Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
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Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 67
Likes: 0
From: Columbia, SC
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
I haven't had any problems - rode back from Daytona 5 hours at 80mph only stopping for gas. However, I did what Citoriplus suggested, sometime ago, to put my arms and hands in better position. I also remind myself to loosen up on the grip (like in golf) otherwise after a while you can find yourself tensed up
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Keller , Texas
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Wow im amazed to see anyone that has had vibration Issues on any Softail. If ya'll are having that bad of vibration issues that it makes your hands numb there is a problem.Are the Vibs as prevalant in the foot pegs as the Handlebars? Does the Vibs stop when you pull in the clutch ? Can you up shift to the next gear earlier than normal and the vibration stops? If so Id definatly take my Bike back to the dealer for them to look at. There may be a problem with your counter balancer. The ONLY time Ive ever felt a lot of Vibrations is when I tested out the REV LIMITER ....and then you will feel some annoying Vibs ! Citori is correct in telling you to move the bars back to you, it will most definatly relax your riding position. I pulled mine back some 2" towards me and I love the feel.
I have Kuryakyn ISO Grips and Footpegs but its more for comfort than function. I rode rigid mounted Sportsters and Dynas that Vibrated like you are discribing and its not a common thing in softails with the "B" motor. Let us know what you find out.
I have Kuryakyn ISO Grips and Footpegs but its more for comfort than function. I rode rigid mounted Sportsters and Dynas that Vibrated like you are discribing and its not a common thing in softails with the "B" motor. Let us know what you find out.
Road Master
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 983
Likes: 1
From: Sydney
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
ORIGINAL: Citoriplus
Try loosening the riser clamps and tipping the bars back about 3 or 4 inches.
I had, and still have the same problem with mine because Ibroke the elbow about 20 years ago.
Its not so much the vibration that's bothering you its the angle of your arm and the pressure on your palms. Tipping the bars back allows you to relax your grip and bend your elbow a little more. Both will give you abetter blood circulation throughout the lower arm and hands postponing or even eliminating the problem. Better, larger diameter, softer (stickier?) grips will also help by letting your fingers maintain a positive hold onthegrips without as much flexing or pressure.
Try loosening the riser clamps and tipping the bars back about 3 or 4 inches.
I had, and still have the same problem with mine because Ibroke the elbow about 20 years ago.
Its not so much the vibration that's bothering you its the angle of your arm and the pressure on your palms. Tipping the bars back allows you to relax your grip and bend your elbow a little more. Both will give you abetter blood circulation throughout the lower arm and hands postponing or even eliminating the problem. Better, larger diameter, softer (stickier?) grips will also help by letting your fingers maintain a positive hold onthegrips without as much flexing or pressure.
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
A lot of great advice here - thanks heaps. Bike's first service is due on the weekend so I'll ask the dealer about the Iso Grips and get them to check out the vibe. I was interested to learn from all of your replies that it doesn't happen on all bikes, but it does happen on some. Wonder why? Mine is stock standard straight of the showroom and onto the highway. The riding position of the bars is pretty comfortable, I don't have any reach issues. Yes I am probably gripping the thing a bit too tight and have to constantly remind myself to relax - which no doubt I will get better at in time. I'll also check out the Polyurethane Handlebar Riser Bushings for about $50. I think the different grips and the poly bushings will go a long way to settling the vibe (buzz) down. There is some buzz in the footpegs but its barely noticeable and not a comfort issue - I could quite easily keep my feet on the pegs all day no problem. Regards, Chris
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
me and the GF rode back from sturgis over 1500 miles. we averaged 500 miles a day. only becouse we wanted to stop and see things on the way back(our shorest ride was 1 and a half hours at any given time). and i did not have a problem for one min. now i will say i did swap the 2 inch risers out for 4 inch risers and i pushed my bars forward to were the felt good for me.
Tourer
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 362
Likes: 1
From: Texas
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
ORIGINAL: 3288chrisc
Bike's first service is due on the weekend so I'll ask the dealer about the Iso Grips and get them to check out the vibe. I was interested to learn from all of your replies that it doesn't happen on all bikes, but it does happen on some. Wonder why? Mine is stock standard straight of the showroom and onto the highway. The riding position of the bars is pretty comfortable, I don't have any reach issues. Yes I am probably gripping the thing a bit too tight and have to constantly remind myself to relax - which no doubt I will get better at in time.
Bike's first service is due on the weekend so I'll ask the dealer about the Iso Grips and get them to check out the vibe. I was interested to learn from all of your replies that it doesn't happen on all bikes, but it does happen on some. Wonder why? Mine is stock standard straight of the showroom and onto the highway. The riding position of the bars is pretty comfortable, I don't have any reach issues. Yes I am probably gripping the thing a bit too tight and have to constantly remind myself to relax - which no doubt I will get better at in time.
How long have you been riding...
Check tire pressure also.
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Tyre pressure is as per the owner's manual - but it was a good suggestion and one I definitely checked out. In terms of riding - well if you skip the 20 year break between bikes, all up I've probably been riding close to 10 years. I never experienced the problem of my hands becoming painful and my fingers going numb on the rice burners I use to ride. I also realise that I am now on the world's best MC and it has its own personality. I have been doing some research on the issue and it appears that there are plenty of people around who experience the same problem - which makes me feel a bit less of a sook 
. There are plenty of solutions it seems - bar weights (these go in the ends of your handlebars and absorb the vibration), barsnake (which is a product made of polyurethane inserted inside your handlebars and absorbs engine vibration that is tranmitted through the handlebars and into your hands via the grips), and last but not least there a anti-vibration MC gloves that have gel padding either side of major nerves in your hands as well as where your fingers join your palms. Some riders say that the QWI Nerve Protector gloves reduce hand pain and finger numbness by as much as 95% - so I'm all over that idea like a cheap suit. I've just ordered some and will keep you posted on the outcome. You can check out the web site if you like by visiting qwinerveprotector.com - Please keep your posts coming especially those of you seeking relief or have discovered other solutions. Regards, Chris
. There are plenty of solutions it seems - bar weights (these go in the ends of your handlebars and absorb the vibration), barsnake (which is a product made of polyurethane inserted inside your handlebars and absorbs engine vibration that is tranmitted through the handlebars and into your hands via the grips), and last but not least there a anti-vibration MC gloves that have gel padding either side of major nerves in your hands as well as where your fingers join your palms. Some riders say that the QWI Nerve Protector gloves reduce hand pain and finger numbness by as much as 95% - so I'm all over that idea like a cheap suit. I've just ordered some and will keep you posted on the outcome. You can check out the web site if you like by visiting qwinerveprotector.com - Please keep your posts coming especially those of you seeking relief or have discovered other solutions. Regards, Chris
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 496
Likes: 0
From: Keller , Texas
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Im still amazed you have any vibration at all. You've discovered all these remedys to mask the vibration but you've not discovered the mechanical reason for it. There shouldnt be any reason for Vibs on a B - Motor. You havent actually took it into the dealer yet to diagnose it have you ? I know its soon to go into service as you posted earlier , you might want to wait on all the anti- vibe toys until they have seen it.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Sorry man, can't help you. I have put in plenty of 10 - 12 hour days and even some 14 - 16 hour days on my Night Train with 13" apes, and never noticed any buzz in my hands.
Hope you get it sorted out.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Hope you get it sorted out.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Road Warrior
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,475
Likes: 1
From: Knoxville TN
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Not sure about the vibration. But the QWI gloves have worked great for me to elimate my fingers from going numb. No Chit. I wouldnt have believed it. But they work great for me. [8D]