Wicked vibration in handlebars By Guitarman (Read 1,248 times)

[Guitarman]

My Nighthawk has a serious vibration in the handlebars.  Everything is good, it just transmits the engine vibration right to my hands.  So, I just added a set of grip cushions.  Man, what a difference!  If you have any excessive vibration on your grips, think about adding these.  They rock.

Grip Covers

[cyborg]

That nighthawk should be as smooth as silk everywhere in the rev range,,, misfiring in s cylinder?,,, I've never saw a honda multi that wasn't smooth,,,

[cyborg]

Thanks for the tip on the grips

[Guitarman]

I think I am missing on one. But it not very noticeable. Not in sound anyway.

[jct842]

Don't know about the nighthawk but I think a lot of bikes use handle bar weights under the grips inside the bars. They don't weigh a lot but they do dampen vibrations. If some one tossed them that might be some of it.

[Guitarman]

Original grips and the vibrations are only on the throttle side.

[cyborg]

It's got to be a slight miss,,, those engines are legendary,,, they are incredibly smooth ,,, so smooth in fact they didn't need a counterbalancer ,,, it is THE go to hotrod engine,, not too much needed to make them wicked fast,,,, I missed a 750 not too long ago on CL for a few hundred,,, I need a cheap quick build to do for the winter,,, got a few other things in the fire but those are high dollar long term,,, I'd love to do a 750 or 900 honda 4 cyl,,,,looking at the cb1100 but I don't know if I want another liter bike,,, too many bikes not enough time,,,, or dough

[Guitarman]

Yep. I plan on having it worked over by my mechanic in a few weeks. I think after 15 years, a partial or maybe full rebuild is called for?  Saving up the loot. Might just re-paint it at the same time. Maybe a powder coated frame and paint the rest.

I'm thinking of a sweetly sensual deep sky blue with some metal flake added for good measure. Should probably have the tank kreemed at the same time.

What'cha think?

[cyborg]

i doubt a rebuild is needed,,,the valves probably need shims changed,,,unless the thing is smoking or noisy or popping out of gear it's generally good,,honda made those engines to go better than 100,000 miles without a teardown,,,but paint it red will you? for Gods sake!!!!!

[jct842]

Nov 21, 2014 21:31:10 GMT -6 Guitarman said:

Original grips and the vibrations are only on the throttle side.

Like I said might be a missing weight if it is only on one side. Its easy to change grips to a softer one, better change the throttle side too.

[Guitarman]

Just did my grips today.

[Guitarman]

Nov 21, 2014 22:57:56 GMT -6 cyborg said:

i doubt a rebuild is needed,,,the valves probably need shims changed,,,unless the thing is smoking or noisy or popping out of gear it's generally good,,honda made those engines to go better than 100,000 miles without a teardown,,,but paint it red will you? for Gods sake!!!!!

RED?! Are you flipping mental? 
If I wanted a target on me, it sure as heck wouldn't be on my bike of all places!
Gee, you sound like Rich.  You two sharing meds again?


It's not smoking, it's a teenie bit noisy, and it's never changed gears without my permission yet.
Although, I think the original stock muffler has seen it's prime.  I've got a distinct rattle in the left one and they both look like they might come apart underneath.  I was looking at a Vance & Hines 4 into 1 megaphone.  Ever hear one?  I don't want super loud, but I do like a nice deep rumble.  I might just take the baffles out and see how I like it.

[cyborg]

Yep you are on the right track,,,,the stock cans rot quick,,,surprised they lasted as long as they did,seeing how it rains there all the time,,,the valve adjustment is the thing with those engines,,,probably never been done,,,,as far as the V&H pipe the quality is better than stock,,,nice growl without being raspy and nasty,,,,a slight airbox mod and rejetting and 20-25% gain in hp & torque is easily attainable ,,,switch the oil to 20-50w and you're good to go,,,,,what's the story with RED paint?

[cyborg]

Getting back to the original post fill the bars with lead shot and everything goes away

[richardv]

Weights are good but check the ignition first, then valves and carb synchronization.