Front End and Handlebar Vibration

I've done some mods to this bike, but the only thing I've done to the front is new handlebars. There was vibration before, but now there is more. Maybe the bars are made of less quality material or a thinner gauge material.
Everything in the front end checks ok. The only thing I haven't checked is the neck bearings.
I've heard of people filling the bars with sand, but don't know if that works. Anybody know about that, or can anyone recommend a proven solution?
What about bar end weights, do they work and which ones will fit?
Any comments will be appreciated. :wink:

 

My 82 xj650seca had weights in the end of the bars. I am guessing they are stock, but I don't know that for sure. I reinstalled them in the Clubman bars I put on there.

 

Both of my 550 Secas had the original bars when I got them. The bar on the '81 was completely hollow.

The bar on the '83 was filled with some sort of heavy metallic/epoxy compound of some sort ON ONE END. Knowing the history of the bike I'd say it was from the factory.

PROVEN solutions? Here you go: http://www.barsnake.com/

You might also want to think about different grips.

 

Thanks guys. I put aftermarket clubmans bars on, don't think they are hollow all the way thru. They may be 3 separate pieces welded together. May have to settle for bar end weights. I could at least fill the ends pieces.

 

Is it possible that with the change to clubman bars that you have shifted more of your body weight forward so that you feel more vibration that was always there?

 

Did you grab your front wheel to see if there was play? May be 30 year old bearings. This is what caused the problem on my bike. Just a thought.

 

The clubmans are flipped upside down so they are up slightly and pulled back about 1&1/2 inches. Additionally, I also have forward foot controls so I doubt the body weight issue.

 

Now that I think about, no I didn't check the front wheel. guess I'll check that tomorrow.

 

If there is any play at all in your front or rear wheel, change the bearings. Mine were balls of rust.

 

Did a little research on google and found a few solutions.
1.-Vibranator inserts: rubber inserts for the handlebar clamps and triple trees.
2.-a product called Buzz Kill (haven't looked up yet).
3.- fuel line hose filled with silicone and inserted in the bars. (like Fitz suggested)
4.- filling the bars with spray insulating foam.
5.- Pillowtop grips.
Anyone know about these?
BTW-most people on the blogs that I read agreed that 7/8's bars seem to have the most vibration.

 

Wheel bearings feel fine but I plan to change them and the head bearings soon. I had some spray insulating foam at home and decided to try it out. It cut the vibration down about a 1/3. Bought some bar end weights from J&P for 9 bucks, should get them on Tuesday. (Black ones of course) :wink:

 

It is odd, I don't feel any vibration at al but mine is an XJ550. It is a smooth rider. Well let us know after you change those bearings if this helps.