Vibration - grips or bar ends or risers?

[dontlikeoc]

I am finding out that the XS vibrations are a little too harsh for my aging wrists. Knowing that there have been discussions in the past.

Which of 1) handle bar riser(or a new bar), 2) bar ends and 3) gel grips, is proven to work best? For an XS special, is the stock handle bar 7/8" wide? Since my handle is a little bent anyway, I am wondering if I should go for a new bar(thinking of a used Bandid bar). But, in no case, all options.

[jmnjrpa]

Gel or foam grips work well.

[jmnjrpa]

What type of bars do you have? Mine are the buckhorn style and I find that they are harder on me than most any others.

[dontlikeoc]

Mine has a either drag or a European bar from PO.

[Larrym]

Foam He is a Jolly Good Fellow....

These do well enough for me and my "Ride till the tank is dry-get off-fill it up again-repeat as necessary" style of riding.

To see in 3D: cross your eyes...






A set of deer skin gloves helps also....

[motoman]

Have the same as Larrym........plus a set of fully adjustable Heli-
bars with the anti-vibration inserts that come in them. These would originally be for the early 91-95 Honda ST 1100's.........production of these for the earlier ST's stopped a few months ago, but U can keep an eye out for used on the Bay or Clist. They ARE the ultimate bar set-up for any type of ride, be it touring, sport riding, cruiser, bobber, whatever. Adjustments can be made that radical.......bit pricey even used, but well worth the bucks...

[bikerphil]

Make sure your exhaust isn't loose, it could cause extra vibrations. Lean conditions too, JAT

[dontlikeoc]

There are two dents on the right exhaust. Could that be causing fatally unfixable vibrations?

[bikerphil]

There are two dents on the right exhaust. Could that be causing fatally unfixable vibrations?

Don't know, put the bike on the center stand and rev 'er up to the RPM range where the vibration exists, and see what you can find out. These bikes usually run pretty smooth if everything is tight and it's running right. If you have factory exhaust, check your heat shields. Bar end weights do work some to soak up some vibrations. Loose motor mounts may add to the problem too.

[79XS11F]

If it's vibrating enough to hurt your wrists there is likely another input factor at work. check the engine mounts. They are rubber lined and like all the other rubber on the bike, they wear out. as stated check exhaust connections to the frame and make sure the engine is running smoothly.
Rob

[81xsproject]

A good carbs sync will kill engine vibration, too. Start with the cause.

[dbeardslee]

Used to be if I went for a long ride my hands would go numb. Seemed to be an issue with the bars resonating with the engine. I weighted the ends of the bars in an attempt to 'de-tune' them, and it seems to have worked - no more numb hands. You can make bar weights with a piece of 5/8" round bar stock and a bicycle innertube. To make them you just cut two 5" long pieces from the bar stock, and chamfer the ends. Cut two 6" pieces from the innertube, and oil the inside of the pieces with motor oil. Slide the innertube pieces up inside the handlebars, and then slide the 5" pieces up inside the innertube pieces. Drive them home with a hammer if needed, and you've got wieghted bars.

[Pat Kelly]

My opinion <snort>, Good tune-up should cure most if not all the vibration. Bar-ends if needed.
I personally don't like foam grips (I ride in the rain). Foam and gel grips have a larger outside diameter that is uncomfortable for me. My E has the original OEM grips. The LG has thin rubber grips similar to OEM.
Comfort is an individual thing, what one likes someone else may hate

[UJM]

These do well enough for me and my "Ride till the tank is dry-get off-fill it up again-repeat as necessary" style of riding.

To see in 3D: cross your eyes...






A set of deer skin gloves helps also....

Ah, Grab-On grips, the only grips I've used for three decades.

Also, it is refreshing to read the comments about finding what is causing the problem - motor mounts, "tune" or "synch" - it seems these machines would be "smooth" -

Also - sorry if this was already mentioned - some people fill the bars with lead shot, reported to work very well.

I4's do tend to "buzz" at certain RPM's.....

[Schming]

I also will vouch for the gel grips as I use them on my XJ 750. The '80G is going to get the handlebars replaced with '78 Honda GL 1000 bars that have factory weighted ends;

The following pics show the difference between the XS11 & GL1000;(GL1000 are the ones with the knurls)