My solution to less vibrations

[zzkenoman]

I bought bar end weights but my hands still get numb from the high frequency vibrations. So I tried doing this:

The material I use are usually found at many automotive stereo installation shops, and they use it to dampen the vibration from sheet metal of the car and to sound proof the interior. I placed a measured piece between the upper and lower tree and fastened them temporarily with nylon ties. I later covered them with weatherproof duct tape. I jumped on the bike and rode all day and my fingers didn't go numb and my joints and wrist didn't ache. It may work for you or not, but so far thumbs up.

 

[SkooterG]

Ok, you got me baffled. How and the heck does putting any type of material there affect vibration?

 

[markjenn]

Color me extremely skeptical this can make any difference (it would be like putting tape around the steering column to stop a steering wheel vibration), but you're riding and we're sitting here pontificating at the computer. If it works for you, that's all that matters.

- Mark

 

[brazos parker]

I've been scratchin' my head ever since I read the first post. Anyone got any ideas on how this might reduce vibes in the bars?

 

[exskibum]

Similarly flummoxed, though I'll be the first to admit that harmonic balancers seemed like magic to me, too.

Seems to me that most of the vibration felt in the bars would have come from connection to the largest mass of the bike (including the engine) through the connection at the steering head and bearings.

 

[Scab]

Has anyone out there tried the dirtbiker trick of filling the hollow part of the handle bars with silicone? I know some ex-dirt bike racers that swear it will kill vibration making it to the hands. I know the lower section is not hollow on the FJR, but what about the grip area? It should be hollow. Access may be a problem, though.

Anybody?

 

[FJRandy]

The main reason I can't figure out how It's the fact that the upper tree takes most of the weight of the bike....to an extent of course. So one would think most of the vibes, if coming from there would pass through the upper tree, bypassing the lower tree.

zzkenoman, if you're getting vibes through the triple trees themselves, you might want to re-torque the stem nut.

Something just doesn't sound right.

 

[twowheelnut]

Penn 330LD with a Slammer rod and some 25 wt? Which lure ya using?

 

[04FJR4ME]

What you need is to have something in the handle bars that will absorbed the vibration. On my 1980 Kawasaki Z1 Classic 1000, I have a solid piece of dense rubber ran through the inside of my handle bar and that seems to work.

 

[toophast]

Penn 330LD with a Slammer rod and some 25 wt?  Which lure ya using?

That's what I'm thinking is how it worked

 

[zzkenoman]

I seem to have remembered using aluminum bats and hitting hard balls, and it would always sting your hands if you didn't wear gloves. Its not scientific, but I don't feel all of the sting the front wheel generates into my fingers after I rode a couple hundred miles with this little mod.

What is the torque for the stem nut?

 

[benneyb]

I dunno, I think zzkenoman may be getting a slight reduction in vibes from the Dynamat stuff. Not as effective however as filling the handlebars (if in fact they are hollow) with a dense damping material. That's in fact how the upper end aluminum bats are damped these days.

 

[FJRocha]

Ya ought-a trry one ef them Placebo-mats and zee if it alzo werks...

Sounds to me like your little fix has cured the vibrations in your head, not in your hands... but hey, if your head says you don't feeld them, then you don't feel them... or do you?

 

[twowheelnut]

I seem to have remembered using aluminum bats and hitting hard balls, and it would always sting your hands if you didn't wear gloves. Its not scientific, but I don't feel all of the sting the front wheel generates into my fingers after I rode a couple hundred miles with this little mod.
What is the torque for the stem nut?

85 ft-lb.

 

[Knifemaker]

Well, I think it is Voodo

.... but it is possible that some of the "vibrations" felt were do to cables/wires vibrating against the upper fork tube there and transmiting on up into the handle bars.It is also possible that the matting does nothing, but that when he installed them he moved something inadvertantly.

Most of what is vibrating here is metal, and sound/vibration travels through metal very fast, so it is hard to imagine "rubber coating" a small area like this would have any noticable effect.

Further tests here are recomended.

KM

 

[FJRocha]

...Further tests here are recomended.

...

I tell ya man, ough-ta try the placebo type... betcha it will also work. :haha:

 

[PapaUtah]

PING, the golf company, regularly uses metal balls suspended in a silicone type material inserted about a foot into the butt end of their iron shafts. It is called the Cushin Insert and improves the feel of the club. It works through some dampening effect on the vbration coming up the shaft. Just might work on handlebars!

"the Cushin Selective Filtering Insert dissipates shaft vibrations caused by ball impact, lessening the stress on bone, muscle and connective tissue. This produces better feel and reduces fatigue through the course of a round. Weighing just 10 grams, the Cushin Insert has a minimal effect on the total weight of the club, and because it is located inside the shaft at the swingweight fulcrum, it does not affect the swingweight."

 

[yamaholic]

Interesting concept. I'm installing similar material in my car now.

I believe you that this works. Try something for us, will you?

Cut out small shapes that will fit between between the upper clamp and your handlebars (or risers). Install them and go for a test ride. Get back to us on how that feels.

The stuff I'm using is more buytl based rather than Asphault based. Seems very "rubbery" in comparison. It's called Second Skin Damplifyer.

I was going to toss some under my gas tank to reduce knee vibes, but won't really have enough of the material to do this and the entire car. Plus it weighs a lot and I want to avoid adding anymore weight.

 

[twowheelnut]

There are BB type inserts for hollow bars. I think they're called 'The Bar Snake' or some such.

ZZ, all kidding aside, it appears that you are not using risers. In my own case, I get no vibes up through the bars, rather it was the angle and height of the grips that sent my hands numb. I would suggest that you try a set of Motorcycle Larry's or D & D's angled risers. 23,000 miles of 'numbless' hands and my back and arms aren't stressed as with the stock set-up, either.