Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
Nearly all of my riding is done on the highway - mainly because I live in the middle of nowhere. I've just picked up my new 2008 FXSTC last Saturday and one thing that was immediately apparent to me was the vibration coming through the handlebars. I've searched the internet and forums for chat about the subject and found that it is a common issue with ape-hanger handlebars. I was begining to think that the dealership must have left out some parts when they put my bike together, because after about an hour travelling at 100kph (55mph) my hands are pretty numb. If I don't pull up and give them a rest I reckon after 2 hours riding at highway speeds, my hands would be pretty painful. I was wondering if this is a common experience with other softail riders, and if there are some solutions to correct the problem I am having. At low speeds its definitely not an issue for me and the bike is a dream to ride, but I certainly wouldn't want to do a cross the nation ride without addressing the handlebar vibration.
I've heard that you can actually buy products that go inside the handlebars - everything from weights, to a polyurethane fill called barsnake. The fact that these products are available leads me to believe that I am not alone. But boy I wish I could find a solution aimed specifically at my bike. The trouble with the products advertised on the internet is I know nothing about them, or indeed if they are suitable for my 2008 105th Anniversay Softail. Another possible reason for my vibration is that the bike only has 1000kms on it and maybe its something that goes away the older the bike gets.
I'd be happy to hear any comments or similar experiences from other softail riders. Regards, Chris.
I've heard that you can actually buy products that go inside the handlebars - everything from weights, to a polyurethane fill called barsnake. The fact that these products are available leads me to believe that I am not alone. But boy I wish I could find a solution aimed specifically at my bike. The trouble with the products advertised on the internet is I know nothing about them, or indeed if they are suitable for my 2008 105th Anniversay Softail. Another possible reason for my vibration is that the bike only has 1000kms on it and maybe its something that goes away the older the bike gets.
I'd be happy to hear any comments or similar experiences from other softail riders. Regards, Chris.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,635
Likes: 58
From: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
I just bought the same bike, don't have any vibrations serious enough to make my hands hurt. Installed the SAC grips, most comfortable and softest grips I ever had.
Banned Camp
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,176
Likes: 3
From: Simpsonville, SC
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
I'm haven't had any vibration issues on my bike (with stock bars or my new bars). The Kuryakyn Iso grips would definitely help if you don't like the vibration it has. You might also try shifting a gear higher. That could smooth things out as well.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,881
Likes: 7
From: North Georgia
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
ORIGINAL: Live2Ride
...... The Kuryakyn Iso grips would definitely help if you don't like the vibration it has. .........
...... The Kuryakyn Iso grips would definitely help if you don't like the vibration it has. .........
The old-school fix (which I am ALSO doing) involves stuffing lead fishing weights into the handlebar ends when I take the stock grips off. After doing all three changes I will live with whatever remaining vibration.
Trying for those 60 and 80 mile stretches down the road, my right hand starts going pins & needles that I have to shake-off after setting the thumb-screw down on the throttle spring-back. Once my hand starts going numb like that, it seems every few miles I need to shake it off again.
I'll be watching this thread in case there is a fourth thing I can do. Ha ha.
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Road Captain
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 651
Likes: 12
From: Broomfield, Colorado
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
I bought a new 07 Heritage last summer and noticed the same thing...BUT the bars were about as straight up as they could get them, to much of a reach for me, so I pulled them back a little (not alot) and the vibration went away. So I don't know for sure if they were just alittle loose or if the relocation changed the physics enough to stop it. You might want to try this, only a suggestion, it may or may not help your situation out.
Paul in Colorado
Paul in Colorado
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May our Moderator Rest in Peace
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 11,386
Likes: 35
From: Rochester, NY
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
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.
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.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 256
Likes: 7
From: England
RE: Handlebar Vibration FXSTC
i also find my right hand goes numb changing to thekury iso grips helps they look good and are a lot more comfy than stock, but do still getthe numbnees now and again, also think you do have to getuse to the bike then you can relax more