otherwise being the problem in vibration), and I recently put on the grip buddies but not for vibration but because my hands get sore easily and the larger diameter does not require the harder grip. Also with the grip buddies you can relax your hands more as you get more friction and can ride with the palm without throttle closing on you. I think using a softer grip technique would alleviate much of your problem.  Vibrations and small grips have always been a problem for me however the C14 gives me no vibe issues at all. I have researched this a bit though and came across these that  I have read great things about researching for solutions to a dirt bike vibration issues. I believe they make them for most bikes and might be worth a look see.  http://www.vibranator.com/dual_sport_s/21.htm

[omcrider]

Make sure you get the sharkskin ones in Sherob's link... the normal foam Buddies (not even on the website) are prone to foam gauging and loss (I imagine similar to Grip Puppies). The shark ones look like they would be more durable (I hope).

Talked to the manufacture recently and they no longer make the older style so unless you run into old stock you should be ok.

[maxtog]

These are much better than those foam POS Grip Puppies. 

http://www.shop.originalbeemerbuddies.com/SUPER-SHARK-Original-Grip-Buddies-OGB-AB-SS.htm

I have been using the Grip Puppies for years without any problems.  But they are really hard to get on/off.  I like the design of those beemerbuddies (because they are strap/on/off) and might try them when it is time to replace the puppies.  Bookmarked the link for future reference.

[sherob]

The problem w/ the GP's, foam... they deteriorate over time from weather... and they rip.     These things are the bomb... and they are easy to remove if and when you have your bike towed/strapped down, so they won't rip then either... BTDT! 

[maxtog]

The problem w/ the GP's, foam... they deteriorate over time from weather... and [then] they rip.     These things are the bomb... and they are easy to remove if and when you have your bike towed/strapped down, so they won't rip then either... BTDT! 

Mine are still going strong, but I keep the bike covered and don't commute (so it is rarely sitting out in the sun for endless hours).   Also, thankfully, I have never had to transport the bike with straps (and I hope I never do!)

[sherob]

I've had GP's all the way back to my 05 ST1300... I am thankful that they've been around. 

[Stephen.G.Fiddes]

Has anyone tried swapping out the stock bars, with steel bars instead? If its solid aluminum, any machine shop should be able to take a couple measurements and put a piece of 7/8ths bar  on the lathe to drill and tap it... More weight = less vibs?