Handlebar movement?

[Kruzzin5]

Just picked up a 2014 S 10. I’m noticing that there is very slight movement of the stock handlebar risers at the Top triple clamp. There is no gap between the riser and the triple clamp, the nuts are secured very tightly. It is unsettling when stopping quickly, as there is slight movement in the handlebar. Is this a normal thing? Or are the rubber isolators missing or worn out?

 

[EricV]

Somewhat normal. The risers have bushings to absorb some of the vibration. If it's bothering you, add a washer on the bottom. That will snug it up some.

 

[Kruzzin5]

Somewhat normal. The risers have bushings to absorb some of the vibration. If it's bothering you, add a washer on the bottom. That will snug it up some.

I forgot to mention that I also have 2 inch Rox risers. Would that add to the problem?

 

[Madhatter]

more leverage

 

[EricV]

I forgot to mention that I also have 2 inch Rox risers. Would that add to the problem?

It would add to your leverage, so yes, aggravate the issue a little bit. I have 2" Rox risers on my '15 as well and don't find it to be an issue, for me. Try the washer trick. You willl need large washers, take one off to find out what size is needed.

 

[Kruzzin5]

It would add to your leverage, so yes, aggravate the issue a little bit. I have 2" Rox risers on my '15 as well and don't find it to be an issue, for me. Try the washer trick. You willl need large washers, take one off to find out what size is needed.

That’s a great idea. I will try it! Thanks!

 

[ballisticexchris]

Kruzzin5, I would not recommend the washer trick. Guys have done it and got away without anything breaking. OTOH, you are going to be putting a lot of stress on the holders by making them solid. It is perfectly normal for there to be movement with dampened bars.

Here is a post I made a while back of real failure when deciding to go with solid mounts:

https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/bar-riser-flex.26752/#post-376503

We came across him while running sweep on a charity ride. It's not a Super Tenere but you get the idea. Fortunately he walked away from it. Please note the picture. The holders snapped off without warning. He too decided to use flat washers to make the mounts solid. He did the same exact modification the Super Tenere owners are doing. Just a different bike. We have to be very cautious when doing modifications outside what the engineers designed this for. BTW, the date date stamp is wrong. This was just a few seasons ago.

 

[regder]

I can't say I have ever felt any noticeable movement in my bars, but I may just not be sensitive to it. You're welcome to compare my bike to yours if you like

 

[EricV]

The washers don't turn it in to a solid mount. You are not removing the rubber bushings, only adding a single washer to remove some play at the end of the stack.

Chris seems to continue to equate one washer with a solid stack of washers and a dirt bike failure with a street bike ridden in a different manner. It's simply not an equal comparison.

 

[Sierra1]

I can't say I have ever felt any noticeable movement in my bars, but I may just not be sensitive to it.....

I only notice it every so often; usually while pushing it around the yard. I strapped the bike down with bar straps once.....now, THAT was noticeable. I thought I was bending the bars at first.

 

[ballisticexchris]

The washers don't turn it in to a solid mount. You are not removing the rubber bushings, only adding a single washer to remove some play at the end of the stack.

Chris seems to continue to equate one washer with a solid stack of washers and a dirt bike failure with a street bike ridden in a different manner. It's simply not an equal comparison.

By adding a washer you are creating stress and a major failure point. I don't have detailed pictures but I saw what happened. It was not a stack of washers. And his was an adventure bike just like ours. Last time I checked my Super Tenere goes in the dirt too. Not everyone is a mellow street rider with these bikes.

No sweat though Eric, you have your opinion and I have mine. I've had too many to count "modification failures" over the years. I just want to give the member here a choice of the risk level he is willing to take.

 

[EricV]

You're wrong. You are stating an extreme case and applying it to a different bike with a different design.

You are slowly learning more about the Super Tenere, but you still want to apply past experience that doesn't cross over.

 

[Tiggleswerth]

The bolts that come with the scotts aftermarket top triple and handlebar mount on the ktm 990 and 950s are weak and a known failure point. They need to be upgraded. Adding washers to a super tenere stock setup is different and should not be a problem.

