Vibrations

[Mike V]

All,
Tell me about the common vibrations of these bikes. I'm noticing a slight vibration in the range of 4900 to 5100 rpm which I think I've heard is normal for these bikes with the light flywheels. I'm on a learning curve with the 650 and would appreciate you guys sharing your experience and knowledge with me.  Damn I'm having fun on this thing!!!  I LOVE it.  Forgot what a naked, SWB, light bike feels like.  Yee Haw.  I'm quickly learning what floats you guys' boats.  Talk to me.

[Bob_Roller]

The vibration usually started in the 4500 rpm area, on my bike, an '81, it was like you turned a switch on at that rpm, it was that distinct .

Now 29 years and 83,000 miles later, I can't detect it what so ever .

Either I have gotten used to it, or it has gone away, don't know for sure, maybe the bike is finally broken in !!!

[Mike V]

That's very interesting Bob, because I sense the same thing...it all of a sudden is there, no build-up, or transition.  Then it goes away as quickly and sudden as it occured. I almost thought it was the drivetrain at first.  Any other common characteristics I can expect from these bikes (81 R65) besides a grin from ear to ear?

[nhmaf]

Engine vibration in my bike also peaks right around the 4900-5100 RPM range, primarily in the footpegs - if I am riding that fast I tend to either stay around 4750 RPM or up around 5200 RPM - either place is quite nice and smooth.   I had many hours to experiment with this on my ride to-from Tennessee last summer.    Otherwise the engine pulls well and runs pretty nice overall.   The R65 bikes all have this characteristic vibration, though with different exhaust/airfilter/carb tuning one can sometimes move it slightly downward/upward in the rev range, but it never will disappear, that I know of.  Perhaps Bob has found a magic combination.

[msbuck]

I'll ditto what Bob said.  The vibration really bugged me when I first got the bike and did all the little 'fixes' to try to make it a little better.  Nothing really worked, except I started riding with my feet on the rear footpegs at highway speeds.  

Now I never notice it at all.  Like Bob, I'm not sure if it's gone or if I'm just used to it.   8-)

[Semper Gumby]

If you can find an old Luftmeister Airhead isolator kit you can cure this.  Four washers with rubber in between fitting on the motor mount underneath the cylinders.

[Bob_Roller]

I installed a set right after I got the bike, wasn't worth the effort in my opinion .

I only paid $30 for it back in 1981, the last set I saw on eBay went for over $100 .