Vibration......

[JLeeper]

Does anyone else have a vibration around 6k rpm? When I first bought my XS I was hesitant to take it over 85mph/6k because of a vibration that came from the engine, but a couple weeks ago I finally decided to go beyond and see if the vibration got worse, or went away... Fortunate for me the vibration went away and I was able to take it up to 100 w/o any problem and the bike was running smooth. (the '79 speedo was a nice addition, replacing my 85mph speedo)

I'm not too concerned, but just curious if this is normal for these bikes, or it may be a sign of something??

[XSive Okie]

Have had mine up to 120 and no vibration other than normal engine operation. Don't know what would cause it at that specific RPM though.

[BA80]

Sounds to me like possibly a bad engine mount or the exhaust contacting the frame somewhere.

I felt that in mine when I had one of my exhaust pipes touching the frame.
Vibration in the frame about 4 -5K.

[CaptonZap]

Huum, mine happens between 3300 and 3800 +/-.
CZ

[TADracer]

When you say vibration are you talking about actual motor vibration or the hormonic buzzing you get at the handle bars?

If its the bars, you can fill them with shot or sealant and shift the hormonics to an RPM range where you rarely ride. If its the actual motor then it might be hormonics in the rotating assembly itself.

[WMarshy]

I noticed a vibration coming from my exhaust at a certain RPM... Nothing I can do to get rid of it, its all tightened down properly...it even losened up the nut on my #3 ehaust cylinder and it fell off. Might be the nature of the beast. Might benefit from a new set of engine mounts.

[James England]

All my XS1100's have had a few vibes at around 4,000 revs. Even when new. I've always thought it's normal.....

[jfmerk]

All my XS1100's have had a few vibes at around 4,000 revs. Even when new. I've always thought it's normal.....

This topic is very timely, I was just going to do a search on vibrations and noticed this thread. My total driving experience on an XS11 is only 500 miles, so I am just starting to notice the little characteristics of this fine machine. Like you James, I feel a vibration or "buzz" in the foot pegs and in the seat that comes on at around 3700 RPM is most noticeable at 3900-4000 and is gone at 4300. no exhaust hitting anywhere. My motor mount isolators have 45K on them but still fit into the mounting holes very well; however, you can tell they do have a bit of wear. In other words they are not perfectly round any more. I think the vibration is harmonic but I'd be curious to know if anyone thinks installing new motor mount isolators would help?

[WMarshy]

This topic is very timely, I was just going to do a search on vibrations and noticed this thread. My total driving experience on an XS11 is only 500 miles, so I am just starting to notice the little characteristics of this fine machine. Like you James, I feel a vibration or "buzz" in the foot pegs and in the seat that comes on at around 3700 RPM is most noticeable at 3900-4000 and is gone at 4300. no exhaust hitting anywhere. My motor mount isolators have 45K on them but still fit into the mounting holes very well; however, you can tell they do have a bit of wear. In other words they are not perfectly round any more. I think the vibration is harmonic but I'd be curious to know if anyone thinks installing new motor mount isolators would help?

Personally, I don't think it would help. I think its hermonic and the stock pipes just buzz. I had a 4-1 on my bike before going to the stock pipes and when I first put them on I thought something was wrong, seemed like a lot of vibrating... now im use to it.

[Big Beadle]

Bad Vibrations

I also have a vibration coming from my 11 @ 80-85 mph and i have narrowed it to a sloppy u-joint. If you search the forum for u-joint there is a thread on replacement part #'s from Napa and a few others, I am pretty sure this is it http://www.xs11.com/forum/showthread.php?t=25581 Good luck on figuring it out

[crazy steve]

All my XS1100's have had a few vibes at around 4,000 revs. Even when new. I've always thought it's normal.....

Yep, I've had the same experience. Even new they had a 'buzz' right around 4k; it's the nature of the beast....

Compared to the XS2 650 twin I came off of when I got the 11 new, it was glass-smooth...

[James England]

I'd be curious to know if anyone thinks installing new motor mount isolators would help?

I did my two front sets and used NOS ones. I did it purely for appearance, as I wanted the quite visible silver collars to be seen. I didn't replace the rear ones, as there was no visible wear and the collars aren't too easily noticed.

Even with the two new front sets, there is still the usual vibration around 3500-4000. IMO, it's perfect;y normal and you'll not get rid of it. You could always ride any vintage British bike for a week, then, once your hands have stopped being numb, get back on the XS100 and marvel at how vibration-free it is.....

[cywelchjr]

I did my two front sets and used NOS ones. I did it purely for appearance, as I wanted the quite visible silver collars to be seen. I didn't replace the rear ones, as there was no visible wear and the collars aren't too easily noticed.

Even with the two new front sets, there is still the usual vibration around 3500-4000. IMO, it's perfect;y normal and you'll not get rid of it. You could always ride any vintage British bike for a week, then, once your hands have stopped being numb, get back on the XS100 and marvel at how vibration-free it is.....

Or ride an XS400 or 650 for the same time period and then come back and marvel as how smooth the XS1100 is .

[foreda]

Stock Exhaust

I know this is pretty common with the stock exhaust, especially on the Standard.

[justme1100]

I hear all kinds of weird sounds but determined that a lot of it is wind, road and general bike noise (IE. transmission, exhaust and crap in the saddle bags) combined with these rather noisy engines. As for vibrations I have them disappear at about 4000 rpm. After riding this machine for 4 summers I am getting used to the feel and sound even though my mind wants to make me believe something is wrong. Just completed 2nd gear (and 1st gear) repair and also added an auto cct so sounds are a bit different now. The Ol' Beast is running really well. Sync. the carbs today and the next mod. is the coil up grade. Can't wait.