Has anyone removed their bar end weights?

[user11235813]

The reason I ask is that I have bought some new grips that do not have bar end weights in them. They have a chromed cap on the end. They are a bigger diameter than the OEM grips and very comfortable. I had a neoprene slip on over the original grips but they have become smooth and don't do the job any more.

I have cut the original OEM grips off and these new grips seem really nice. It would be easier to just slip them on, however if I want to attach the bar end weights to them I can by taking the chromed cap off, but I want to decide before fitting them as I'd have to take them off to unscrew the chromed caps  and I don't want to remove them once they are installed.

I rode around today with no grips or weights and it did not seem any worse than it was with the bar end weights on.

Opinions?

[ajensen]

The rule is, if you are happy, it is right for you. However, the weights do help dampen vibes.

[ShowBizWolf]

I have never had any bar end weights on my bike and I've never really thought about adding them. Always been happy when riding. I agree with ajensen, if you're happy then go with it! Also, got any pics of the new grips?

[gregjet]

Be aware that the amplitude as well as the frequency of bar vibration increases with speed. Just check that they are OK are highway speeds. If so no worries. 180 dge cranks have an advantage in some planes re: vibration but they tend to set a rocking couple crossways. I don't know if Suzuki has done any end weight damping to reduce it.
Some bars also damp vibration ( usually by having an absorbing core like Renthals).

[yamahonkawazuki]

ive never used bar end weights. instead for vibes i removed one grip, and filled bars with BBs. (any kind really doesnt matter all that much) replaced grip and all was right with the world. a bit weird leaning bike over close to a laydown angle to get funnel inserted and BBs filled with minimal dropage. heck it was good practice for uprighting a bike.
Aaron

[89500inPA]

I think this is mostly based on your feeling. If they feel good, go with it. my experience for what it's worth:

When I bought my GS, the previous owner had obviously dropped the bike on the right side at some point, and the bar end was missing from the right grip. I would ride to and from work and found my right hand was numb by the end of the ride (about 45 min.). Probably a combination of the missing bar end, a noob death grip on the handle, and perhaps a less than perfectly synched carb. I wound up ordering a new bar end and filling the grips, which were the old factory clip on style, with the heaviest caulk I could find. This and adjusting the carb made all the issues go away.

[user11235813]

ok thanks for the replies, all useful. OK I bit the bullet and put them on, they are a nice tight fit but it does look like I'll be able to slide them off with a bit of force if I ever need to.

SBW, here's some photos, at first I just assumed that the ends were just chromed plastic but after taking one off to see how the bar end would fit if I needed to, it turns out they are a solid bit of cast metal. In one of the shots you can see what it looks like with the end off, the old bar end weight will butt up to the plastic end, so if I need to I can add them on, doesn't look very pretty though.

There's a bit of space on the inside of the throttle where it will not fit over properly, they came with an extra circular bit of foam which I added on both sides, I could probably take the right hand grip off and ground down the inside to fit better, but this was a comfort mod not a cosmetic mod, I'm not overly fond of the bright chrome but it's OK. I do like the flat look. This is still neoprene so it will probably wear out eventually.


the Brand was MCS, model HG9

[ShowBizWolf]

Looks nice!!

[user11235813]

@SBW it totally about comfort. But I have just realised that because it's build onto a good plastic base with quality metal fittings that when the neoprene wears out I'll be able to take that off and glue on something that is more grippy, I'll probably then have the inside of the throttle grip ground down to fit snug.