Hey folks, first off: I have no affiliation with this manufacturer.
I installed a new product on my 2 FJ's ('84 and '92) to see if it helped reduce the high frequency tingles coming thru the bar grips. This product replaces the oem bar end weights and threads into the bars.
The manufacturer is: http://www.vibranator.com/ (http://www.vibranator.com/) No Klavdy, they do not make sex toys.
This is a new product for our FJ's so be patient and the web site will be updated.
Does it work? Short answer: Yes. How did I come to this conclusion without testing equipment?
Simple. I could feel the difference.
I tested this product on the smoothest model FJ's made, the rubber engine mounted '92 FJ1200. (yes the carbs are sync'ed and bushings lubed)
I figured if I could tell the difference on this FJ, the earlier 1st and 2nd gen. FJ's which don't have the rubber engine mounts, will benefit even more.
I installed the Vibranator on the clutch side and left the oem weight on the throttle side and went for a long ride. I noticed the reduction of vibes at freeway speeds. With the gearing on my '92 4500rpm is about 75mph. After about 30 minutes at speed I could feel the difference between my throttle hand and clutch hand. I did not stop, I continued until I needed gas @ 180 mile mark....By that time: Oh hell yes, there is a difference.
After getting gas, I switched sides, put the oem bar end weight on the clutch side and the Vibranator on the throttle side. Fresh ice and water in my Camelback, a quick smoke and I'm off....
Yep, again crusing at 75-80mph in about 30 minutes I could feel the difference between hands. Never-the-less I kept going until the 180 mile mark and my 2nd and final gas stop....Oh hell yea, there is a difference.
At this last gas stop, I installed the Vibranator bar ends on both sides to return home in comfort.
Note: you need a 10mm Allen for the Vibranators vs. the 8mm Allen you use on the oem weights.
I put a call out for FJ's in the Las Vegas or Henderson NV area, to stop in and get the vibration frequency measured so the Vibranator weights and be better tuned for our specific FJ's.
http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2650.msg20938#msg20938 (http://www.fjowners.com/index.php?topic=2650.msg20938#msg20938)
No response from the FJ crowd yet, so the Vibranator folks had to guess on the frequency range and width for tuning. Kudos to the manufacturer for coming so close. I like them, they work, I'm gonna get a 2nd set for my '84.
This product can only get better with specific FJ input.
Here's some picts. The Vibranator weighs about 6 ounces less than the oem end weight:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/49_13_10_10_9_36_52.jpeg)
In the sunlight:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/49_13_10_10_11_15_01.jpeg)
Great topic Pat, looks just like what I'm looking for.
How were you able to get some for the FJ when they don't have any list in the catalog yet?
Leon
They need to mill a groove in that sumbitch like the stock bar-end. Where are we supposed to store that Big-Ass Caterpillar O-Ring Shade-Tree Cruise Control?
-Rossi-
Hey Pat.....that's good news.
I think it saw Bill P that first mentioned these to me, maybe a year or so ago now (I might be wrong about who it was - Oldtimers is a bitch....lol).
Well done mate....... I see a set of these in my future.
Cheers
Harvy
Quote from: 1tinindian on October 14, 2010, 12:32:35 PM
How were you able to get some for the FJ when they don't have any list in the catalog yet?
Hey Leon,
I just lucked out. I've been e-mailing with Don @ Vibranator for about 4 months about a M16x1.5 threaded damper for our FJ's.
Don indicated that they were getting ready to make a product for the Yamaha FZ-1 and FZ-6 bikes and guess what?
Looking at the on line microfische for the bar end weights, both the FZ bikes have the same Yamaha part # (#26246) as our FJ's...cool..
Sooo as soon as the first set was ready, I was first in line.
The dampers are tuned for the FZ-1 and FZ-6 bikes but seem to work well with our FJ's.
If we can get a couple of FJ's (like a 1st gen and 3rd gen) over to Henderson NV. we can get the dampers fine tuned.
Quote from: rlucas on October 14, 2010, 05:43:23 PM
They need to mill a groove in that sumbitch like the stock bar-end. Where are we supposed to store that Big-Ass Caterpillar O-Ring Shade-Tree Cruise Control?
Hey Rossi, yea, I was thinking, how cool would it be, to combine this product with a Throttlemeister cruise control?
Here's some light reading for you Techno-geeks:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuned_mass_dampers (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuned_mass_dampers)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonic_vibration_reflex (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tonic_vibration_reflex)
A pop quiz is scheduled for Monday.
Cheers! Paddy
i want some..... :good2:
KOokaloo!
me too for the 85, my 91 is smooth as silk no need for them there. I wonder if we could get a group rate being the cheap bastard that I am and shit...
Eric M
A group buy would be an excellent idea.
I would take a set and a co-worker would also buy a set.
Whats the price.
Quote from: pdxfj on October 15, 2010, 04:39:53 PM
A group buy would be an excellent idea.
Ok, I'll work on this....I've already sent off a email to Don....Dunno when the stock will be in, or final price, or group price.
Respond to this post if you MAY be interested....no obligations, yada, yada...I just need to get a idea on approx. how many...
Pat
Pat........yes please to the Vibranators.
Harvy
count me in for a pair be nice not to get the tingles
on a long run,especially throttle hand. :yahoo:
I would be interested, as well, Pat.
thx.
