Vibration question

[snakebitten]

Just wanted to revive this thread to see if there was anything new to share on the progress of the mod to the clutch basket. Over the last few months, I've kind of trained myself to nurse the throttle through the 3000 rpm range to reduce this shudder. I'm still bothered a little by it, but was starting to forget it, until yesterday!!! Yesterday I swapped bikes with another S10 owner for about 30 miles or so. Both bikes have about 4000 miles on them. This vibration is practically non existent on his bike. The moment I accelerated away from a stop on his bike, I immediately yelled "CRAP, NO WAY!" in my helmet, because his bike was so much smoother through 3000 rpm, and up through the rest of the RPM range as well. This fully explains why some people agree with this thread, and some don't. This issue exists with varying degrees of severity, and as I discovered yesterday, some are fortunate enough to wind up with bikes that don't do it at all.

To add insult to injury, when we swapped back, he looked at me kind of funny and said, "your engine feels kind of harsh, especially in the 2000 to 4000 range." ::010::

I still love my bike though...

Just wondering, is there any differences between the bikes engine mods? Exhaust, ECU flash, etc?

Very interesting you felt such a significant difference between the 2 bikes. Someone like Jaxon has ridden maybe dozens of Super Teneres. I'd love for him to chime in about the subject.

 

[rotortech71]

Mine has the gen 2 flash, his is stock. I didn't want that to be a factor in the comparison, so I ran his bike in T mode for a while, then ran mine in T when we switched back. Power felt the same between the two in Touring, (sport was a massive difference of course), but mine had a harshness through 3000 rpm that his did not. The reason we switched bikes was so he could try the ecu flash. We both noticed the vibration thing by accident.

 

[tpak]

TBS on both? My bike is much smoother post TBS - it had vibs in the 3-4k range - just felt rough. Gone post TBS. But of course, these may be different vibrations than you are feeling. Worth a try at the cost if you haven't done it already.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Just wondering, is there any differences between the bikes engine mods? Exhaust, ECU flash, etc?

Very interesting you felt such a significant difference between the 2 bikes. Someone like Jaxon has ridden maybe dozens of Super Teneres. I'd love for him to chime in about the subject.

Hey bud, I just popped over here again and haven't had a chance to read the last few pages..... You're right, I've had the opportunity to ride dozens of Teneres.... This is 100% my opinion... The 3000 rpm buzz doesn't have much to do with anything with mods or stock.... I'm not certain its the clutch basket but I will say that I have felt it on stock bikes and heavy mod bikes like mine. Most all the Teneres I ride do have the vibe at 3000... very few don't. The ones that don't seem to be at less than 5-6K miles... In the whole motor I cant think of anything other than the clutch basket that might be causing this vibe. Mine does it the worst in 1st, a little in 2nd and non that I can feel in 3-4-5-6. I forget about it most of the time and probably wont do anything about it in the future.. Bike is a total blast and works flawless ! ::008::

 

[rotortech71]

TBS on both? My bike is much smoother post TBS - it had vibs in the 3-4k range - just felt rough. Gone post TBS. But of course, these may be different vibrations than you are feeling. Worth a try at the cost if you haven't done it already.

Yep, TB Synced both bikes a couple months ago.

Like Tabasco said above, I agree that this isn't affected by mods, or fueling. It's purely mechanical, and by the research of some, may be coming from the clutch basket. I think my Gen 2 flash actually aggrivated this vibe in 1st and 2nd, since the bike pulls harder through the RPM range. It's done it since day one, when the bike had 2 miles on it.

 

[~TABASCO~]

Yep, TB Synced both bikes a couple months ago.

Like Tabasco said above, I agree that this isn't affected by mods, or fueling. It's purely mechanical, and by the research of some, may be coming from the clutch basket. I think my Gen 2 flash actually aggrivated this vibe in 1st and 2nd, since the bike pulls harder through the RPM range. It's done it since day one, when the bike had 2 miles on it.

I agree with you..............................

(for other folks reading this) With that being said there are "other" vibes that this bike does have that is fuel related that mods will help with considerably .... But at the 2900-3000 RPM mark this is mechanical and quite possible the clutch basket...

 

[roll_it_on]

I am 100% convinced that this narrow range mechanical vibration is coming from the clutch basket. When I purchased my second new OEM basket (to have two so I can ride while I work toward a solution) my bike was doing this quite harshly. The new basket eliminated this out of the engine for a short while until it started to creep back in. It sure was nice to have it gone and I am looking forward to getting my modified one back.

