Reducing Vibration Thread

[iv76erson03]

I am hoping for a collection of ideas for reducing vibration in the engine, handlebars, pegs, seat, whatever. My commute is like 50 miles and I am just getting to the point where I feel numb when I get off the damn thing. I have a 05 so it's not like it's and old engine. Any ideas would be great.

[CndnMax]

pour cement in any open voids, jsut leave enough room to change oil and start it, i guarantee it will stop vibrating is u can get it to move that is .

did u try heavier bar ends? some people say they have less with lighter bar ends too so experiment

[iv76erson03]

Yeah i was wondering about the bar end thing. I saw some really heavy ones but they were like $70, which is an expensive experiment. If they work I'll try it. I also heard about putting BBs in the handlebar, but i haven't tested this either.

[CndnMax]

also, before you buy anything, are you holding onto the grips to tight? try clinching your knees and holding yourself up with your back and abs with just a light touch on the handle bars.

[iv76erson03]

I think i'm relaxed enough. I do ride stiffarmed though, and i know i'm not supposed to do that. If i squeeze with my knees, then my knees go numb and hurt. Maybe I just need a BMW.

[CndnMax]

just get a harley for a few months then go back to the gs500 and it wont bother you anymore 

[GeeP]

Synch the carbs at your cruising RPM.

Remove and balance your wheels.

[genEricStL]

Synch the carbs at your cruising RPM.

Remove and balance your wheels.

Hey ... wanna help with the jets still (i'll cover gas and i make a mean BBQ ... my wife says you seem nice , so maybe she'll make someof her deviled eggs  ) ... may bext weekend ? We're going to 6 Flags tomorrow and i have an audition to fill in singing for some band sunday (i'm not leaving mine , they just need a hired gun for a gig mid-august - playing in front of people is , well ... playing in front of people lol)

[iv76erson03]

Synch the carbs at your cruising RPM.

Remove and balance your wheels.

Sounds like a great idea but I don't know how to do either.    If you have a F.A.Q. i'll give it a shot. Also, i've never heard of in the stix, IL. I'm about an hour south of Rockford. PM me and maybe we can hook up and I'll take a lesson.

[PuddleJumper]

I got some spongy slip over grip pads.
Don't remember where though.

They make the grips much thicker and softer.
Helps me a lot.

Don't have much vibration on the bike though. My hands just didn't like the small diameter of the factory grips.

[Affschnozel]

Synch the carbs at your cruising RPM.

Remove and balance your wheels.

Yeah, synching carbs and adjusting valves should smooth the engine
Just went on a ride after valve adjustments and the difference is  noticable
Idling and acceleration smoother and deceleration not abrupt as before 

[sledge]

Vibration is a problem thats inherrant with the GS5. Despite your bike being relatively new, the actual design is almost 20 years old now and the engine design dates back even further so you cant expect it to perform like a  "modern bike" would. You can carry out mods and make adjustments which may prove beneficial in reducing vibration but you will never remove it completely.
I too find the GS hard work on long runs in comparison to other bikes I have owned and run and until you do spend some serious time on another bike you dont realise just how uncomfortable the GS5 can be over moderate to long distances.

[ohgood]

1) Pour lead shot into the handlebars. FILL IT UP
2) Install foam grips.
3) Install a Cramp Buster http://www.crampbuster.com/
4) Adjust clutch and brake levers to suit your riding style/position.
5) Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeelax
6) Got Oil ?
7) Adjust the valves, check the carbs sync.
Get a mirrored or tinted shield.
9) make a conscious effort to ride _smoother_
10) Like someone else said, ride a HD for a month, then hop back on your GS.

They're easy things to do, but make a big difference.

[manofthefield]

I think i'm relaxed enough. I do ride stiffarmed though, and i know i'm not supposed to do that. If i squeeze with my knees, then my knees go numb and hurt. Maybe I just need a BMW.

As Scratch says, you should be able to do the Funky Chicken with your arms with while riding.  This is a good way to think about it and keep your arms loose and bent

As far as the BBs or lead shot in the handle bar, I think you can also put sand in there to do the same thing, depending on what you've got available.  Or you can buy a Bar Snake that does the same kind of thing

[Wrecent_Wryder]

Yeah i was wondering about the bar end thing. I saw some really heavy ones but they were like $70, which is an expensive experiment. If they work I'll try it. I also heard about putting BBs in the handlebar, but i haven't tested this either.

Probably Manic Salamanders.  They get pretty good reviews, so if it's a big problem, it might be worth it.

Great name, anyway.

http://www.manicsalamander.com/bar_end_weight.htm

[CndnMax]

don't waist your money on a bar snake, just go out in a field catch yourself a little rattler and put that sucker in there. the ones that are ran over in the middle of the street will be harder to slide in there 

[ben2go]

Find a MC shop that builds engines have them toss the balance shaft and fully balance the crankshaft,rods and pistons.

[iv76erson03]

1) Pour lead shot into the handlebars. FILL IT UP
2) Install foam grips.
3) Install a Cramp Buster http://www.crampbuster.com/
4) Adjust clutch and brake levers to suit your riding style/position.
5) Reeeeeeeeeeeeeeelax
6) Got Oil ?
7) Adjust the valves, check the carbs sync.
Get a mirrored or tinted shield.
9) make a conscious effort to ride _smoother_
10) Like someone else said, ride a HD for a month, then hop back on your GS.

They're easy things to do, but make a big difference.

These are great ideas. My oil was a little low and i did notice a bit of a difference when it was filled up.  I'm gonna go to walmart and get some shot. Any idea how much i need?

[pbureau69]

Yeah i was wondering about the bar end thing. I saw some really heavy ones but they were like $70, which is an expensive experiment. If they work I'll try it. I also heard about putting BBs in the handlebar, but i haven't tested this either.

Probably Manic Salamanders.  They get pretty good reviews, so if it's a big problem, it might be worth it.

Great name, anyway.

I got a set of their 1 lbs brush end.. they are wonderfull... no vibrations on handlebars'

http://www.manicsalamander.com/bar_end_weight.htm

[genEricStL]

thought they're more than i'd ever spend on bar-ends , those "dragonfly" ones from that website are pretty cool ... can anyone here make 'em ?