Handlebar vibes on a DOHC engine

[scottpa]

Hi,
I had a day off work today and as the weather was nice I decided it was time for a visit to the local dealers.

I currently have an 07 GS with 37K on the clock (so it's just about run in now!).

I took a 1200RT out and then a GSA both with the new DOHC engine. Each for about 2 hrs.

One thing I noticed was that when I got back to the dealer, I had vibration 'tingles' in my fingers. (Something I used to get when riding 4 cylinder bikes).

Each of these bikes only had 1500 mile on them so they are still a bit new and tight. But I don't remember my 07 being that bad in the beginning and there are hardly any now.

So my question to any DOHC owners who have put a few thousand miles on their bikes is, did you notice the vibrations through the grips when the bike was new and did they calm down as the miles increased on the engine?

Thanks,
Alan

 

[Schtum]

In theory, the DOHC engines should produce less vibration since the absence of the short pushrods which were in the previous oilhead engines means that there's less reciprocating mass.

 

[cookie]

i don't really get much in the way of vibes until i get to about 90+, then it is noticeable for a while.
since i rarely go that fast for more than a few seconds these days, it's not a problem at all, and it's no worse than my old 06 1200 or 1150.

below that sort of speed it is very smooth indeed IMO.

 

[scottpa]

I have to admit that I was riding 'enthusiastically' while on the test rides so was getting the engine spinning up to parts of the rev range where perhaps it is rougher than lower down the revs. Maybe I was just a little bit more sensitive to the vibes today.

I was impressed by the response of the engine. Especially a top gear roll on form 70 to 90. That was noticeably quicker than the 07.

Still, it's not going to put me off. The only decision now is whether to go GS or GSA. The weather protection given by the GSA tank and screen is tempting but cleaning spoked wheels is a PITA.

 

[Edward Hitler]

Bought my DOHC GSA from Jeffries with 1400 miles on the clock, I noticed the vibration through the bars over my 06 plate GS when I brought it home. I've since put over another 1000 miles on and it's starting to smooth out. Go for the GSA, the wheels aren't that bad to clean.

 

[mcinlb]

My 2010 DOHC GS had, what I thought was a 'rough' spot about 4500rpm, which is about 75mph ish. Invested in a balancer and set it up - instant improvement but maybe wishful thinking, not bad overall (as ex Guzzi owner).

 

[Dave h]

vibration

Hi
Had my bike since Aug 2010 done 15000 miles now, good as gold no vibes apart from getting near 12000 service sorted again after that,the bike has been fab.wheels just Doc gel then wash off simples

Dave

 

[davidblythe]

when i first got my 2010 GSA, the vibrations were causing pins and needles with white fingers

18 months and 16000 miles later cant remember when this last happened

 

[Engineer]

For a 110HP 1200CC boxer engine the 2010 model has remarkably little vibration.

 

[davnjud]

no vibes for me at 16k and never had a problem. serious pins and needles from myb ducati st3 cured by some overgrips. why did you go for the gs versus the rt? - this is a choice i am mulling over when I trade in the gs eventually

 

[scottpa]

The RT is a very good package. The screen is excellent, no buffeting at all. It also has a higher top speed than the GSA. I got over 130 on the RT as opposed to just over 120 on the GSA (on the test track officer!). I also appeared to be going 15-20 miles an hour faster than I thought, probably because of the better wind protection.

The seat to foot peg ratio is higher on the RT so your feet feel closer to your bum than on a GS. It will corner as well as a GS but it needs a firmer hand. The GSA is just more flickable and fun.

However the RT seat is armchair comfortable compared to the GS you could definitely do 5-600 miles in a day and not have a sore backside. Add to that the wind protection of the screen and the cruise control. You would definitely feel a lot fresher at the end of the day compared to the GSA.

Don't get me wrong, those kind of distances are easily done on a GS/GSA and I have done 500 mile days on my 07 GS. But I have been pretty knackered at the end of big days like that.

If you can afford both and use the RT for the distance work and keep the GS/GSA for hooning about, brilliant. I can't so I will have the GSA and put up with a lack of luxuriousness for the 4 or 5 long trips I do a year and enjoy the 'sportier' GSA for the rest of the time.

 

[Mightytharg]

Over 15k on my 2010 GSA and yes it suffers from bar vibes - this tends to affect my wrists elbows and forearms as much as my fingers

On my bike this wasnt apparent when it was brand spanking new but is rather something that developed or became more noticeable over time

For my usage of approx 500 miles a week of highish cruising speeds this is proving to be a pain and as I need to use a keyboard to earn a living I may well make this my last boxer for a while

 

[trainman]

its not unheard of on various adv or enduro type bikes with big wide bars, some treat the symptom (not the cause), by adding weight to the bar ends. Maybe some weight in the hand guards might help, worth a try even if only a lash up to see what happens??

Google Renthal bars vibration - they sell some anti vibe weights but no good for GS if you have hand guards in the way!

 

[ducatiparts.110mb]

I've had my DOHC RT from new, 13000 miles now and I've never noticed any vibration.

 

[snaponphil]

Calming with mileage

Hi,
Just my tuppence worth..

When my 2011 GSA was new the vibration in my hands was annoying, it got gradually better approx 1500 miles, now at 4500 miles I would say it's totally vibration free..

I have been touring Europe & one day put 650 miles on the clock over 14 hours of varied riding, (might av been longer, slow average but some sustained blasts of 95mph on dual carriageways)

I thought the vibes was gonna be a problem & it would have made me sell the bike, but I'm more than happy now, I was 'concerned' at the start of the trip.

All in all a great bike with prescence that cars move over for..

 

[snaponphil]

Shame to give in.!

Over 15k on my 2010 GSA and yes it suffers from bar vibes - this tends to affect my wrists elbows and forearms as much as my fingers

On my bike this wasnt apparent when it was brand spanking new but is rather something that developed or became more noticeable over time

For my usage of approx 500 miles a week of highish cruising speeds this is proving to be a pain and as I need to use a keyboard to earn a living I may well make this my last boxer for a while

After reading the above, it would appear something has changed or is gradually starting to fail, it would be a shame to continue riding with a faulty product that could possibly be easily fixed, may I suggest go back to basic settings, fit all new spark plugs, get 2 new lambda sensors, (reasonably cheap ebay or other aftermarket non genuine supplier) fit them both, road test... If nothing gained resell the lambda sensors, but possibly an improvement & lots cheaper than changing bike.
All of the above can be fitted on a Sunday afternoon on your drive by anyone with a bit of DIY knowledge & enthusiasm.

Good luck.