Bike vibrates over 6k

[StevenDavisPhoto]

So, I know the power band on our bikes is the 6-10k range... But my footpegs and handlebars vibrate a lot over 6k. Not to the point where it feels like something is wrong, but just enough to irritate my hands and feet and make me wanna keep it around 5-5.5k when I'm cruising and only taking it over 6k to accelerate. Is that normal? Thanks.

[Dizzledan]

Any excessive vibration that is enough to irritate your hands/feet is wrong. Check the engine bolts and frame side rails to make sure nothing is loose. Check tires for alignment, and check your steering on the centerstand to see if the bearing in the steering triple is bad.

Might want to invest in some more comfortable gear, what do you wear now?

[StevenDavisPhoto]

AS gloves, Dianese Leather Jacket. Don't think it's the gear. Some bar ends would definitely help the handlebars.

[SAFE-T]

The GS is really humming along between 6-10k. Try an 18T front sprocket ~ I found it made a real difference at highway speed, keeping the rpm's in a range that was a lot more tolerable.

[Paulcet]

wanna keep it around 5-5.5k when I'm cruising and only taking it over 6k to accelerate. Is that normal?

Yes, that is normal.

Cruising @6k rpm is 80mph on mine!

[adidasguy]

I can go 6k-7k and all feels normal. I've been up to 8k-9k at times when in a group and we have to pass. All runs smooth. I only knew it was that fast because I briefly looked at the gauges.

Something might be loose.
Could be engine counterbalance.
Could be carbs need syncing.
Could be tires out of balance.

Is it related more to speed or engine RPM's?

[StevenDavisPhoto]

Is it related more to speed or engine RPM's?

rpm's for sure.

[SAFE-T]

My footpegs and handlebars vibrate a lot over 6k. Is that normal? Thanks.

How long have you had your GS500 ? Is it your first bike ? If not, what was your last bike ?

[mister]

I don't go much above 6k on the bike. No need to. Usual max on the highway is 120kph / 6k rpm. Around town, 4k in 4th.

Having said that, when I do go above 6k I wouldn't say the vibes are irritating nor excessive.

Michael

[Phil B]

vibes on my bike are actualy most annoying to me at 5.5k-6k, or something like that.
higher speeds, and it's smooooth.
Well, it still has vibration, of course   but doesnt bother me as much

[Suzuki Stevo]

You can rule out Carb Sync...by 6K its already out of the picture.

[ggg]

Hmmm... if the carbs are significantly out of sync, one cylinder will burn differently from the other. This is bound to create extra vibration regardless of rpm. Same issue with valve clearance. I'd check both before looking into anything deeper.

I've had my '99 without bar end weights for about 2 years and I finally decided to buy a used pair on eBay four months ago. The difference is perceptible but small. At any rate, the vibrations are quite tolerable at 6-7k in 6th.

Another thing I noticed is that a rejet helped with vibration. In U.S. spec, the bike comes out lean from the factory to start with. (European models have slightly larger jets AFAIK.) The previous owner of my bike had fitted a K&N drop-in air filter without touching the carbs, which makes the bike even leaner. It took 8-10 miles (14-16 km) to fully warm up (no choke needed) from a cold start at 50 deg F / 10 deg C ambient. Also, there was some amount of buzz at 6-7k rpm.

I put two washers under each needle two weeks ago as recommended by the Wiki and the impact is noticeable. The bike is choke-free in under 5 miles / 8 km and runs more smoothly at 6-7k.

Hope this helps...

[Suzuki Stevo]

Hmmm... if the carbs are significantly out of sync, one cylinder will burn differently from the other.

By 2000 Rpm carb sync is out of the equation...your hand runs the butterfly's, velocity runs the slide. By 6k if the butterfly's are off, even a whole lot, carb sync has no bearing on the situation because the velocity decides how far the slide is opened....regardless of what your right hand tells the carbs.

EDIT: Any hesitation just off an idle could be a carb sync issue, that's when carb sync is most important, the two carbs need to work as a team when you first twist the grip...and I'm talking the first 1/32 of rotation, syncing issues effect lower Rpm's...and don't show up @ 6K+

[Phil B]

Another thing I noticed is that a rejet helped with vibration. In U.S. spec, the bike comes out lean from the factory to start with. (European models have slightly larger jets AFAIK.) The previous owner of my bike had fitted a K&N drop-in air filter without touching the carbs,
(...)

I put two washers under each needle two weeks ago as recommended by the Wiki and the impact is noticeable. The bike is choke-free in under 5 miles / 8 km and runs more smoothly at 6-7k.

waitwhat?
where in the wiki does it recommend 2 washers for a drop-in??
far as I know, it recommends changing jets, and thats all.
(for stock exhaust, anyways)

[ggg]

In the table here: http://wiki.gstwins.com/index.php?n=Upgrades.Rejetting

[Phil B]

ohhhh.. pre-2000 is different. okay then.