Vibration in motorcycle handlebars is a common occurrence on all types of two-wheeled vehicles. Abnormal vibrations often occur in handlebars, so don’t take it lightly. It’s best to have them checked to prevent them from worsening. This can affect vehicle performance and endanger the driver.
This problem doesn’t just appear out of nowhere; some of its characteristics can serve as warning signs. Riders can even feel it while riding. For more information, here’s how to fix vibrating handlebars without going to a repair shop.
Factors Causing Bike Handlebar Shaking
Motorcycle handlebars are a crucial component and require maintenance. If not maintained, problems can arise that reduce riding comfort. One common problem is vibrating handlebars. Vibrating handlebars can lead to unstable riding, increasing the risk of accidents or falls.
According to the YouTube channel Grumpy Goat, loose fork clamps due to worn upper bearings can cause handlebar vibration after only 8,000 kilometers. Furthermore, the front tire can also cause handlebar vibration. The solution is to add some supports to change the resonance frequency. This way, the handlebars no longer vibrate at certain speeds.
Here are some factors that cause handlebar vibration, including:
Dented Rims
Many factors can cause motorcycle handlebar vibration, including abnormal rims. This condition will cause the handlebars to vibrate or wobble. This can occur due to cracked or bent rims.
Checking this is quite easy. You can position the motorcycle on a double stand. Then, spin the wheel. If it wobbles, something is wrong. This is a sign of a bent rim and needs to be repaired immediately to address the vibrating handlebars.
Bumpy Tires
Another cause of handlebar vibration can also be due to faulty tires. Poor tire condition can also affect steering or handlebar performance. Vibrations will be felt when the motorcycle is ridden. Uneven tire conditions, such as bumps or patches, will affect the handling.
Vibrations in motorcycle handlebars are persistent and unstable. To address this, you should check your tire pressure before riding. Ensure the tire pressure meets the recommended standards.
Ensure the tire pressure is neither too low nor too high. If the tire bulge is severe, you can replace it with a new tire. Besides making the handlebars wobbly, poor tire condition can compromise driving safety.
Don’t Use the Front and Rear Tires in the Wrong Position
Furthermore, it’s important not to swap tire mounting positions. The front and rear tires have distinctly different functions.
The front tire maintains grip when turning, controls the motorcycle’s direction, and even breaks through puddles. The rear tire supports the weight of the motorcycle and rider, supports engine torque, and maintains stability while driving. When the rear tire is mounted in front, the motorcycle will feel heavier and ride much harder. Similarly, if the front tire is placed in the back, the motorcycle will look odd, as the rear tire will be smaller.
For example, a Honda Beat motorcycle with a standard front tire size of 80/90-14 can only be replaced with a 90/90-14 or 70/90-14 tire. Similarly, the rear tire, which is standard for a 90/90-14, can only be replaced with a 100/90-14 or 80/90-14 tire.
These are some of the causes of vibrating bicycle handlebars that you should be aware of. Address these issues early to prevent any serious issues during your trip. /Siti
