Reducing handlebar and footpeg vibration: Difference between revisions

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[[Category:Controls & Cables]]

Several of our experienced riders have stated that the Ninja 250 really doesn't have much of a vibration problem, compared to some other bikes. But you wouldn't be reading this if you agreed. If you haven't been riding for long, try wait-and-see. Things might not seem so bad in a couple weeks or so.

One of the first things you should do is check your [[Checking engine mount bolts|motor mount bolts]]. If those are loose, the bike will give noticeably more vibration. It's also a safety issue.

A common cause of perceived vibration in the handlebars is the so-called "death grip". You shouldn't be holding onto your bike for dear life; practice being [[Staying light on the bars|light on the bars]].

After you've tried the above stuff, if you still have an unacceptable amount of vibration, here are some things you can try:

*Lead: Fill your bars with lead, which could be BB shot used for shotguns or sinkers used for fishing.

*Bar ends: Try using heavier [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Removing_%26_replacing_bar_ends#A_couple_things_to_think_about bar ends].

*Stock footpegs: The stock pegs, with rubber under the foot, are usually less prone to letting vibration pass than are aftermarket all-metal replacements. If you've switched to aluminum pegs, switch back.

*Gel grips: May help somewhat. Give better feedback and control of the bars than the thicker foam grips.

*Foam grips: One option is [http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=grips Grip Puppies], which are foam pads that slip over standard grips. There are also lots of brands of foam grips; these are from [http://www.bikemaster.com/bmstrv2.nsf/home?openform bikemaster]:

[[image:foam grips.jpg|150px]]

Look on eBay, at a shop, or online. Advantages and disadvantages:

'''Pro'''

*They increase diameter somewhat, which some people find advantageous for long distance riding, as less grip effort is required to maintain throttle.

*They're well-padded, which is the reason for buying them.

'''Con'''

*They increase diameter somewhat, which some people find causes hand pain.

*They have less resistance to weathering.

*They hold water like a sponge.

You probably only want foam grips if you commute or tour exclusively. The extra squishiness doesn't relay a lot of feedback for sport riding.

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 [[Category:Controls & Cables]]
+Several of our experienced riders have stated that the Ninja 250 really doesn't have much of a vibration problem, compared to some other bikes. But you wouldn't be reading this if you agreed. If you haven't been riding for long, try wait-and-see. Things might not seem so bad in a couple weeks or so.
+One of the first things you should do is check your [[Checking engine mount bolts|motor mount bolts]]. If those are loose, the bike will give noticeably more vibration. It's also a safety issue.
+A common cause of perceived vibration in the handlebars is the so-called "death grip". You shouldn't be holding onto your bike for dear life; practice being [[Staying light on the bars|light on the bars]].
+After you've tried the above stuff, if you still have an unacceptable amount of vibration, here are some things you can try:
+*Lead: Fill your bars with lead, which could be BB shot used for shotguns or sinkers used for fishing.
+*Bar ends: Try using heavier [http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Removing_%26_replacing_bar_ends#A_couple_things_to_think_about bar ends].
+*Stock footpegs: The stock pegs, with rubber under the foot, are usually less prone to letting vibration pass than are aftermarket all-metal replacements. If you've switched to aluminum pegs, switch back.
+*Gel grips: May help somewhat. Give better feedback and control of the bars than the thicker foam grips.
+*Foam grips: One option is [http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=GPSMALL&Category_Code=grips Grip Puppies], which are foam pads that slip over standard grips. There are also lots of brands of foam grips; these are from [http://www.bikemaster.com/bmstrv2.nsf/home?openform bikemaster]:
+[[image:foam grips.jpg|150px]]
+Look on eBay, at a shop, or online. Advantages and disadvantages:
+'''Pro'''
+*They increase diameter somewhat, which some people find advantageous for long distance riding, as less grip effort is required to maintain throttle.
+*They're well-padded, which is the reason for buying them.
+'''Con'''
+*They increase diameter somewhat, which some people find causes hand pain.
+*They have less resistance to weathering.
+*They hold water like a sponge.
+You probably only want foam grips if you commute or tour exclusively. The extra squishiness doesn't relay a lot of feedback for sport riding.