[riverboy98se]

Yesterday I rode about 70 miles on the interstate highway at about 70 mph on my V-Star 1100 Classic and by the time I got off the bike, my hands were tingling and numb. The discomfort was so extreme that I would rather not ride the bike at interstate speeds in the future unless I can find a way to reduce the vibration.

The bike has Kuryakyn ISO grips, so adding Kury handlebar weights is one possibility. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks and ride safe.

 

[Fulltilt1]

I've never had this problem. How many Miles? Have you done a plug check at high RPM. 2-5 minutes at high rpm (70-80 mph in fifth or slower with high revs in a lower gear). Hit your kill switch and pull in the clutch. Coast to a stop. No Engine breaking. Check plugs for color. You may have a cylinder not getting enough fuel. I have read some posts and articles about timing getting off, how that happens is beyond me. Camchains usually don't slip. Another thing to check is TPS (throttle position sensors) on the carbs.

 

[DMTJOY]

I would add the grip weights. The factory put the weights there for a reason. I get the same tingling in my right thumb after extended high speed runs, I never replaced my bar weights. Gel pad gloves seem to help also.

 

[martymcfly]

I always wondered if MC tires get out of round from sitting for several months like car tires.

 

[DMTJOY]

I always wondered if MC tires get out of round from sitting for several months like car tires.

They most certainly do, I notice it almost everyday mostly during cooler weather as slow speeds. This is just after a day or so of sitting. Radial tires don't seem to suffer as much as the bias ply tires that we have on our bikes.

 

[linerdave]

Out side the box

Riverboy,

When I had my 1100 I did notice vibration in the mirrors a little above 70 or so, but I never felt any discomfort from it. I have read some of discomfort problems come from posture. We sit leaning slightly forward with some weight on our hands for long periods of times. The handlebar weight thing makes sence though.

You would know though if you did not get the same feeling at lower speed for same amount of time. I get a pain in my neck on long rides with my Liner. Risers helped.

Dave

 

[riverboy98se]

Thanks For Your Help

Thank you all for your suggestions. I pulled out my shop manual and looked at information related to mechanical issues, dug through internet information, and checked out the commercial solutions as several suggested. From the various V-Star reviews and talking with my riding friends, one of which is a factory trained motorcycle mechanic, I concluded that high speed handlebar resonance is simply a function of riding a V-twin.

I am 5'5" short, so riding position probably contributes to my discomfort as I tend to lean forward putting weight on my hands and wrists. Changing my riding position may help alleviate some of my problem. I have also ordered a pair of Qwi gel gloves, handlebar weights, and Throttle Boss' to see if any of that works.

I will add to this post after applying these fixes to report on what might help/ not help.

PS: The ride I was on was with the Patriot Guards to escort a fallen hero from the Birmingham Airport to his hometown for burial. Sixty bikes escorted this young man from the airport and over 200+ bikes participated in the funeral procession yesterday.

 

[Sugar Bear]

Thank you all for your suggestions. I pulled out my shop manual and looked at information related to mechanical issues, dug through internet information, and checked out the commercial solutions as several suggested. From the various V-Star reviews and talking with my riding friends, one of which is a factory trained motorcycle mechanic, I concluded that high speed handlebar resonance is simply a function of riding a V-twin.

I am 5'5" short, so riding position probably contributes to my discomfort as I tend to lean forward putting weight on my hands and wrists. Changing my riding position may help alleviate some of my problem. I have also ordered a pair of Qwi gel gloves, handlebar weights, and Throttle Boss' to see if any of that works.

I will add to this post after applying these fixes to report on what might help/ not help.

PS: The ride I was on was with the Patriot Guards to escort a fallen hero from the Birmingham Airport to his hometown for burial. Sixty bikes escorted this young man from the airport and over 200+ bikes participated in the funeral procession yesterday.

Vibration aside, you done good my friend.(the ps part) Ride with pride, Ride Safe...........

 

[farmalldanzil]

Hi Riverboy98se. have your friend or you for the matter, check your neck bearings. they may be loose.

 

[Fulltilt1]

This problem is probably worsened by the uneven main jets, one cylinder makes more power than the other. There is an article link off the SloanService page them talks about it and when putting pod air cleaners on the consensus is to have equal jets to smooth out the vibes.

 

[Star950Donna]

Congrats on the bike, and the wonderful ride for the young man.
As to vibration... wondering if adding 3" risers might help. I have short arms and the vibration and aches & pains in my shoulders and neck went away on my 650 when I added risers.
Just a thought

 

[mphill9929]

When I first bought my 2003 1100 V-Star, I was miserable at most any speed over 60 mpg.

I thought it was everything from a wheel out of balance to a motor issue or, since this was my first V-Star - that it was just the nature of the beast.....

My friend asked if I had checked the air in the tires..... they were low. I topped them off to correct air pressure and the vibration went away.

Before you spend anymore money on fixes - check the air in your tires. It might be just that easy to fix - It was for me....

 

[riverboy98se]

Thanks for the Suggestions

I am going to check the air in the tires and see if that helps. Thank you.

 

[Conley]

I also get the 70+ vibration. I am assuming it is also the tires. The funny thing is that the shop told me different air pressures than what the tire states though. The tires do feel soft when going ove driveway lips and such.

What is the recommended air pressure for the front and back tires? I am assuming the manufacturer trumps a dealer in specs.

 

[Fulltilt1]

Don't know the numbers right off hand but its on the frame sticker either the downtube or kickstand location. Bikes at home and I'm at work.

 

[stoner]

shake rattle n roll

hi i seem to remember an add in a US mag about a thing called a handlebar snake it was a length of soft silicone? solid rubber that you insert through the bars, it was supposed to dampen vibration considerably it sounds okay in theory and might be a cheap fix. john.

 

[DonDar]

Bikes at home and I'm at work.

Bike's at work and I'm at work. I'll run out and look when I'm done eating lunch. I think it's 36/36 with a full load.

 

[DonDar]

Ok, now that I finished feeding my face, I went outside and checked. Recommended pressures from the frame sticker are 33psi front and rear with normal load, 33 front and 36 rear with maximum load.

Don

 

[Star1300T]

I had the same issue after installing the ISO Grips. I did not have this issue with the stock grips.
I ordered and installed the end weights and it solved my problem. Amazing how much difference those small weights can make.

 

[bluesjr]

I had the same issue after installing the ISO Grips. I did not have this issue with the stock grips.
I ordered and installed the end weights and it solved my problem. Amazing how much difference those small weights can make.

My V Star 650 also vibrates like a beast at freeway speeds. But surprisingly, I feel it in the pegs, not the bars. The stock weights seem to do the job. It's one reason I haven't switched to the ISO grips.

The other reason is that the Crampbuster fits the stock grips, which allows me a very loose grip on the bars. That really is an amazing ergo device.

Anyone know if Kury's ISO pegs do much for foot vibration?