Handle bar vibration

Voodooo

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I’m getting to the point where the vibrations from the clip ons and the riding position are making my riding distances shorter.

I absolutely do not want to change out the clip ons on my Domi.
My thought was to swap to a softer grip, but I’m also curious to see if I fill the bars with silicone to see if that would also act as a vibration damper.

Another question, do bar end weights really help or just minimal?
Thanks.
 
How does your SF compare to the domi as far as vibration in the bars and pegs ?
 
TonyA said:
How does your SF compare to the domi as far as vibration in the bars and pegs ?
Click to expand...
I can ride my commando all day without discomfort. It has up right bars, same grips as the Domi has, same foot pegs. But different seating position of course and way more comfortable seat.

The seat on the Domi doesn’t bother me at all. My hands just go numb after a hour or so. Especially my right hand. That’s why I was wondering about filling the inside of the clip ons with clear or black silicone and to see if it will reduce vibration in the bars. Or should I just swap to a softer grip and bar end weights? Or do silicone, grips and weights?
 
Bar end weights might be worth a try, it’s an easy experiment. But I doubt it’ll make a huge difference, weights tend to help dampen out high frequency vibes, not the low frequency thuds from a 961 mill!

But, changing the grips for something like Pro Grips makes a surprising difference.

You might also consider ‘grip puppies’ which are foam sleeves that go over the grips.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Bar end weights might be worth a try, it’s an easy experiment. But I doubt it’ll make a huge difference, weights tend to help dampen out high frequency vibes, not the low frequency thuds from a 961 mill!

But, changing the grips for something like Pro Grips makes a surprising difference.

You might also consider ‘grip puppies’ which are foam sleeves that go over the grips.
Click to expand...
I have grip puppies on all my bikes , I like them.
 
Voodooo said:
I can ride my commando all day without discomfort. It has up right bars, same grips as the Domi has, same foot pegs. But different seating position of course and way more comfortable seat.

The seat on the Domi doesn’t bother me at all. My hands just go numb after a hour or so. Especially my right hand. That’s why I was wondering about filling the inside of the clip ons with clear or black silicone and to see if it will reduce vibration in the bars. Or should I just swap to a softer grip and bar end weights? Or do silicone, grips and weights?
Click to expand...
Could it be the angle of the clip ons ? It may be your wrist angle is cutting off flow to your hand ?
 
Fast Eddie said:
Bar end weights might be worth a try, it’s an easy experiment. But I doubt it’ll make a huge difference, weights tend to help dampen out high frequency vibes, not the low frequency thuds from a 961 mill!

But, changing the grips for something like Pro Grips makes a surprising difference.

You might also consider ‘grip puppies’ which are foam sleeves that go over the grips.
Click to expand...
I just figured that the clip on bars are so short that the weights wouldn’t do much. I’ll give them and the puppies a try
 
Scott, is it really the vibration that’s the issue?

For me, the issue with many clip ons is the forward lean puts too much weight on my wrists and cuts off the blood flow. Raised clip ons help. There are some excellent, well made, raised and adjustable clip ons available that would work on your Dom.
 
Nobody remembers Bar Snake? Rubber rod that went in your bars to reduce, er, your wallet. Never did much for me but then I don't think weights help much either on short bars. Agree that the wrists can take a hit with low bars. However, it depends too on how fast you do your driving. Once out on the dual I find low bars are fine due to the wind holding you up. Bars for you probably won't work for another due to your body size. My favourites are stock domestic Triumph bars but they won't work with a Interstate tank.
...you can never win. :-(
 
Fast Eddie said:
Scott, is it really the vibration that’s the issue?

For me, the issue with many clip ons is the forward lean puts too much weight on my wrists and cuts off the blood flow. Raised clip ons help. There are some excellent, well made, raised and adjustable clip ons available that would work on your Dom.
Click to expand...
Weight distribution and rev range definitely play a part in this. I get a numb right hand in certain sections of the rev range, but not when I’m ‘spirited riding‘ and moving around on the bike. My leather does’nt helps as it feels restrictive sometimes. Toyed with the idea of soft grips but had always planned a beutiful set of Rizoma grips. Mmmm! Function or form? Stick a pair of Grip Puppies on there as a trial, you’ll have you answer straight away if it clears the vibes
 
I agree that low bars are less of an issue when pressing on a bit, the wind definitely takes some weight off, and spirited riding makes you move around a lot more, and finally, with more adrenalin flowing and more need to concentrate, the brain worries less about a bit of aching !

So Scott... it seems we’ve got to the root cause of your problem mate... stop riding like an old woman...!
 
Last edited:
Scott, you could do worse than try traditional Beston style grips:
Beware though, there are a few versions around. The ‘good’ quality ones are made in Japan, and are f***ing rock solid! The cheap Emgo made ones are nice and soft and cushioned, which is, of course, how they should be.
I use the Emgo ones and like them...
Handle bar vibration
Handle bar vibration
 
Fast Eddie said:
Scott, is it really the vibration that’s the issue?

For me, the issue with many clip ons is the forward lean puts too much weight on my wrists and cuts off the blood flow. Raised clip ons help. There are some excellent, well made, raised and adjustable clip ons available that would work on your Dom.
Click to expand...
Fast Eddie said:
I agree that low bars are less of an issue when pressing on a bit, the wind definitely takes some weight off, and spirited riding makes you move around a lot more, and finally, with more adrenalin flowing and more need to concentrate, the brain worries less about a bit of aching !

So Scott... it seems we’ve got to the root cause of your problem mate... stop riding like an old woman...!
Click to expand...
lmao.
well I do ride like a old woman when I’m going through town because of a 25mph limit. I already get enough looks from the loud megaphones lol. But I guess you’re all right, when I’m riding the back roads at higher speeds I get less numbness in my hands. I guess I need to avoid in town roads and stay on the rural roads lol.
 
Fast Eddie said:
Scott, you could do worse than try traditional Beston style grips:
Beware though, there are a few versions around. The ‘good’ quality ones are made in Japan, and are f***ing rock solid! The cheap Emgo made ones are nice and soft and cushioned, which is, of course, how they should be.
I use the Emgo ones and like them...
View attachment 18810View attachment 18811
Click to expand...
So these help because of the ergonomic shape and softness of the grip?
 
Voodooo said:
I can ride my commando all day without discomfort. It has up right bars, same grips as the Domi has, same foot pegs. But different seating position of course and way more comfortable seat.

The seat on the Domi doesn’t bother me at all. My hands just go numb after a hour or so. Especially my right hand. That’s why I was wondering about filling the inside of the clip ons with clear or black silicone and to see if it will reduce vibration in the bars. Or should I just swap to a softer grip and bar end weights? Or do silicone, grips and weights?
Click to expand...
I had a similar issue with my Daytona 955...and (seriously) I found that riding the bike faster relieved the weight on my wrists....riding at slower speeds is like being in a press-up position for 30 minutes...Good luck with the other options
 
I too suffer from throttle hand going numb, sooner on the Norton but still evident on all recent and past bikes, less so on the 'fly by wire' throttles which require less 'grip' so I guess it is all down to how firmly we are gripping that 'ol throttle. My left hand rarely goes numb.
 
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