Buzzy Bars - Can't Fix

[Kasey]

Normally for my bike a buzz in the bars signals the timing for a TBS - which on my '03 occurs approx. every 15K km. and then it smooths out beautifully. However, Mr. WC did the TBS at Reno and it was spot-on. I've had this bike since new and the buzz has never been so bad. It occurs within 120-140 kmh which is my most-used range on the open hwy.

I'm running my usual Bridgestone BT020 tires and I've played with the tire pressures and recently installed irridium plugs but neither has helped. The buzz is merely annoying on a short day ride but on the long hauls my arms and shoulders ache through the night. I have heavy bar-end weights, my summer gloves have gel palms, I use a Throttle Rocker.

Do any of you FJR Wizards have any insight into this very uncomfortable problem?

Kasey

 

[kaitsdad]

I seem to recall some comments earlier this year about loosening and re-tourqing the engine bolts -

 

[FJRottie]

The engine bolts would be my guess. Squeeze your ankles inwards and feel the entire bike vibrations while you ride.

There is a post around here all about it. Engine bolts or Engine mounts in the post.

 

[black mamba]

I've got a bit of the same problem. But, in my case, there is an additional mystery: the buzz may be there and be really bad, or it may be almost non-existant. I can't figure it out. It is like the bike is started one day with the crank in a certain position that dictates the buzz will be there. Then other days the crank is in another position and the bike will be virtually buzz free. I doubt that is the reality of the situation; maybe some of you real gearheads can offer an opinion that makes sense. I am going to loosen and re-tighten the engine mounting bolts and see if that helps. When the buzz is bad, the bike is no fun to be on.

 

[Scab]

Just askin' but could a wheel bearing cause such a vibe?

 

[madmike2]

Do any of you FJR Wizards have any insight into this very uncomfortable problem?
Kasey

My friend, it is entirely possible that the engine mount bolts ned to be retorqued after your valve repair last year. I'll be darned if I can find the information but I know its here someplace. Maybe one of the "gurus" with a manual can chime in.

 

[Kasey]

Maybe one of the "gurus" with a manual can chime in.

Thanks Mike, I'd forgotten to factor in the valve repair. I would appreciate more info so chime away someone out there.

Kasey

 

[HIGHLANDER]

Maybe one of the "gurus" with a manual can chime in.

Thanks Mike, I'd forgotten to factor in the valve repair. I would appreciate more info so chime away someone out there.

Kasey

Kasey,

You need a manual to do this procedure, it would be too hard to explain in written form. You need a diagram that shows the 15 or so bolts, with 6 different torque specs, that need to be tightened in a specific order.

It also shows a special tool being required for a couple of bolts. Fairing need removal too, so I'm guessing you would be likely to take it to a dealer ????

If you have a fax #, send me a pm and I'll run a couple pages for you if you want to tackle this.

Has it always vibed, or recently started ? Did it vibe before the encounter with the metal object that required fork / wheel work last year ?

Scabs idea of a wheel bearing has some merit. Check the front end smoothness by getting the front wheel off the ground while it's on the centerstand ( have someone sit on the pillion seat while on the stand ).

 

[FJRandy]

Very simple to eliminate a bad wheel bearing as the source of bar vibes.

Find a nice long downhill and get it up to the 120-140 kmp range, then pull in the clutch and coast down the hill. My bet is no more vibes until the clutch is released and revs come back up.

 

[Kasey]

Has it always vibed, or recently started ? Did it vibe before the encounter with the metal object that required fork / wheel work last year ?

It vibed pre-encounter and a TBS would smooth it right out; as I said the current bad vibes are fairly new and much more severe. As a matter of fact the left fork was just replaced July 6th; it may be coincidental or not but at the same time the tech discovered my front tire wasn't 'true' when he investigated my mention of a shimmy. The tire was replaced at no charge just prior to my leaving for Reno and the shimmy was gone. What are the odds of getting two bum tires in a row so I haven't even considered that. That said, I did notice more vibes during and since that trip.

Thanks for the fax offer; I think I'll remove all the plastic and take it to my dealer for re-toqueing. The wheel bearing check you suggest has been done so I'll ride out tomorrow to try and find a downhill here on the prairies to follow up on FJRRandy's suggestion.

Kasey