How To Reduce Motorcycle Handlebar Vibration

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12 жыл бұрын

Here is how to reduce motorcycle handlebar vibration on a variety of different motorcycles, including my Harley-Davidson, Suzuki and Honda. There are different ways to reduce the vibration you feel in the motorcycle's handlebars. You can install softer hand grips, wear gloves with gel padding, put a Vibranator or Bar Snake in the handle bars, install bar end weights, fill the handlebars with steel BBs or lead shot, install balancing devices on the crankshaft of the motorcycle, reduce the overall gearing of the motorcycle, or replace the bushings in the handlbar mounting bracket. Motorcycle handlebar vibration is a little bit different on every motorcycle, and the vibration depends on a number of factors. You will have to try different handlebar vibration techniques and see which one fixes the problem. I hope this video gives you some ideas on how to remove the vibration from your motorcycle's handlebars. You probably can't stop handlebar vibration completely, but you can make it a lot better using these methods.

Пікірлер: 105

@7silverhead7 11 жыл бұрын

I like the fact that you have several different types of bikes. I found one of your videos last week about the Enfield.. Then today you turned up with this anti-vibration video when I was researching Bar Snakes. Thanks for posting videos and for understanding that several types of bikes are all good to own.

@antoniosalvador9754 10 жыл бұрын

people like you just make life easier. thanks.

@TellyToby 11 жыл бұрын

thanks for this - after 14 years of commuting on a number of sportsbikes. am starting to suffer from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome...gonna try foam grips (grip puppies) and bar ends for starters - should definitely help ! appreciate it.

@alanIrl99 10 жыл бұрын

Good layman's guide & summary - very useful. Thanks for that :)

@hoohoohoblin 10 жыл бұрын

You're welcome.

@jayhm1493 8 жыл бұрын

I am having vibrations on my bike too. 2011 honda cbr600rr. I bought it used and i realized the last owner took out the OEM handldbars inner tube. I knew it when i looked up OEM parts and saw it is included in the diagram. So i am going to try to buy the set and see how it works. I know bunch of aftermarket solutions out there but i think OEM is designed for it. So i will post updates after i got them. Thanks for the video :).

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

+Jay Mai You're welcome. I hope it works for you.

@BUZZKILLJRJR 2 жыл бұрын

I don't have any fancy bike just getting some little trail bikes and I have nerve issues in my arms so I was trying to find a way to cut back some of the vibration. Thanks for all the help I'll be doing and trying most of this stuff hahah

@hoohoohoblin 2 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome

@nymetsfan912 11 жыл бұрын

Nice collection. Love the Honda 500

@ojinmtanmay 3 жыл бұрын

Can you suggest where I can get those rubber paddings that go into the triple tree.

@shiftyshamsk 3 жыл бұрын

The foam grips hold water in rain. Progrip handlebar gel Grips 714 made in Italy make a big difference. Had these on many bikes. I've used bath mastic inside the bars with good results. Gel seat is good. I ride a Ninja 250R 2008 so understand vibration, a lot.

@hoohoohoblin 3 жыл бұрын

Good advice. Thanks.

@megadeth22885 12 жыл бұрын

i was thinking of getting a CB450 that would face occasional trips of 12 hours or so at a time... think these solutions would clear away enough vibration to drive 12 hours straight on an old twin cylinder CB?

@h.t.727 5 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Next I will try the rubber damping and the gloves.

@hoohoohoblin 5 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome.

@trevortrevortsr2 7 жыл бұрын

the foam one don't work - heavy bar end weights and silicon grips

@twilliamsusmc 3 жыл бұрын

I have wires that run through my bars so silicone wouldn’t really work for me. I ordered weights and foam over my grips

@mavigogun 7 жыл бұрын

I'd love to hear the rational for aluminium bar ends "moving the vibration out".

@cisium1184 5 жыл бұрын

Most of these "solutions" are pure sorcery. They don't do a damn thing.

@daisy8luke 6 жыл бұрын

I ride the FJR1300, and it is notorious for having a high frequency hum that transmits through the handlebars, especially on the throttle side. I fought with it for over a year trying new grips and even bar ends up to 16 ounces. A whole fucking POUND on the end of each side of the handlebars. Still, even after all that, my right hand goes numb inside of 20 minutes in to the ride. But recently I wanted to make the seat more comfy on the longer treks. I got some gel at Onlygel dhat kham that is 1/2 inch thick and is attached to another 1/2 inch of foam sponge type material. Paid $83 with shipping for it. I hollowed out a spot for the gel pad in my seat and glued it in place. Tacked the seat cover back in place and was done. The first ride out I noticed NO VIBRATIONS in my hands at ALL. And hour later still NONE. Seriously, a big gel pad in the seat cushion fixed it, and I'm running very similar to stock grips with no grip puppies.

