buzzy bikes

[danheck7]

I am looking into getting back into street riding.  I currently ride a 250xc.  Last bike 525. before that drz400 , wr 250, klx 300, husky 510, cb 750.  Most of my research leans toward a 600cc.  fz6, sv650, etc.  I am looking for a middle ground between sport and touring.  Most people tend to reccomend these bikes.  My only problem is I keep hearing about the buzziness while cruising.  I want to put some miles on and I don't want to be numb while doing it.  Are there any fixes for these bikes or do I need to go against advised and look at something with more cc's for a comfortable yet fun ride.  The bmw 800st looks like a perfect bike for me but I can't justify the cost.  Thanks for any help.

[Phenix_Rider]

  "buzz"?  After your previous rides, anything would be smooth!

[danheck7]

Very good point.  I guess when your time is spent in the rocks you don't notice so much.  Point taken though.

[M.Brane]

 I want to put some miles on and I don't want to be numb while doing it.

 Keep your weight off the bars, alter your foot position periodically, and you'll be good to go.

[wolf46]

I have the FZ6R and rarely ever feel any buzz, felt more on my past cruisers, throttle hand used to be numb after 45 minutes on the vtx.

[Roaddog]

When Honda started selling the first mass-produced modern 4-cylinder motorcycle, everyone was amazed at the (relative) smoothness in comparison to the other bikes on the road. As the motors got bigger and bigger, other means had to be implemented to quell vibration to the point that a certain large-displacement 4 cylinder motor now has TWO counterbalancer shafts. Smaller displacement multi-cylinder motors turn ever higher rpm in the quest for more horsepower from less displacement. Increased displacement and higher rpm are prescriptions for vibration. Mitigation strategies include the aforementioned counterbalancers, rubber mounting and owner applied solutions such as thicker grips,bar snakes, whatever. If the bike you ride buzzes, there is only so much you can do about it. The most expensive option would be to have the engine balanced and blueprinted. The cheapest is to avoid the rpm range that produces the worst vibrations.

[Kool shades]

I have had 2 Bandits- 600 & 1200.

On both I have installed the foam grips & filled the handlebars with "BB's"( a cheap copy of a "Bar snake") It makes a BIG difference. Fairly inexpensive as well ...

[danheck7]

Ok.  all good info.  Thanks for the input.  Any thoughts on a used vfr vs fz6?

[phoenix]

The cheapest is to avoid the rpm range that produces the worst vibrations.

+1 to that. I had heard lots of people complain about buzz on a bike I owned once before (Kawasaki Z750s) and at times if I paid attention to it, I could see where some complaints came from. But if you adjust your speed up or down 5 mph, its not nearly as noticable.

Ok.  all good info.  Thanks for the input.  Any thoughts on a used vfr vs fz6?

IMO, good choices for a good all-around bike. Not too cramped riding position, but not overwhelming big. More than enough power.  Both seem to have been designed to be used for touring on the sporty-side of things. Can't say that I've heard anything negative enough to sway me away from buying either model (if that's what I was interested in).

The biggest thing, which you gotta already know, is how they specifically fit you.

[2RR2NV]

Ok.  all good info.  Thanks for the input.  Any thoughts on a used vfr vs fz6?

i haven't rode the FZ6, but i owned a VFR (look in sig) and out of all the bikes i've owned, it was the smoothest. if i get the FJR sold, i will be making the VFR one of my choices again for a next bike.

[Zerosum]

In general, a twin is going to be more vibey than a four at highway speeds.  Some people will increase the front sprocket by 1 tooth to reduce the RPM in every gear.  This is a popular mod for the V-Strom.  I might to this to mine, but I'm not sure yet.  I do like torque.

As for the VFR, my 750 is extremely smooth as-is.  The powerband is huge, so you can cruise at pretty much any RPM you want.  A used VFR is an outstanding value.  You can pick one of these babies up for around $3-4K nowadays.  Don't let mileage scare you, they routinely make it 100K and beyond before needing major service.

I don't know much about the FZ-6.  I like the seating position - it's very similar to the V-Strom.  I've read that it's buzzy, but that was in a magazine article.  I take whatever those guys write with a huge grain of salt.  Personally, if I were going the inline-four route, I'd get a '01-'05 FZ-1 instead.  But that's just me.  I-4s really don't interest me unless they're > 1000cc.

[2RR2NV]

In general, a twin is going to be more vibey than a four at highway speeds.  Some people will increase the front sprocket by 1 tooth to reduce the RPM in every gear.  This is a popular mod for the V-Strom.  I might to this to mine, but I'm not sure yet.  I do like torque.

As for the VFR, my 750 is extremely smooth as-is.  The powerband is huge, so you can cruise at pretty much any RPM you want.  A used VFR is an outstanding value.  You can pick one of these babies up for around $3-4K nowadays.  Don't let mileage scare you, they routinely make it 100K and beyond before needing major service.

I don't know much about the FZ-6.  I like the seating position - it's very similar to the V-Strom.  I've read that it's buzzy, but that was in a magazine article.  I take whatever those guys write with a huge grain of salt.  Personally, if I were going the inline-four route, I'd get a '01-'05 FZ-1 instead.  But that's just me.  I-4s really don't interest me unless they're > 1000cc.

sooo,  am i missing something?    you want only I4s that are bigger than 1000cc's , but will take an FZ-1?  oh  wait.....stroker kit...

[Ack535]

I owned a '99 VFR800 and was by far the smoothest and most vibration free motorcycle I have ever owned.  

My ZZR1200 has a bit of a buzz to it, but more than makes up for it in the "wow factor" when you crack the throotle open!

Pete

[Zerosum]

sooo,  am i missing something?    you want only I4s that are bigger than 1000cc's , but will take an FZ-1?  oh  wait.....stroker kit...

   You know what I mean.... There's no "greater than or equal to" key on my keyboard.

[dorklord]

   You know what I mean.... There's no "greater than or equal to" key on my keyboard.

It's one of those 'combo' keys. You know, like >= or <= or ...

[2RR2NV]

   You know what I mean.... There's no "greater than or equal to" key on my keyboard.

 

just having some fun.

[UHOH]

... I keep hearing about the buzziness while cruising.  I want to put some miles on and I don't want to be numb while doing it.  ...

if you stay away from vertical twins and HD's you should be OK.  
small problems can be handled w/ "Cramp Buster" ~$12 that slips over throttle.

can't say anything bad about SV650; I've borrowed them a time or two and, imho, they are the best all - round bike;
but get the std / naked version (& add a windscreen), not the SV650s which has fairing, sport racer style seating and grips (less comfort).

in big picture there's not much financial risk for you.
 you're buying used so whatever you buy you could resell at not a big $ loss.
You're experienced: so I'd say your range is SV650 up to Bandit 1200s.

[Roaddog]

My ZZR1200 has a bit of a buzz to it, but more than makes up for it in the "wow factor" when you crack the throotle open!

Pete

I'll drink to that!