 

[tc9988]

I am 100% convinced that this narrow range mechanical vibration is coming from the clutch basket. When I purchased my second new OEM basket (to have two so I can ride while I work toward a solution) my bike was doing this quite harshly. The new basket eliminated this out of the engine for a short while until it started to creep back in. It sure was nice to have it gone and I am looking forward to getting my modified one back.

My experience is the same.I had a clutch basket replaced under warranty shortly before an 8000 mile trip that I just completed. The 3200 vibes got progressively worse throughout the trip.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I am very pleased someone is addressing this. In the past year I've had some problems with nerve damage that has taken this from mildly annoying to almost a deal breaker. Changed bars, that helped. Considered the reflash, but I do my mods after much contemplation. But the problem has reached the point I can only ride for a little while until my hands go numb, as the 2500-3500 RPM range is where I spend much of my time. I would be very interested in a fix.

I'm not a vibration wimp, I've had several XS650s, a few Britbikes, numerous four stroke singles, and a hot rodded SR500 that was a nasty shaker. Rode open class two strokes for years. All were raspy shakers. They never bothered me this bad. I'm guessing it is the particular frequency and amplitude. Even my WR250R doesn't bother me. But this is really doing me in.

It isn't fun to be an old goat whose bike is disagreeing with him. The sooner a solution is found, the happier I'll be. I can't see keeping the bike if I can't ride it.

Ideal would be Yamaha doing a recall and a resolution, but I don't live in a perfect world and don't expect it. Reasonably priced aftermarket fix would be fine.

Hope this doesn't fizzle out. if there is a definite resolution, I hope someone makes sure I know about it. ::003::

 

[bob dirt]

being another old goat, my hands used to go numb when riding out in the desert having to hang on tighter. It turned out to be carpel tunnel. Went through the surgery and all is good now. Not a doctor, just a contractor, but if you haven't had it checked out it might be worth it. I can ride all day now without hands being weird

 

[snakebitten]

I curse all of you!!!

I am now looking and finding a harshness at 3000 rpm's. Yep, I have it. Now!
Truthfully, I really don't mind it. Whatever it is. But I do have it. Except mine centers at around 3100.

 

[Yamaguy55]

being another old goat, my hands used to go numb when riding out in the desert having to hang on tighter. It turned out to be carpel tunnel. Went through the surgery and all is good now. Not a doctor, just a contractor, but if you haven't had it checked out it might be worth it. I can ride all day now without hands being weird

Mine is the shoulder version. Doc says no fix. It has more to do with how I sleep, my arm gets high enough it pinches the nerve. Since I'm asleep, I can't always avoid it. So I'm stuck with it. The other problem is it is just the Tenere vibration that affects me. My other bikes don't. Crap deal, huh?

 

[Red dust]

Would be interesting to find out what percentage of all ST owners that got this issue. Been on quite a few different non ST related forums and I can not remember I have heard so many owners point out the vibe issue as the ST owners, I`m probably the biggest complainer and despite all my whinging I still to find the solution which was not: Aftermarket muffler, ECU tune, Flexx bars, risers, grips, heavy bar end weights and more.

 

[Yamaguy55]

I've been lurking/skulking in the background about this, as I am aware that some of this is just me. I stumbled on this discussion tonight when I returned from another numbing ride. Was seriously contemplating what I'd trade for/how much bike is currently worth. A reasonably priced fix would be just fine. Like I said earlier, it is just the Tenere of my bikes. The buzz of the WR250R has little to no effect on me, even with white knuckle death grip during high speed rock bashing. So carpel tunnel may be minor background issue, but not the main event.

 

[Combo]

It would be nice if we could all ride other guys teneres and compare to see if it's a specific few bikes have the problem, or just the owners are more sensitive. What gives anyone the clue the clutch is the problem, if there is one on certain bikes? Doesn't a clutch just spin like a big flywheel on the end of the crank. Goes out of balance? starts wobbling? Seems a shot deep in the dark to me. Maybe the answer is back at the first of the thread, so sorry if the scenerio of the clutch vibes has been explained previously.
Meanwhile I'm happy.
1. No headlight harness burn.
2. No excess vibes or "harshness" whatever that means.
3. No hard start problems.
4. No fuel leaking out the overflow tube problems.
5. No spoke loosening problems.
6. No buffeting problems with stock shield.
7. No monkey butt from the seat.
8. No back pain or pain in shoulders from the stock bars.
9. No high oil consumption problems.
10. No high fuel consumption problems.
11. No final drive seal leaks.
12. No fork seal leaks
13. No excess heat from the radiator burning my left knee problems.
I either got a good one and/or I'm not very sensitive to these matters. Whatever it is I hope you guys can get your bikes to your liking somehow.

