Experience with engine vibration

[Pleasegivesoap]

Wondered what yall's experiences were with vibration and your bikes. I've got an 01 cbr600f4i, and the vibes coming through the bars/tank are enough to put my hands to sleep after 20-30+ min of riding between 30-60mph. if the revs reach 9-12k, it's pretty serious vibration.

Is this pretty typical for modern inline-4s, for those more experienced than I? Or, should it be smooth if everything's in tip-top shape?

[The Snowman]

If your bike doesn't already have them, tried weighted bar ends. I know of some people that have filled their bar ends with sand or something similar to try and dampen the vibration.

Try changing hand positions from time to time while you ride. I have carpal tunnel syndrome in both wrists from working with computers for a living, and I find that resting my elbows on my tank takes some of the pressure off of your wrists.

[spicy]

if you're riding between 9k and 12k on an F4i, you probably should upshift... and if you're doing that in top gear, chances are you probably aren't really concerned with vibes.

[Pleasegivesoap]

if you're riding between 9k and 12k on an F4i, you probably should upshift... and if you're doing that in top gear, chances are you probably aren't really concerned with vibes.

No, not riding in that range, I was just trying to make it clear that it wasn't a lower rpm-only type thing, more linear: higher revs, more vibes.

But again, I only have one season and 3k miles under my belt, so the vibrations could be what's to be expected on a 7 year old bike, which is why I asked for other people's experiences/bike vibration level

That said, even in lower rpms it's pretty prevalent

[spicy]

well it's most likely a byproduct of the engine configuration... just the nature of some I-4s to be buzzy in certain RPM ranges.

as was stated before, weighted bar ends are probably the best way to go, but chances are the stock ones are already weighted.

not sure what else you can do, maybe get gloves with more padding in the wrist.

is it bothering your feet at all? if it's vibey, sometimes they go through both the bars and the foot pegs... at least it does on my SV. i just deal with it, though, and every so often take my hands off and just flex them a bit.

[Jim]

put a spring in the seat & sell the bike to l3uddah

[stoinkythepig]

Ride with your elbows bent and arms loose. Hold yourself up with your abs and back muscles. It'll make a huge difference.

[Cheese]

stop holding the bars so tight. i've got a friend complaining about numb hands as well, and wouldn't ya know....

i've got a pretty loose grip and i'm still reminding myself to try and keep it looser.

+1

[Pleasegivesoap]

cool, all good stuff.

- Yea, feel it through the pegs definitely. Thing is, it doesn't seem to be a range that's especially buzzy, it's more linear, like the higher it's revving, the more intense the buzzing. It's not something I can't learn to live with, rather I seem to remember it being far less intense the first few months I had it - could be wrong though.

Thanks

[F4Iguy]

i have an 04 F4i, and i don't notice any serious vibration, unless i'm on it hard comin off a stop, climbing through 7,8,9 Grand. but it never hurts to go through the bike and just make sure everything is tight. or if you are uncomfortable with that, take it to your local shop and ask them to check it out. most times, a quick test ride from a pro mechanic at your local shop and they can tell you if its normal or not.

[F4Iguy]

I seem to remember it being far less intense the first few months I had it - could be wrong though.

One more thing, with you only putting 3000 on the bike, you are probably just getting to the point where you are tuning into the bike more... the "initial excitement" is over, and your paying more attention to how the bike behaves. now i will be honest, maybe this isn't whats happening, but certainly a possibility.

[Pleasegivesoap]

yea, seems like I'll need to go through it and do that. Big job? we talking 50 + bolts to re-torque?

[stoinkythepig]

A broken engine mount bolt will make it vibrate badly. Good idea F4Iguy

[Pleasegivesoap]

hmm

[Pleasegivesoap]

anyone else have suggestions?

[Degsy]

Eli, I don't think it's anything out of the ordinary, but I would like to ride it to check it out for myself. i've ridden an F4i for quite a few miles in my time.

Don't forget, those grips of yours are worn out to jelly and there is pretty much no cushioning left in them at all. That will make a difference. the fact that your grips are so worn out tells me you might be gripping the bars too tight, too.

[Pleasegivesoap]

ah, forgot to ask about the grips as well - figured I'd get opinions on the board before getting a pair - is there a brand you/others prefer? I know you said the gel grips are shit..., got any good ones in mind?

[F4Iguy]

A broken engine mount bolt will make it vibrate badly. Good idea F4Iguy

I am a mechanic, but i work on fighter jets, not bikes. still though, alot of similarities. jets vibrate like crazy in full burner, or in flight in general, so naturally, we have panel screws and what not to tighten up every now and again, but thank you.

is there a brand you/others prefer? I know you said the gel grips are shit..., got any good ones in mind?

if you need grips, check these out: 58cycle Parts & Accessories Webstore i put a pair on mine, and they look pretty sweet, and are inexpensive. i don't get alot of vibration either. thought you might like... good luck!

[nilez]

had an '02 F4i for my first bike and though this in all probability has nothing to do with the vibration you're talking about, but have you replaced your CCT (Cam Chain Tensioner)??? I noticed at about 4500-5000 rpm I'd get this awful sounding/feeling rattling/vibration noise. Asked around, finally found out I needed to replace the CCT. Once I swapped it out for a new one, I noticed the bike ran a lot smoother all around. It's not expensive if you do it yourself, but it is a pain in the arse, so look up some how-to's on the internets before you do it (if you do.) I would suggest doing it anyway, the CCT in the F4i's were known for this.

[nt650hawk]

If it's carbed think about a carb sync to help smoothing things out.


FI.. you're pretty much locked into the computer to worry about that kind of thing.

[Bandit12k]

my girls 07 gsxr vibrates badly. My bandit vibed badly even with the weighted bar ends... I switched to straight bars (copper pipe) and put a steel sleeve in it for strength... now no vibration at all!
Screw clipons, get some risers and straight bars.
And a turbo~


Edit- But seriously, look into those big cushy foam grips that they put on bicycles... they only last a season before they wear out, but they're OH SO COMFY!