Triumphrat

I don't have a basis here as this is the only Triumph I've ever ridden. But my previous bikes (suzuki, kaw, aprilia and bimota) have not had any of this.

The S4 vibrates as the revs go up. In other words, RPM goes up, vibration increases - that makes sense. But it is so bad that after 10 minutes of riding my hands are numb. At 6-7k RPM my backsides starts to fall asleep. This is really bad.

Is there something loose in a mounting? Is there a missing engine mounting pad?

What gives?

My dealer is new to Triumph - they were formally Indian, and custom choppers - so going in there with a vibration complaing may get me a funny look!

I'd like to find some ideas before going over.

Please help! I can't ride.

Peet

P.S. I've switched grips to the isogrip by Kuryakyn and that made a little bit of difference - I can now ride 12 minutes.

Peeti
That is awful and it shouldn't do that!!

Make sure the chain is not too tight as that can give a harsh vibration - 35mm at it's tightest point. - You may have to turn the wheel several times to find that.

Then - are the bars tight? heave the exhausts & engine - are they tight?

Then give your dealer a chance & take it in. :???:

600cc 4s shoudl not vibrate noticeably - I did 4 hard hours today and it was braking, not vibration tiring me!

Do any other S4/TT600 owners live close enough to test ride?

Good luck Jon

Some additional notes for you all...

the vibration occurs whether the bike is riding or standing still.. as long as the revs are moving the bike is vibing. (didn't say shaking because it really is rock solid, just vibrating).

Vibration is not speed dependent but RPM dependent.

Vibes are felt in every part of body contacting the bike, from pegs on up.

It is not heard at all - so it is not a nosise, but a feel fibration.

Chain has about 30-35mm of play - just right. But since the vibes come even stationary this isn't related.

Seems to be there when in any gear, in neutral or on clutch pulled in.

I may try the tighten up all bolts principle, but am looking for other ideas as well.

Peet

Will

That really doesn't sound right. My bike buzzes a little, especially now that it isn't in completely stock trim, but it isn't objectionable. It smoothes out completely when you put the spurs to it. It only buzzes at part throttle. I have put in some long days on it- well over 500 miles is pretty routine. Your bike should also be that way, not vibrating like a twin!

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Will
It's a squid thing. You wouldn't understand.
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Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon.

Thanks Will.

To tell the truth, my race prepped Bimota DB4 1000cc beast was smoother, and it spat at the streets and stuttered and stumbled until kicked hard. Furthermore, my 400cc single cylinder Suzuki (from days gone past) was smoother, it had no counter balancers, one cylyider and a kick start!

I'm not very confident that the dealer will be able to determine what it is so anyone else that may have ideas - I welcome them.

Ultimatley, I'll take it in, but rather than being the educational experience, I'd like to come in prepared.

Thanks again!

P

Joe275

did you put sliders on it? maybe a loose bolt there, my bike is also a little buzzy, but not like what you are sayin', i used to get a sore wrist from ridin' around in slow traffic, but once i get on open road where the wind pushes me back off the clip-ons it feels okay. definetely take it in, i know the feelin' of going in to a place with a dick growing out of your forhead, but man take it in, i can't stand the thought of one sitting for a reason like that. i doubt any guy at the dealership will hassle you about it, especially a mechanic, a gearhead is a gearhead, v-twin, triple, 4banger.......nothin' better than making one purr, regardless of the tone..

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"when i let off the throttle it gets all squirrely, so, i just stay on the throttle.."

My '03 S4 is pretty buzzy, as well. All mounts are snug, chain adjusted, etc. One thing I haven't done is sync the throttle bodies. I have 1400 miles and the bike runs great, revs well, gets good fuel economy and can't imagine that the sync would be a problem, though I know that could be a source of vibration if it were significantly out. Perceived vibration is highly subjective and your bike may be running perfectly (like mine) with no real remedy.

Will

Subjective or not, a Triumph, any Triumph, should be smoother than a race prepped Bimota! That thing will knock your fillings out. The only thing that shakes more than one of those is a Harley Davidson, not a Triumph! Something is definitely wrong with Peet's bike- I just don't know what.

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Will
It's a squid thing. You wouldn't understand.
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Go soothingly on the grease mud, as there lurks the skid demon.

dietDrThunder

Things to try:

1. With the bike idling, try loosening motor mount bolts, then re-tightenning them. Loosen all except for the rear lower one, then tighten them in the same order you loosened.

2. Do the same thing to stuff that bolts to the frame...subframe especially if it is bolt-on (I don't have one so I don't know).

3. Get the throttle bodies synced.

Diet: thanks. Good tips - this weekend's project btw.

Question to all. I looked in the shop manual and it looks as though the engine is mounted with some funky bolts that require a socket with teeth in it - looks like an old castle turret with arrow protection blocks.

How do I deal with these bolts? Or do I just leave those alone?

Peet

P.S. Will: that Bimota was outta hand. In 5th on the street torque enough to pop the wheel up. Ultimatley, too expensive to insure, to hard to ride smoothly in regular traffic, but boy did it make the ducatisti in my area drool