@hoohoohoblin 6 жыл бұрын

That’s crazy! It doesn’t make sense, but I’m glad it worked.

@daisy8luke 6 жыл бұрын

I think it worked because we might looking at it from the wrong direction. The FJR seat is super firm, which means it transmits vibration well. Since I'm sitting right on top of the motor with my feet on pegs almost directly connected to the motor, I'm thinking the vibrations are travelling up my legs, through my spine, and down to my hands. I initially had this theory when I installed the 16 ounce bar ends and had zero change at all. I had also noticed that the vibrations were making my face and nose have an itching sensation. That also resolved with the gel seat.

@Rontheyahoo 11 жыл бұрын

How about stuffing rolls of pennies and some thick glue up the bars?

@eivad1 11 жыл бұрын

i just found out on my 07 zx6r i found padding inside mine and also a 8mm socket, but bought the bike brandnew

@hoptard 9 жыл бұрын

I wouldn't use steel BB's, they're harder and dampen less. I use lead BB's (way softer and absorb) from a "Dive Shop", they come in a bag. Or you could use fishing line smaller lead weights. Hope it helps, did for me.

@hoohoohoblin 9 жыл бұрын

Yes. Lead is definitely better.

@RoyMeraki 5 жыл бұрын

what if I fill bars with sand, will it help ?

@gordo5555555555 11 жыл бұрын

You mention the vibralators (or something like that) which are similar, I think, to the anti-vibration inserts by FASST. I tried them on a dirt bike that was buzzing my hands to sleep and they did the trick. I definitely recommend them. Vibralators sound kinky so maybe they are even better!

@TwistyTrav 8 жыл бұрын

I filled my handlebars with beach sand, along with those same bar-ends. It worked great. I also put bonded sealing washers in between the handlebar mount and the triple tree. That worked great as well. Overall, I don't think there is one solution. You need to use a combination of different techniques to reduce vibration to a reasonable amount.

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

+Travis Ross (TwistyTravster) Sand is a great idea. I've never heard of that. You're right that different bikes require different solutions. They all have unique vibrations which require unique solutions.

@TwistyTrav 8 жыл бұрын

+hoohoohoblin Also, if mirror vibration is an issue, I found a solution for that as well: www.klr650.com/MrVibIso.htm

@mavigogun 7 жыл бұрын

Did you wash that sand? - is it coated in salt, or are we talk'n sand from a fresh-water beach?

@willstorm8331 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks man good info range.

@hoohoohoblin 3 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome.

@JamesRoe70 10 жыл бұрын

Even BMW's have vibrstion, but you have some good tips .. ty... Im starting with the Grip On grip covers first..

@hoohoohoblin 10 жыл бұрын

That is a good place to start. Grips can make a big difference.

@hybredmoon 7 жыл бұрын

I got a honda shadow VT1100 and that thing makes my arms go numb at 60mph in about 10 minutes. It is a shaft drive so changing the gearing is out, any other suggestions would be welcome.

@hoohoohoblin 7 жыл бұрын

Start with big squishy rubber hand grips. That's the easiest thing to do, and it can make a big difference. If that doesn't work, the Bar Snake can really help as well, and it is easy to install, as long as there are no internal wires inside the handlebars.

@WilsonBradleyTheOfficial 6 жыл бұрын

HD Dyna Wide 06 here. One concern when filling the handle bars with silicone. Later if you need to access the wires inside, might be a problem.. True? Been fighting the vibration issue on handle bars for a while now because I use phone mounted there.

@hoohoohoblin 6 жыл бұрын

Good point. My bikes are old and don't have any internal handlebar wiring. In that case, there are companies who make bar end weights that may help a little bit. Some of the bar end weights go 5 or 6 inches into the bar and are fairly heavy, to absorb more vibration.

@jasonrobertsutliff 6 жыл бұрын

Wilson Bradley - Would a Bar Snake work on a 04 Dyna Low Rider - FXDL? Along with bar ends? ... or would the Snake hit the cables inside?

@iseekknowledge8293 8 жыл бұрын

Please respond; I put knuckle guards on my 2014 vstrom 1000 and had to take out and put back in my end weights. It only has 4000 miles on it, put the guards on with about 700 miles. For some odd reason my front tire is already cupped and there are tiny weathered cracks where the tread appears to be separating from the tire. The tire pressure has always been proper. Could this be caused by the weights not being screwed in right? I did put almost 3000 miles on it in a weeks time when I went to colorado...

