(Not so) Good Vibrations

[MikeO]

Large Vibrator Problem

I've got an Adventure, 13,000 miles, with the 'standard' gearbox (ie normal ration 1st, rather than the 'Enduro' option & normal, rather than overdrive, 6th). The problem is that I'm starting to develop some nasty aches & pains in my fingers. The doc thinks it may be the onset of Vibration White Finger (which is a lot less fun than it sounds...). He feels that this is probably brought about by the amount of time I spend on the bike.

I recently rode my mate's standard GS, which has a higher top gear, and was amazed at how smooth it was in the cruise. I decided to research the cost of retro-fitting a standard GS top gear - unfortunately BMW only supply an entire layshaft (£480 ish), which is economically impractical.

Firstly, has anyone else out there experienced this problem? Secondly, can anyone think of a solution? Ideally I'd like to fit the 'Enduro' 1st gear & a ceramic clutch at the same time....


Any input gratefully received

MikeO

 

[Howard Millichap]

I felt this problem when I test rode one. So I bought a Triumph Tiger instead (keeping the 100GS for mud & general titting). It is an inherent design fault which is why BMW put rubber "isolators" in the handlebars! As you've found out they don't do the job.
Have you thought of fitting a different weight of bar end weight to alter the harmonic frequency of the vibration at the bar ends. You would have to experiment a bit until you are satisfied.

 

[PeterNicholson]

You might want to check that your throttle bodies are balanced properly - this ameks a BIG difference to the amount of vibration.

FWIW

P

 

[Simon Eassom]

Ditto Peter's comment.
After fitting my Laser exhaust, the injectors were re-balanced. It was surprising how much they were out of synch. Anyway, I hadn't thought about it until reading Peter's post but I've just realised that I'm not feeling the buzz through the right grip anymore.
My local dealer has associated this vibration and the general movement of the bar ends (because they're so wide) with reported problems with the ignition wiring - working loose, becoming worn, etc.
Worth looking into !!!
Simon E.

 

[Mick Fagan]

Howard, the rubber mounted ends of the handlebars are there to lessen the sudden shocks generated by the front suspension.

Because the bars are so wide the transmission of front wheel movement is enhanced by wider bars. To alleviate fears and ensure that the riders shoulders stay intact, a by product of the telever, meant that rubber mounted bars were introduced.

If you get the chance to ride a bike with a telelever over extremely corrugated terrain at a slow speed you will notice that you know that the wheel is moving up and down and sideways as well, however you don't really feel it moving at all, you just sense it. That remoteness of feeling is mainly caused by the rubber part of the bars.

When the R1100GS was released there was an excellent paper released from the factory on the reasons for the "rubber mounted grips" as the factory calls them.

I myself have noted this feeling often under these circumstances and interestingly I was able to ride a 1100GS with normal bars fitted and found the jerks being transmitted to the arms and shoulders very tireing. The owner of that particular bike agreed eventually and replaced the aftermarket bars with the originals.

As for vibrations coming from the bars at a high frequency and numbing your hands and or fingers. Well balance the thing and/or get the injectors matched up as well, that will cure virtually all vibration felt at the bars, trust me!

Mick.

 

[Dave Barrett]

As for vibrations coming from the bars at a high frequency and numbing your hands and or fingers. Well balance the thing and/or get the injectors matched up as well, that will cure virtually all vibration felt at the bars, trust me!

Mick you are soooo right!
Just after mine had it's first 1000km/600m service, I was happy to ride for about two before needing a break. Recently, however, on the ride to work, when my motorway exit arrived (after approx. 40km), I was unable to use the right-hand indicator 'cos my hand was no numb. The BMW dealer synchronised the throttles yesterday and bingo! The change has to be felt to be believed.

Mike O....

Mine has the same low ratio 6th as the Adventure. The above is a wee bit cheaper than a new top gear!

 

[gsian]

I have had vibration problems with my bike since I picked it up in Febraury (brand new 1150GS). The RHS mirror was always blurred and the vibration through the foot pegs was making my toes go numb (I have subsequently lsot feeling on the tops of both my big toes - no jokes I'm serious)

I have just bought and used a twin max to balance the throttle bodies (even though they weren't that far out)

The vibration through the foot pegs is the same, mirror is still blurred, but it no goes like it's on steroids....

What can I do next?

Ian

 

[Jim McSharry]

Your never alone with a vibration problem

 

[gsian]

Good picture

but doesn't really add to the discussion does it!

Ian

 

[mpriestley]

gsian

I have a spare sense of humour if yours is irreparable Ian.

 

[Dave Barrett]

...Maybe the vibration shook it loose....

 

[gsian]

I did have a sense of humour, but the vibration made fatigue set in, then during a routine inspection it was found to beyond economical repair.

I could do with some advice as if I can't sort out this problem I am going to have to sell the bike.

I have had a friend ride the bike and he also noticed the problem i.e. high frequency vibration setting in at 4000rpm.

Is anyone out there prepared to throw in a serious reponse amongst all the frivolity.

Ian

 

[Timolgra]

Serious response

Try cable tying one of Jim's variable speed vibrators to the handle bars and varying the frquency in an attempt to cancel out the problem.
Tim

 

[MikeO]

I could do with some advice as if I can't sort out this problem I am going to have to sell the bike.

Don't do it yet Ian! I've got a Twinmax carb balancer on the way, I'll post any improvement after using it here....

MikeO

ps Do hope your sense of humour failure isn't terminal......

 

[Howard Millichap]

The answer is to buy a Triumph Tiger.

 

[MikeO]

The answer is to buy a Triumph Tiger.

Ye Gods. What was the question?

MikeO