Triumphrat

04-11-2004

I'm still in the break-in period for an 04 TBS. I've noticed that somewhere between 3200 and 3400 RPM, I get these weird harmonic like vibrations. Almost feels as though I've downshifted (slight increase in noise and I'd swear the tack should be leaping ahead, but no movement there at all).

I noticed it first on my way home from the dealership. The ride was about 90 miles and of course the max break-in rpm is 3500. I could tell every time I'd slow down to around 3200 as this downshift feeling would kick in.

Now that I can increase to 5000, I've notice that accelerating through this low 3000 spot isn't pure...don't know how to describe it other than that. At 3500 it smooths out and just hums.

Obviously I'll be back at the dealer at 500 miles, but just wanted to know if anyone had some input on this that might make my dealer conversation a little more worthwhile.

Clif

vonbonds · 04-11-2004

I think this is quite normal for the 885 engine. I had a vibration from 2800-3200 if I remember correctly on my Thunderbird. My bike now is just a hair shy of 4K miles and it is barely noticable now. As the bike breaks in it will get better. Atleast that is the experience of quite a few owners with this issue as far as I know.

Tom

mecscc · 04-11-2004

Clif:

Tom is right. If you check on the search function you'll find quite a few posts attesting to this phenomenum. On my Tbird the harmonic is at between 3000 and 3200. I speculate it is because the engine is a stressed member of the frame structure, and it picks up the harmonic from the entire frame.

Some, like Tom, notice that it "goes away" after a while. I have 8900 on my bird and it is still there. Distracted me no end at first, now I hardly notice it. I rather doubt that it "goes away" as much as we get to thinking it is "normal" and don't really notice it anymore.

Monte

vonbonds · 04-11-2004

Quote:

Some, like Tom, notice that it "goes away" after a while. I have 8900 on my bird and it is still there. Distracted me no end at first, now I hardly notice it. I rather doubt that it "goes away" as much as we get to thinking it is "normal" and don't really notice it anymore.

Monte

You are probably right! I just assumed it went away. The truth is I probably just don't notice it as much but it could still be there. I can't wait for the weather to break so I can test this out!

.

Tom

04-12-2004

Thanks guys.

I dug into the old posts and sure enough, found a fair amount on this subject. I'll ride in comfort knowing that it's not my imagination and that it'll either get better or I'll get used to it.

clif

zimtok · 04-13-2004

My 2K-TBS has a vibration at about the same RPM but only under a load.

I found that when I first started to ride the bike I had a tendency to shift too soon (too low of an RPM) this would result in the vibration/growl. Now that I have been riding longer with this bike and more comfortable with it I tend to shift at a higher RPM. This vibration/growl doesn't happen very often now.

Wind her up and let her rip. Get those RPM's up there and you will see what this bike can do. :-D

[ This message was edited by: zimtok on 2004-04-13 07:46 ]

Cheatin5 · 04-16-2004

I'm on my second TBird and the vibration existed on the first and still exists on the second (a TBS).

Engines are balanced to give the best overall performance and at some point may give up a vibration at a certain RPM. The 3000-3500 range is obviously an area the engineers felt the rider would pass through and not spend much time in. I guess that's a long winded way of saying it's normal.

Cheatin5 · 04-16-2004

I'm on my second TBird and the vibration existed on the first and still exists on the second (a TBS).

Engines are balanced to give the best overall performance at the point they will probably spend the most time and at some point may give up a vibration at a certain RPM. The 3000-3500 range is obviously an area the engineers felt the rider would pass through and not spend much time in. I guess that's a long winded way of saying it's normal.

Besides, the bike runs the best from 4000-7000, stay there. Rock on.

vonbonds · 04-21-2004

I have ridden my 02 Tbird two days in a row now to work each time taking the long way home. The vibration is still there and I guess at the same level as before. I guess you just get used to it and know not to let the bike get down that far or atleast stay there long.

Just figured I would give an update to a fully broken in Tbird (~4100 miles).

Tom