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

+Iseekknowledge I don't think the bar end weights could have any effect on tire wear. You should check the Vstrom forums on the internet and search for what other people say about the stock tires. Maybe it's not a very good tire. Were you running proper tire pressure. If you run it underinflated, it can wear unevenly.

@skunkapunka 6 жыл бұрын

Iseekknowledge if you put 3000 miles plus whatever milage the tires already had, I think your tires and done for.

@notwocdivad 11 жыл бұрын

I thought about filling the bars on my RE Bullet Sixty-5 with course sand, My theory is if it will dissapate the force of a bullet then it might do the same with Bullet handlebar vibes. (no pun intended) I suppose I could sit on it in the garage and go "thump, thump, thump, thumpety thump, then there would be no vibes LOL. Dave

@TroyaE117 9 жыл бұрын

Lead shot works well. I have used them on an old Russky bike.

@hoohoohoblin 9 жыл бұрын

I have heard that as well. When I did my handlebars, all the local stores were out of lead shot so I used steel BBs. I think the lead would have worked better because lead is soft and absorbs vibration.

@zensempai7371 2 жыл бұрын

In Russia bike lead shots YOU

@brandonfolk6442 3 жыл бұрын

You should swap out those riser bushings . Handlebars aren’t supposed to move independently w the forks

@pauldrakecomet 11 жыл бұрын

I have a Suzuki vstrom 650. With heated grips. I get slightly numb fingers the bike is the new style its only a year old. Because it has heated Suzuki grips does that mean I can't do anything with it. Any advice would be great

@SebCarro.OccPsychology 6 жыл бұрын

FragranceMonster same here!

@notwocdivad 11 жыл бұрын

I have one problem there, The previous owner has fitted bar end mirrors which I would like to keep as they are very handy for seeing past my elbows. Just wait til I fit the Avonaire full fairing to the front I won't be going very fast either Ho Hum Dave ps, I thought a bar snake was a sleazy guy who sat in a bar trying to pick up ladies!!!

@fz-10forumsmembersvids2 7 жыл бұрын

Go get tubes of silicone and tape one end of the bars, fill with silicone, let it dry, install with dirtbike pillow grips. Thank us later..

@hoohoohoblin 7 жыл бұрын

Thanks.

@MASViper 6 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@davidgarris5440 3 жыл бұрын

I plan to try something similar with hot glue and bbs.

@ericedmonds90 7 жыл бұрын

what windshield is that on the Suzuki? I have an 83 Tempter that looks very similar.

@hoohoohoblin 7 жыл бұрын

+Eric Edmonds I don't remember the brand name, but I remember that it was the cheapest one I could find. It was a great size, not too big, but big enough to block a lot of wind.

@RoyMeraki 5 жыл бұрын

if I fill the handlebar with dry sand instead of silicon or rubber, will it work?

@hoohoohoblin 5 жыл бұрын

It would probably help. As long as something heavy is in there, it will change the way it vibrates. Some people use shotgun pellets.

@RoyMeraki 5 жыл бұрын

@@hoohoohoblin how about cross bars, do you have any idea about that, I say your honda has one..

@howtonewlight9117 8 жыл бұрын

When i Double my Motorcycle i hear Creaking Noise When I Ride in Double can you Help me Resolve this Problem

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

Check the shock absorbers and make sure they are securely connected, and that you have the correct preload. Maybe the extra weight is making the chain guard rub something, or the chain rub something.

@kitwalker2103 8 жыл бұрын

I have a honda unicorn but none of the products are available in India guess i will need to improvise!

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

Unicorn is the best motorcycle name ever!

@kitwalker2103 8 жыл бұрын

I purchased the handle grip covers....softer to the wrist and has made the riding experience better!But when I spoke to a couple of mechanics I was told that the vibrations would continue....when I get the time I will do something abt this use some sot of vibe deadeners!

@hondaforlife1763 6 жыл бұрын

is that a two stroke Honda cr500

@hoohoohoblin 6 жыл бұрын

+Dave Crowder It’s a 4stroke XL500R.

@waseemshahid6327 3 жыл бұрын

Sir what is steel b b's you put in your handle bar?

@hoohoohoblin 3 жыл бұрын

They are for a BB gun. If you look up BB gun on the Internet, you’ll see what that is. It’s an air powered gun that shoots a little steel balls. Putting lead shot from a shotgun in the handlebars might be better because they are softer, so they will damp the vibration better.

@waseemshahid6327 3 жыл бұрын

@@hoohoohoblin thank you so much sir

@YashShah112 8 жыл бұрын

I feel vibrations after 90-100kmph in my Royal Enfield classic 350....Can you suggest something to reduce that?

