When you’re taking on the roads with your Suzuki V-Strom 650, there is no doubt you appreciate the sheer power of the engine. However, you may have noticed that this power can cause vibration in the handlebars. While some riders may enjoy the tactile feedback, others may find the constant jarring from the handlebars off-putting and uncomfortable. This vibration can even lead to numbness or pain in the hands after long journeys – a condition commonly known as "bike hand."
So, what methods can you adopt to reduce these vibrations?
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Below, we delve into some of the most effective ways to reduce handlebar vibrations on your Suzuki V-Strom 650.
Experimenting with Handlebar Weights
Handlebar weights are often the first solution that comes to mind when thinking about reducing vibrations. These weights can be attached to the ends of your handlebars, increasing the overall mass and thus making it more difficult for the handlebars to vibrate.
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Most bikes come with factory-installed handlebar weights, but these may not always be effective. In fact, some riders have found that purchasing and installing aftermarket weights have significantly reduced the vibrations. Some weights are designed to fit inside the handlebar tubing, while others can be placed on the ends. You can experiment with different weights to see what works best for your ride.
Upgrading Your Handlebar Grips
The grips on your motorcycle handlebars can also contribute significantly to vibration reduction. Upgraded grips, specifically those made from a denser form of rubber, can absorb more vibrations than the standard grips. As a result, they may provide a more comfortable ride over longer distances.
When choosing grips, look for those that have a larger diameter. These offer a bigger contact surface, which allows for more vibration to be absorbed. Also, consider the grip’s material. Gel or foam rubber grips are generally well-regarded for their vibration-dampening properties.
Swapping Out Your Handlebars
If weights and upgraded grips don’t do the trick, you might consider swapping out your handlebars altogether. Some bars are specially designed to reduce vibration. These options generally have a larger diameter and are made of materials that naturally dampen vibrations.
In the motorcycle world, there’s a lot of conversation on forums and replies from riders who have found that swapping out their original bars for aftermarket bars significantly reduced vibrations. It’s a bit more of an investment than other options, but it can be a game-changer for your comfort on the road.
Checking Your Engine Mounts
Unnecessary vibrations in your handlebars could also be a symptom of a more significant issue with your motorcycle. One common culprit in this case is the engine mounts. As these parts wear out, they can cause the engine to vibrate more than usual, leading to increased vibrations in the handlebars.
If you have tried other methods and still experience significant vibration, it may be worth having your engine mounts checked by a professional. They will be able to diagnose whether the mounts are causing the issue and advise you on the best course of action.
Adjusting Your Riding Style
Finally, your riding style can also impact the amount of vibration you experience. Gripping the handlebars too tightly, for instance, can exacerbate the perception of vibration. Therefore, learning to relax your grip can make a significant difference in reducing vibrations.
Similarly, adjusting your riding position can also help. Riding in a more upright position can help distribute the bike’s weight more evenly, reducing strain on the handlebars and therefore decreasing vibrations.
In conclusion, reducing handlebar vibrations on your Suzuki V-Strom 650 will require a bit of experimentation and possibly some financial investment. Whether you choose to experiment with handlebar weights, upgrade your grips, swap your handlebars, check your engine mounts, or adjust your riding style, there are many viable options for making your ride smoother and more comfortable.
Regular Maintenance and Servicing
One of the overlooked methods of reducing handlebar vibrations is ensuring regular maintenance and servicing of your Suzuki V-Strom 650. A well-maintained engine operates smoothly, thus transmitting fewer vibrations to the handlebars. Regular oil changes, for instance, can help keep the engine running smoothly and reduce vibration. Besides, replacing worn-out parts can also make a significant difference.
When was the last time you had your spark plugs changed? Old and worn-out spark plugs can cause the engine to misfire, leading to vibrations. Similarly, an unbalanced wheel can also cause handlebar vibrations. Hence, regular wheel balancing and alignment can help reduce vibrations.
An aspect that also deserves attention is the condition of the tires. Worn out or improperly inflated tires can contribute significantly to handlebar vibrations. A regular check on tire pressure and timely replacement of worn-out tires can greatly help in reducing vibrations.
Furthermore, ensuring that your chain is clean, well-lubricated, and properly tensioned can also reduce vibrations. A poorly maintained chain can cause irregularities in the bike’s movement, causing vibrations that can be felt through the handlebars.
In essence, regular maintenance and servicing of your bike can help identify and fix any underlying issues that may be causing excessive handlebar vibrations.
Installing a Steering Damper
The installation of a steering damper, also known as a steering stabilizer, is another effective method to reduce handlebar vibrations on your Suzuki V-Strom 650. A steering damper is a device that is designed to inhibit an undesirable, uncontrolled movement or oscillation of a vehicle steering mechanism, a phenomenon known in motorcycling as wobble.
To understand how a steering damper reduces handlebar vibrations, it’s essential to know what causes these vibrations. When your bike’s front wheel encounters irregularities on the road, these irregularities can cause the front wheel and consequently the handlebars to vibrate or wobble. A steering damper works by absorbing these vibrations and making the handlebars more stable.
Steering dampers are available in different types, including linear and rotary. While linear dampers are the most common and relatively easy to install, rotary dampers are more compact and can be adjusted on the fly, offering a more precise control. Regardless of the type, a steering damper can be a worthy addition to your Suzuki V-Strom 650 if you’re looking to reduce handlebar vibrations.
While handlebar vibrations on your Suzuki V-Strom 650 can be off-putting and uncomfortable, there are several methods to effectively reduce these vibrations. From experimenting with handlebar weights, upgrading your handlebar grips, swapping out your handlebars, checking your engine mounts, adjusting your riding style, performing regular maintenance and servicing, to installing a steering damper, there are numerous ways to improve your ride.
However, it’s important to note that what works for one rider may not necessarily work for another. Therefore, it may take some time and experimentation to find the right solution for your particular situation. Regardless of the method you choose, reducing handlebar vibrations can significantly enhance your riding experience, making your ride smoother, more comfortable, and enjoyable.