 

[Cycledude]

I have never noticed the flex unless I was actually looking for it, but my actual off road riding is next to none, what I consider off road is a place a car absolutely could not go.

 

[ballisticexchris]

I have never noticed the flex unless I was actually looking for it, but my actual off road riding is next to none, what I consider off road is a place a car absolutely could not go.

When off roading this bike you will even notice the flex less. When standing I try to stay really light on the bars. And even slow speed stuff I don't notice the flex at all. I'm willing to bet that a lot of guys are only noticing the flex when taking it off the stand and pushing it around.

The bolts that come with the scotts aftermarket top triple and handlebar mount on the ktm 990 and 950s are weak and a known failure point. They need to be upgraded. Adding washers to a Super Tenere stock setup is different and should not be a problem.

Yea I know that. This was the first time seeing one break. I'm pretty sure Scotts has updated the mounts on the example I gave. To me a bikes a bike when it comes to modifying certain components. I do get that most riders are not going to take these bikes to the limit.

 

[RonH]

Keep the risers off and the factory mount for the bars works perfect.

 

[Kruzzin5]

Kruzzin5, I would not recommend the washer trick. Guys have done it and got away without anything breaking. OTOH, you are going to be putting a lot of stress on the holders by making them solid. It is perfectly normal for there to be movement with dampened bars.

Here is a post I made a while back of real failure when deciding to go with solid mounts:

https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/bar-riser-flex.26752/#post-376503

We came across him while running sweep on a charity ride. It's not a Super Tenere but you get the idea. Fortunately he walked away from it. Please note the picture. The holders snapped off without warning. He too decided to use flat washers to make the mounts solid. He did the same exact modification the Super Tenere owners are doing. Just a different bike. We have to be very cautious when doing modifications outside what the engineers designed this for. BTW, the date date stamp is wrong. This was just a few seasons ago.

View attachment 60469

Wow, RIDERS LUCKY he wasn’t seriously hurt or worse!

 

[Kruzzin5]

I can't say I have ever felt any noticeable movement in my bars, but I may just not be sensitive to it. You're welcome to compare my bike to yours if you like

Thanks for the offer. I’ll have to take you up on that next spring. lol

 

[Kruzzin5]

I only notice it every so often; usually while pushing it around the yard. I strapped the bike down with bar straps once.....now, THAT was noticeable. I thought I was bending the bars at first.

That’s how I noticed it, pushing it around in the garage. After that, I took it for a ride and applied the brakes quickly. I could feel the handlebars slide forward. This is why I posted this on the forum.

 

[Kruzzin5]

Kruzzin5, I would not recommend the washer trick. Guys have done it and got away without anything breaking. OTOH, you are going to be putting a lot of stress on the holders by making them solid. It is perfectly normal for there to be movement with dampened bars.

Here is a post I made a while back of real failure when deciding to go with solid mounts:

https://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?threads/bar-riser-flex.26752/#post-376503

We came across him while running sweep on a charity ride. It's not a Super Tenere but you get the idea. Fortunately he walked away from it. Please note the picture. The holders snapped off without warning. He too decided to use flat washers to make the mounts solid. He did the same exact modification the Super Tenere owners are doing. Just a different bike. We have to be very cautious when doing modifications outside what the engineers designed this for. BTW, the date date stamp is wrong. This was just a few seasons ago.

View attachment 60469

Chris, I read your previous post in great detail. Now I understand why many 2014+ owners, switch back to the old style triple clamp. I also understand why the factory changed the design in 2014 because of some owners saying that there was too much vibration in the bar. What a conundrum. As someone suggested, perhaps the only solution is to remove the risers. However, I prefer the risers because of my height. Now that I have all the information, I’m going to reflect on it and decide what my next steps will be.

Excellent analysis and thoughts between both Eric and Chris... thank you very much gentlemen!

These forums help all of us to better understand and find a solution to various problems or situations that we encounter with our motorcycle . We may have varying opinions, however, all of them contribute towards finding a solution.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this thread!