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

Slow down!!!! The engine design makes it vibrate a lot when you rev it up. You could do things like put on softer rubber grips and foot pegs, and maybe a seat with springs under it, so you don't feel the vibrations as much.

@metalguyn 8 жыл бұрын

+hoohoohoblin You realive he is only going 55 mph right? He is using kmh not mph 90 kmh = 55 mph.

@FoundingStockNZ Жыл бұрын

Intakes need to be synchronized, sorts a lot of vibration and more

@ronklucsar9803 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your mention of Vibranator in your video. I recently started working for the inventor of Vibranators and we have had a lot of great feedback from our anti-vibration technology that inserts into the handle bars. Here is a link to our website www.vibranator.com Please let us know if you have any questions on our product. We would be glad to offer any feedback.

@hoohoohoblin 10 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. I'm glad you posted a comment so people will be able to check out your website. I have never tried the Vibranator, but I heard that it works well,

@gordonemoore 12 жыл бұрын

BTW, an old Sportster will vibrate a BarSnake to bits. You'll know to check it when the fillings vibrate out of your teeth. :-)

@eddywtf 12 жыл бұрын

Great video, very helpful. And yet some douchebag still finds the nerve to click dislike. I don't understand some people.

@manghuhf 6 жыл бұрын

eddywtf human nowadays

@joe241able 7 жыл бұрын

my handle bars shake when start up and take off

@hoohoohoblin 7 жыл бұрын

One some bikes that is normal. Rubber mounted Harleys do that.

@joe241able 7 жыл бұрын

It is

@joe241able 7 жыл бұрын

I have a automatic motorcycle

@cvcoco 10 жыл бұрын

Ok, two ideas that work. On a Yamaha FZ150 and a Honda CB750, I cut small squares of inner tube and placed them inside the lower half-moon of the handlebar clamp. The way the clamps are designed you cannot run a strip completely around the handlebar at the point of the clamp so dont try, but they will accept a few layers on the bottom bowl. Anyway this gives about 25% reduction in buzz, to the point its manageable. Second way is that dirt bike crossbar pad bars, correctly positioned and tightened, give a huge reduction in vibration. But of course they are ugly and take up a lot of accessory real estate. But Ive found that isolating the bars from the triple clamp is the most effective. If I had access to machining tools I would grind out the existing bar clamps and install a thick rubber donut all around. Not doing that well will result in bars that cannot be tightened firmly so thought has to be given to the project.

@hoohoohoblin 10 жыл бұрын

Good advice. A little bit of rubber can make a difference. Harley builds rubber-isolated handlebar mounts on some of their motorcycles, and they work pretty well.

@jaydash5962 3 жыл бұрын

The previous owner probably had an elegant solution. I'd wager the bolt was so that he could screw in a weight to the bar end.

@gordonemoore 12 жыл бұрын

One of the most important things you can do to reduce vibration is to make sure every fastener, accessory, etc. aft of the rear shock absorbers is tight. I can't wait for the video of you installing an engine balancer on something that didn't come with one. Heh.

@willogan99 6 жыл бұрын

Lead kills vibration far better than steel BBs

@hoohoohoblin 6 жыл бұрын

+Doug Collins True!

@sdqsdq6274 7 жыл бұрын

hmmm why doesnt any bar company make a solid metal handle bars , beats filling it with lead

@hoohoohoblin 7 жыл бұрын

Yes, or one with some kind of magic shock absorbing gel. There must be really good technology for this by now, and it would make many motorcycles a lot more pleasant to ride.

@eivad1 11 жыл бұрын

i know i was shocked, tg i didnt pay for the assembly of the bike

@nzbeeker1 9 жыл бұрын

I watched this video, then added anti-vibration weights... Huge difference, thanks. Before and after photos here: facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1042393385775191&set=gm.645300008903441&type=1&theater

@hoohoohoblin 9 жыл бұрын

You're welcome. It is all about tuning the weight to absorb the vibration. I am glad it worked so well for you.

@nzbeeker1 9 жыл бұрын

***** Thanks, what the weights actualy screwed into was loose inside the handlebar, adding to the vibration... with the weights screwed in, it has made an amazing difference... Thanks again.

@DENMONKEY 8 жыл бұрын

I don't recommend those grips. I tried them and they fell apart in no time at all. Just like your throttle one which is starting to break down. Don't waste your time

@hoohoohoblin 8 жыл бұрын

+DENMONKEY you are correct. They don't last very long, but they do absorb a lot of vibration more then a finger grip would.