Vibranators installed and compared
Road Master
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 791
Likes: 1
From: The Real World
No offence but we actually do have instruments and measure the vibration. Im sure if you put a 50# barbell on the end it would reduce the vibration considerably. The mass that we work with need to be reasonable in size. Just to give you one example of the difference between just adding mass compared to a tuned mass damper. A Yamaha FZ6 comes stock with a heavy bar end, 10 oz. We machined our bar end to be similar in weight but added the tuned mass damper. We realized a vibration reduction of 52%. Not marketing hype, real results.
Brian
Brian
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 593
Likes: 4
From:
Thanks for posting this, I have been searching for a solution and will give the Vibranator a try. I will post my results and thoughts afterwards. Do I need to replace the grips when installing or do they just install with the grips on? Didn't see installation instructions on the web site.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Better off finding the source of the vibes, and correcting at that point.
Adding mass (Harmonic tuning) simply changes the the frequency at which you feel the vibration. For example, if you only feel it at a specific rpm, adding mass lowers the rpm you will feel it at (removing mass does the opposite - higher rpm).
This specific item obviosly has some vibe absorbtion mechanism along with the mass.
However:
You are masking a problem, not curing the problem. Moving it to an area that you don't spend as much time in. Successful for some, but more like adding thick goop to your oil to hide lifter noise. Hiding a problem.
Better if you find what is causing the vibration in the first place.
Something specific is causing them, and it will likely get worse (causing them to reappear).
Adding mass (Harmonic tuning) simply changes the the frequency at which you feel the vibration. For example, if you only feel it at a specific rpm, adding mass lowers the rpm you will feel it at (removing mass does the opposite - higher rpm).
This specific item obviosly has some vibe absorbtion mechanism along with the mass.
However:
You are masking a problem, not curing the problem. Moving it to an area that you don't spend as much time in. Successful for some, but more like adding thick goop to your oil to hide lifter noise. Hiding a problem.
Better if you find what is causing the vibration in the first place.
Something specific is causing them, and it will likely get worse (causing them to reappear).
Tourer
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 277
Likes: 1
Gee Doc, those weird vibrations seem to be originating somewhere in the vicinity of that gigantic, noisy V-shaped thing between your knees!
Seriously, the cause is no mystery, but mitigating the cause isn't trivial. Redesigning the engine as a more naturally-balanced 90-degree V-twin works, as Suzuki and Ducati have shown us, but isn't in the cards for HD. Rubber-mounting and counterbalancing have been done. For the vibrations that remain, lessening the effects is a useful and worthwhile pursuit. Weights, tuned absorbers, gel-palm gloves... whatever works best, by all means, tell the world! Who knows; ya might help somebody.
Seriously, the cause is no mystery, but mitigating the cause isn't trivial. Redesigning the engine as a more naturally-balanced 90-degree V-twin works, as Suzuki and Ducati have shown us, but isn't in the cards for HD. Rubber-mounting and counterbalancing have been done. For the vibrations that remain, lessening the effects is a useful and worthwhile pursuit. Weights, tuned absorbers, gel-palm gloves... whatever works best, by all means, tell the world! Who knows; ya might help somebody.
Banned
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 7,580
Likes: 7
From: The Internet (& Dyer, Indiana)
Gee Doc, those weird vibrations seem to be originating somewhere in the vicinity of that gigantic, noisy V-shaped thing between your knees!
Seriously, the cause is no mystery, but mitigating the cause isn't trivial. Redesigning the engine as a more naturally-balanced 90-degree V-twin works, as Suzuki and Ducati have shown us, but isn't in the cards for HD. Rubber-mounting and counterbalancing have been done. For the vibrations that remain, lessening the effects is a useful and worthwhile pursuit. Weights, tuned absorbers, gel-palm gloves... whatever works best, by all means, tell the world! Who knows; ya might help somebody.
Seriously, the cause is no mystery, but mitigating the cause isn't trivial. Redesigning the engine as a more naturally-balanced 90-degree V-twin works, as Suzuki and Ducati have shown us, but isn't in the cards for HD. Rubber-mounting and counterbalancing have been done. For the vibrations that remain, lessening the effects is a useful and worthwhile pursuit. Weights, tuned absorbers, gel-palm gloves... whatever works best, by all means, tell the world! Who knows; ya might help somebody.
Seriously, the cause is no mystery, but mitigating the cause isn't trivial.
(They don't all vibrate to the point of causing rider discomfort.)
High crank run out is a leading cause, as are issues with motor mounts.
Tire balance, tire condition are a few other causes.
I know, cheaper and easier to mask the problem with gadgets.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 969
Likes: 3
From: Maine
Well I for one happen to like what little vibration is left in my 2 Softails.
I will pass on this technology.
I will pass on this technology.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 517
Likes: 0
From: Northern Virginia
this is what i was thinking - i know my bike will stop vibrating if i remove the engine, but that would seem to take away some of the fun of riding it?