I have had the same luck with mine so far. ::008:: I added bar risers to make the bike fit me better. So I guess Mine failed #8. :-[

No vibration problems after the miles were added. Love this motor.

I am very happy with my bike and also hope others find a happy place with this fine ride.

 

[tc9988]

It would be nice if we could all ride other guys teneres and compare to see if it's a specific few bikes have the problem, or just the owners are more sensitive. What gives anyone the clue the clutch is the problem, if there is one on certain bikes? Doesn't a clutch just spin like a big flywheel on the end of the crank. Goes out of balance? starts wobbling? Seems a shot deep in the dark to me. Maybe the answer is back at the first of the thread, so sorry if the scenerio of the clutch vibes has been explained previously.
Meanwhile I'm happy.
1. No headlight harness burn.
2. No excess vibes or "harshness" whatever that means.
3. No hard start problems.
4. No fuel leaking out the overflow tube problems.
5. No spoke loosening problems.
6. No buffeting problems with stock shield.
7. No monkey butt from the seat.
8. No back pain or pain in shoulders from the stock bars.
9. No high oil consumption problems.
10. No high fuel consumption problems.
11. No final drive seal leaks.
12. No fork seal leaks
13. No excess heat from the radiator burning my left knee problems.
I either got a good one and/or I'm not very sensitive to these matters. Whatever it is I hope you guys can get your bikes to your liking somehow.

In the time it took you to write the above you could have read the thread and had the answer. I'll bet every ST has the 3200 +/- vibe. Clutch resonance is so far the leading probable cause based on experience with other motorcycles and the experimental mods some have done to the ST clutch basket.

If you don't feel the 3200 vibe its probably because you ride like an old lady and/or are insensitive to machine you are riding. Its possible to tip toe through 3200 rpm in first gear and shift into 2nd above 4500 rpm and all subsequent shifts will be out of the vibe range but sooner or later thanks to the wonderful torque of this motor will find yourself happily motoring along at 3000 rpm, grab some throttle and when you hit 3200 rpm the vibe it will be there in spades. Try it

 

[Combo]

In the time it took you to write the above you could have read the thread and had the answer. I'll bet every ST has the 3200 +/- vibe. Clutch resonance is so far the leading probable cause based on experience with other motorcycles and the experimental mods some have done to the ST clutch basket.

If you don't feel the 3200 vibe its probably because you ride like an old lady and/or are insensitive to machine you are riding. Its possible to tip toe through 3200 rpm in first gear and shift into 2nd above 4500 rpm and all subsequent shifts will be out of the vibe range but sooner or later thanks to the wonderful torque of this motor will find yourself happily motoring along at 3000 rpm, grab some throttle and when you hit 3200 rpm the vibe it will be there in spades. Try it

Elwood, I do feel a slight vibration at around 2800 - 3300rpm sometimes and I can let off some and return to the same throttle position and most of the time it will go away. This maybe the clutch :-\............Not sure but I have been able to drive around it so far.

 

[autoteach]

saw these, dont know if they have been posted:
http://www.twistedengineering.com/products.php

 

[longride]

I'm with RonH all the way on this. I feel kind of left out because my Tenere just doesn't have all the little stumbles, vibes, and issues that others here have. Vibration? yes it has a little at certain RPM's. It's a MOTOR folks. Quit overthinking it. I don't feel the need for a 'clutch mod' or a 'Gen X Super Duper' ECM flash. I just ride mine. It works beautifully. Generally I found the more you screw with motorcycles the more issues get created. If anyone really wanted way more horsepower, way more wind protection, lighter weight, and a perfectly smooth motor, get something else!!! Just ride the damned thing! This says it all:: ::021::

 

[roll_it_on]

It's a MOTOR folks. Quit overthinking it. I don't feel the need for a 'clutch mod' or a 'Gen X Super Duper' ECM flash. I just ride mine. It works beautifully. Generally I found the more you screw with motorcycles the more issues get created. If anyone really wanted way more horsepower, way more wind protection, lighter weight, and a perfectly smooth motor, get something else!!! Just ride the damned thing! This says it all:: ::021::

Glad you are happy with your bike as that is a good thing. Not much help with regards to the discussion here however and if everyone took your advise to just ride more and worry less over the last 50 years you would never have the bike you are riding today with all of the refinements you are enjoying. I sure hope John (sharealike) decides to post his video he sent me regarding what he is fixing on the clutch basket. It is very well done and shows what does wrong and creates the increased vibrations. He is reluctant based on the beatings he has taken from forum members in the past who seem to come out of the woodwork when somebody suggests their precious motorcycle may have a design that can be improved upon.