Vibrations on my 1100gs...

[Steve the Kiwi]

My 1100gs has a bit of vibrations through out the bike to the point you can't make out a great deal of detail in the mirrors. It's not so bad like my hands feel like I've been pushing and old lawn mower. But noticeable. It's just that I've read a bit on here about how smooth their's are. She's got a lazer chip and exhaust. ( done before i got it, so have nothing to compare) could this be the cause or would it be the throttle body sync? Something else?
The bike runs great, starts first push, plenty of stick and good fuel economy. It's 500km short of the 50,000km service.

 

[Dr John]

Hi Steve, I have the exact same set-up on my 1100 and can say that the Lazer,pipe and chip are not at fault as regards the vibs. ....but just this last while ive noticed a little buzzy vibe up around the 5.5k rev mark or around 80mph in 5th, Ive balanced the wheels and trottle bodies but that didnt cure it,so maybe some other members could help me ? ..........yours sounds more like trottle bodies need balanced !

 

[Steve the Kiwi]

Thanks John... sorry Dr John.
I'm off down to the alps for a week end of the month so will try to squeeze a service in beforehand anyway.
I'd be interested to hear about any fixes you come up with.

Cheers

 

[Gecko]

Good valve adjustment makes a huge difference. I know of someone who adjusted their valves the wrong way i.e.: used the inlet measurement for exhaust and vice versa and it buzzed like a bumble bee in a biscuit tin.
Get the valves right first - throttle body next and you should be on the way to a smooth ride. As for wheel balancing - I don't think so. Riding with TKC's on hardly gives a smooth ride anyway so unless the wheels are way off balance it's unlikely to be that and even if it was you'd only get the vibration at certain speeds.

 

[Stewart H]

Careful attention to the valve adjustment and a good balance of the throttle bodies can make a big difference, I made a manometer using some plastic tubing and its really easy to use.
Stewart

 

[Dr John]

Thanks for the replies , as a result I think my next step is to get the valve adjustment checked ! ..... its been a while !! ........ Cheers !!