Question/Concern about buzz

[StillKickin]

Let me start out by stating that I'm new to the Spyder, so I don't know what normal is.... Having said that, I now have about 1500 miles on my 2012 RTS. I've noticed that at about 65-70 mph, in 4th gear, there's a buzz or humm or vibration, that concerns me. I can slow down, speed up or shift to alleviate it, but it concerns me, not normal in my book. It seems to exist for about a 5 mph spread. Anybody else notice something like this?
When I ride up to Spyderfest, I'll compare notes with others, maybe even take it into the shop for check up, but wanted to post this first and see what others have to offer. I don't live close to a dealer, so it's not so easy for me to get it checked out. I live in W. NC for what its worth. TIA and cya in Springfield

 

[NancysToy]

It is pretty normal to have worse vibration somewhere in the speed or rpm range...especially with v-twin engines. If yours is excessive, it may be able to be lessenened if you can determine the source. For engine harmonics, there isn't much you can do but avoid that rpm range. For belt vibration, changing the belt tension or adding an aftermarket belt tensioner (belt idler) can help. Debris in the sprocket can cause vibration, too, so a carefukl inspection and cleaning can do wonders. For a tire vibration, properly balanced, good quality tires on straight rims is the answer, along with proper wheel alignment. Motorcycles vibrate, unless it causes you pain, vision problems, numbness, or irregular tire wear, it may be best to just get used to it.

 

[asp125]

If you can't isolate the source or reduce the vibration, consider some aftermarket comfort grips and/or riding gloves with gel padding in the palms.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Tracking it down can be a real chore :shocked:, but it'll give you a better idea as to what you can do to alleviate it... Happy Hunting! :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

:welcome: :congrats: on the new ryde. You have already heard from the resident expert and the advice is good. :thumbup:

 

[StillKickin]

Appreciate your thoughts

It is pretty normal to have worse vibration somewhere in the speed or rpm range...especially with v-twin engines. If yours is excessive, it may be able to be lessenened if you can determine the source. For engine harmonics, there isn't much you can do but avoid that rpm range. For belt vibration, changing the belt tension or adding an aftermarket belt tensioner (belt idler) can help. Debris in the sprocket can cause vibration, too, so a carefukl inspection and cleaning can do wonders. For a tire vibration, properly balanced, good quality tires on straight rims is the answer, along with proper wheel alignment. Motorcycles vibrate, unless it causes you pain, vision problems, numbness, or irregular tire wear, it may be best to just get used to it.

My suspicion is the engine harmonics, although I've wondered about the transmission? It happens just in that speed range, odd. I'm curious if I'm the lone ranger or if others have similar experiences. So far, I'm it....

 

[Bob Denman]

How are you feeling this? Is it through the bars, your seat? your feet? :shocked:

 

[NancysToy]

My suspicion is the engine harmonics, although I've wondered about the transmission? It happens just in that speed range, odd. I'm curious if I'm the lone ranger or if others have similar experiences. So far, I'm it....

You are definitely not the Lone Ranger. Plenty of threads on this subject.

 

[Bob Ledford]

Where do you feel it?

One question no one asked, is where do you feel it? Is it in your hands? Is in you butt or feet?

Experience tells me if its it the hands look for tires.

The butt drive line or mechanical

The feet something mechanical like transmission or clutch .

if it a slight buzz in the handle bars a simple fix such as a decent set of riding gloves may do the trick.

I make it a habit to wear riding gloves year round. Why? What is the first impulse. You have when your flying through the air after hitting something? Besides thinking "I'm going to get a ticket for leaving the scene of the accident!" You extend your ands and arms to take up some of the landing shock. I remember one tie following a VW Bug and he ran through a big pile of leaf debris and sand. While I had on a helmet, jacket no gloves or face shield (1964) I got all the debris stirred up right in the face and grabbed Abigail handful of brakes front more then rear. Yes I slammed it on the ground and slid off the seat and stood up. But during the stand up part I swiped the asphalt with both hands palm side down. Did not feel a thing until after picking myself and the bike up, mounting it and restarting it. By then the pain reached my minuscule brain. But it was less then a half mile home. Went out the next morning, first stop the hardware store, first purchase cowhide work gloves. Second stop the bike shop for a Bell face shield. Have not ridden much since then without one or both on even on the Spyder.

 

[StillKickin]

How are you feeling this? Is it through the bars, your seat? your feet? :shocked:

Yes to all the above seems to be the right answer. It is not an isolated feeling but rather a notable condition. Feel it all over. I'm having trouble defining it or describing it. Guess I'll get it out and run it up to that point, paying more attention to these details.

 

[Bob Denman]

That's a start... :thumbup: If you feel it right in your...bottom; I'd look to the drivetrain for the source. The drivebelt itself is a pretty common source for some tingling.
If it's kind of in your knees or lap (Up front in the saddle), you might be looking at some buzziness in the engine. :shocked: I'm not exactly sure what you could do up here; maybe have the dealer check for a loose motor mount, or something else that's just not nailed down good and tight. :dontknow:
Bob L mentioned the tires if you feel it in your hands; :thumbup: (But again; check to make sure that nothing's loose up on the bars!)
See if you can get us any more information... Happy Hunting!

 

[asp125]

Speed related: happens at a certain speed no matter which gear you are using or coasting in idle or with clutch pulled in (SM5). Culprit is possibly unbalance in the tires, wheels, associated axles.
RPM related 1: sitting still, transmission in neutral run the motor to specified rpm. Culprit is internal to motor
RPM related 2: happens while moving at certain rpm independent of which gear. Could be drive belt or driveline related.

 

[NancysToy]

Speed related: happens at a certain speed no matter which gear you are using or coasting in idle or with clutch pulled in (SM5). Culprit is possibly unbalance in the tires, wheels, associated axles.
RPM related 1: sitting still, transmission in neutral run the motor to specified rpm. Culprit is internal to motor
RPM related 2: happens while moving at certain rpm independent of which gear. Could be drive belt or driveline related.

:hun: Sorry, but the belt moves in relation to speed, not rpm. However fast the back wheel turns, the belt moves, too. Same for sprockets. If the speed that the problem occurs changes when the belt is adjusted a little tighter or looser, you can be pretty sure it is a belt problem.

 

[Chupaca]

Late to the party..!!

My excuse is I'm in CA....all has been well covered. You have your work cut out so we can go further into it..So welcome and let us know...!! :thumbup: