I've ridden Goldwings for quite a while, and coast to coast across the country four times. I can ride a Goldwing for 12 hours without major physical impairment, but I do have a Utopia backrest, seat beads, handlebar risers, and Mick-O-Peg highway pegs for added comfort.
I purchased a 2012 S10 earlier this year and rode it for two 10-hour days from Tennessee to Wisconsin to do the Trans-Wisconsin Adventure Trail. I had a slow speed get-off in deep sand on Day 5 and broke my foot (Jesse hard pannier crushed it), so I stopped my off-road trip and rode it home over two more 10-hour days.
The S10 was less comfortable than the Goldwing of course, but I was able to do the long distances for the most part. I had my camping gear backrest, seat beads, handlebar risers, and Givi crash bars to put my feet up on, so somewhat similar bike vs. bike, but the buzz in the S10's handlebars, especially the throttle side, was untenable, and my fingers are still tingly two months later. I have compiled some to-dos to address the vibration, and when I get out of this boot-of-shame I'll take a look at it.
NOTES ON VIBRATION:
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- Check spark plugs, confirm running on both cylinders
- Perform throttle body sync
- Confirm not overfilled with oil
- Retrofit Gen 2 clutch basket
- Inspect cam chain tensioner
- Verify that failing coil doesn't stick
- Verify drive shaft U-joint is not failing
- Test for bad MAP sensor
- Investigate Steiger Vibranators (6mm thread, vs. 8mm thread) -
steigerperformance.com
- Investigate Bar Buzz Kill -
barbuzzkill.com
- Check for rust in tank, TBs, injectors? Look for inline fuel filter?
- Perform injector test using DIAG mode (see bottom)
1.) Check handlebars, loosen mounting bolts and re-torque to factory settings.
2.) Check the clamps on the head to throttle body (TB) intake manifolds, make sure they are snug. Do the same for the intake boots between the airbox and the TB's.
3.) Check the TB's to make sure they are in sync.
4.) Check all of your engine-to-frame mounts for proper torque to factory settings.
5.) Check your exhaust bolts, starting at the head...anything loose?
The "right" combination for one poster is -> Rox antivibration risers, fueling at AFR 13.6, a crossbar added to handlebars, BMW GS bar-end weights (heavier) and finally grip-puppies. The result from all this is a tiny bit of vibration left between 3400-3700 rpm, they are tamed and not really disturbing. Figuring about to get another handlebar, SW Motech non-shock probably, to be able to get the puppies of (the grip gets a bit to thick for me).
Many report the vibe all but gone after fitting a slip-on exhaust...that seems to cure most of the resonating that brings about the problem...and from what I read works a fright better than anything you can do at the bars. I can definitely understand why you want this gone ASAP. Akrapovic makes the most quiet aftermarket can, if you choose to go that route.
DIAG - holding both buttons, clock shows, turn key ON, wait 10 seconds, DIAG shows
Adjust the CO setting by +6 via the diagnostic mode
1) Hold down both buttons on the front of the dash.
2) Turn the key to ON.
3) Wait about 10 seconds.
4) The screen will change to diagnostic mode.
5) Press the left button once to access the CO screen.
6) Press and hold both buttons for about 3 seconds to access cylinder 1's adjustment screen.
7) Adjust the CO value. Press the left button to add 1. Press the right button to subtract 1.
8) Press both buttons to exit the adjustment screen.
9) Press the left button once to access the second cylinder.
10) Go back to step #6 to adjust the settings for C:02.
11) When you are finished with your adjustments, turn the key to off.
But if someone made an 800 - 1000 cc range touring bike, I'd be all over it. Small or medium touring bikes just don't exist in this era, which is a lot of the reason why I have turned to the ADV segment.
