Just acquired a 2003 1600, moving up from a VN900. Love the power, but I'm surprised at the amount of vibration. Really feel it in my feet, and at certain speeds the entire instrument cluster is vibrating enough to make a buzz that I can hear with FF helmet and ear plugs. I have found that keeping the revs up takes most of it away.
So do I just need to adjust my shifting habits (get used to 80km/h in 3rd), or are there things I should be checking out?
Bike has 21,000 km, and is immaculate. Prev owner I know, in a small town way, and he is pretty finicky about maintenance on anything. But maybe that just extended to oil changes.
Idk If its much help, but maybe do a quick check to make sure everything is tight?
I have an 04 1600 classic, with about 60k miles on it. I've noticed at about 65-75 mph (104-120 kmh) my feet get a good vibration to them. I also got a really bad buzzing noise, but found out the chrome shield on one of my pipes was loose.
I got my 06 1600 after having ridden a 04 V-Star 650 and was immediately impressed by how smooth it was. It actually very nearly got me in trouble a few times because I inherently knew how fast the V-Star was going by the feel. I went into more than one corner just a tad bit hot
I know these are geared fairly tall and shifting too early can cause them to lug a fair bit. Just as an example, the total gearing (from engine RPM to road speed) for the 1600 SECOND gear is identical to the FOURTH gear on my old 650.
I get extra vibration in my 1600 Nomad at a certain higher RPM range & I think that is just normal for a v-twin. Mine is usually around 80-85 MPH in 5th gear.
I've had a loose heat shield before as well and I took muffler tape, cut it in half, rolled each half up like a cigarette, wedged them under the heat shield, ran the bike to heat them up, and voila! no more rattle. It's been solid for a year, so I don't think I will have any more issues with it.
These engines do like "some" revs...
Meaning, keep it above at least 1500 rpm and get a tach BTW...
If you're feeling lots of vibrations, down shift...
She's telling you that your in too high of a gear...
For reference, 60 mph is around 1600 rpms in 5th gear...
Hi enderbyte
You wrote "I have found that keeping the revs up takes most of it away." Sort of backwards from what you might expect. I would also recommend you check to make sure everything is tight especially engine mounts. And look to see if there are any cracks/broken mounts or attachment bolts. I never owned a 1600 so I can offer much more help.
If it were mine I would take it to a good shop or mechanic familiar with these bikes and have them check it out.
Good luck with the new bike.
WEG
If you like the balance beads, try Ride-On tire sealer. The balancing effect of the beads with extra puncture sealing peace of mind. I put this in mine with the new tires and no weights, smooth as glass.
I had them put in my rear tire when I got it changed last summer. No vibration at all and no weights stuck to my wheels.
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