Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[johnmowcop]

I have an annoying vibration through the handlebars on a FHTK. It occurs between 25mph through to about 40mph. It is a high frequency buzzing feeling as opposed to a low frequency thump, thump type of vibe. I thought it was the wheel bearings, took it to the dealers, they said it was not the bearings but possibly due to an out of round tyre (which was new). I checked the tyre with a dial gauge, it is only 0.020” out of round, so doubt if that is it. Convinced myself it was the front wheel bearings, I changed those, no difference the buzz is still there.
It is road speed related, no matter what gear or pulling the clutch, it is there at the speed range stated above
Anyone got any ideas please.
JohnT

[SIKBIRD]

The new tire wouldn’t happen to be a Michelin Commander III in a 17” or 19” would it?

[HOGMIKE]

I have an annoying vibration through the handlebars on a FHTK. It occurs between 25mph through to about 40mph. It is a high frequency buzzing feeling as opposed to a low frequency thump, thump type of vibe. I thought it was the wheel bearings, took it to the dealers, they said it was not the bearings but possibly due to an out of round tyre (which was new). I checked the tyre with a dial gauge, it is only 0.020” out of round, so doubt if that is it. Convinced myself it was the front wheel bearings, I changed those, no difference the buzz is still there.
It is road speed related, no matter what gear or pulling the clutch, it is there at the speed range stated above
Anyone got any ideas please.
JohnT


Are you sure it’s not a loose exhaust heat shield?
They make a buzzing sound at certain rpm’s

 

[johnmowcop]

The new tire wouldn’t happen to be a Michelin Commander III in a 17” or 19” would it?

Yes, it is a Michelin Commander III. Sikbird, you have me intrigued, what is it you know the rest of us should know.
JohnT

[johnmowcop]

Thanks for your response Hogmike. I am pretty sure it is not the heat shields. It is entirely road speed related not engine speed related. I can have the engine shut down at the stated road speeds and it still vibrates through the handle bars.
JohnT

[SIKBIRD]

Those particular tires are flawed in the 17” and 19”.  I have the 18” and there aren’t any issues with it.  Michelin is fully aware of the issue and has been replacing them or refunding the $ under warranty.  Give it a quick Google and you’ll see hundreds of posts with the exact same issues that you are having.  From what I’ve read the molds didn’t line up properly during manufacturing which caused one side to be slightly higher than the other which is the root of the problem.  When you are riding it should go away when you lean left or right.  I’d return that tire because it does not get better with time.

[johnmowcop]

Those particular tires are flawed in the 17” and 19”.  I have the 18” and there aren’t any issues with it.  Michelin is fully aware of the issue and has been replacing them or refunding the $ under warranty.  Give it a quick Google and you’ll see hundreds of posts with the exact same issues that you are having.  From what I’ve read the molds didn’t line up properly during manufacturing which caused one side to be slightly higher than the other which is the root of the problem.  When you are riding it should go away when you lean left or right.  I’d return that tire because it does not get better with time.

As you say Sikbird, I have found references to this issue. New Bridgestone now on order.
Thanks for your help.
JohnT

[SIKBIRD]

Happy to help, hopefully Michelin will make it right and give you a full refund as they have for others here in the US.

[johnmowcop]

Bridgestone front now fitted and the buzzing type of vibration from the MICHELIN COMMANDER III is no more.
So that is Michelin and Dunlop off my tyre list. Dunlop? Look at tyre delaminating at the Irish Northwest 200 and the Isle of Man TT road races.
Thanks all, especially SIKBIRD.
JohnT.

[ltank]

Check your front rubber mount