Pat. Please count me in. These sound like a great idea. Do they make the anti-vibe motor mounts for our early gen bikes as well? :shok:
Cheers..Jake
Hey pat,
I'll want a set too. :good2:
great job on sourcing it out.
did you get your float gauge?
Ya know a trip to henderson takes you past vegas , Mr. retired guy. :blush:
Quote from: Mark Olson on October 16, 2010, 01:43:52 PM
Hey pat,
I'll want a set too. :good2:
great job on sourcing it out.
did you get your float gauge?
Ya know a trip to henderson takes you past vegas , Mr. retired guy. :blush:
Hey Thanks Mark, sorry, I forgot to let you know...all is well. Nifty tool huh?
LV? ...No friggin way....I stay as far away, as possible, from Lost Wages.
I would rather light my money on fire and watch it burn in a ash tray....
I was thinking of taking my '84 to Henderson but I'm not sure it would be a good candidate for testing due to the FZR front end and handle bar set up I have on the bike. A standard bar 1st or 2nd gen.'84 to '89 would be the best test mule. Pat
Hi Pat, I'll take a set also. let me know how much and when they are available...Woya this is great news.THANK YOU!!!
Chris
put down for a set.
Mike
Pat,
I'm likely to want some too.
Arnie
OK Pat, I'm in for set, depending on cost.
Thanks for all the leg work!
Ed
I would like to get a set too. Let me know the cost!
If they would agree to comp me a set when they got finished tuning them......I would run up there next time I get a day off during the week with my '90........Solid aluminum motor mount and all :good2:
Would also give me a chance to check out the new bridge over the Hoover Dam......I hear it opens next weekend to traffic.
put me down for a set too please
Put me down for a set too please,
Thanks,
Mark
add me to the list as well please.
Quote from: Pat Conlon on October 15, 2010, 09:44:18 PM
Quote from: pdxfj on October 15, 2010, 04:39:53 PM
A group buy would be an excellent idea.
Ok, I'll work on this....I've already sent off a email to Don....Dunno when the stock will be in, or final price, or group price.
Respond to this post if you MAY be interested....no obligations, yada, yada...I just need to get a idea on approx. how many...
Pat
Vibes on my '90 are not that bad, but could be better... I also like this kind of engineered mod, so thanks for the leg work!
Frank
Pat, I see you are taking a head count for a group buy, and I wanted to make sure you include me in on this.
Thanks for the write up and pictures.
You doing things like this is why I keep returning to this forum!
Aces, brother! :praising:
Leon
Good work Pat! I'm interested
I always thought my hands were going numb because the ball of my hand was kind of pushing down on the bar and was pressing on a nerve or something.
Maybe these will work!
Solid mounted '85. You bet I'm in. Any word on the proposed cost?
Is there a possibility of shipping to Canada? or somebody sending a set via a shipping relay I might be interested. Seems that getting things shipped to Canada is a problem, some won't do it.
Shaun
I'm working on it guys....nothing to report yet...
Quote from: Shaun on October 18, 2010, 05:51:29 PM
Is there a possibility of shipping to Canada? or somebody sending a set via a shipping relay I might be interested. Seems that getting things shipped to Canada is a problem, some won't do it.
Shaun
Hey man, if enough of our northern friends want some I could always load up the gas tank with 'em and make a little cross country trip. Er, except for my expired passport. Never mind. Joking. Ha ha. Is there some kind of import tariff on parts into Canada?
No, there are no tariffs, just something I have noticed that quite a few places and or people will not ship to Canada. I've even noticed it at work with our purchaser, there are just some places that just won't deal internationally, Noticed it on eBay as well. Some will some won't maybe it's because of shipping, we often get seen off in shipping across the border (don't know who makes more the government or the brokerage firms). I've had great success shipping to the states, it seems to be no problem from this side maybe Eric B could shed some light as he notes he will not ship internationally, now this is getting way off topic, back to the Vibrinator...
Shaun
Well, through conversations with Pat and Vibranator, I am going to be our FJ Owners dealer for the product. They have a suggested list price of $119.99 as listed on the website;
https://www.vibranator.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=10%2D636%2D000%2DN%2D002 (https://www.vibranator.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=10%2D636%2D000%2DN%2D002)
I will be able to supply them to the group for $98.00 plus shipping; $22.00 off the list price. I have just gotten off of the phone with them and I will have to purchase a minimum of 25 to get this pricing. I went through the requests and I count 23. I am willing to purchase more than 25 if more people commit to purchase. My goal is to purchase extra so I have some on the shelf as well.
I have no problem shipping to anywhere in the world and they will fit into the small USPS priority box which ships for $4.95 Continental US, $11.45 to Canada and $13.45 anywhere else in the world.
I need to hear from everyone directly to my email; rpm@swaybar.com. Once I confirm I have the numbers to support the purchase, they will have a 1-2 week turn around to get them shipped to me. Vibranator is very excited about our initial interest and I hope this blooms into the great product relationship. They have also informed my they might have some other products they can supply for the FJ as well and we will explore those as we move forward.
So, if you are intersted in a set of Vibranator bars ends for your FJ, email directly; rpm@swaybar.com
Again, Thank you to Pat for getting this ball-a-rollin'...
Randy - RPM
well all right... thanks for doing this Randy... Email sent.
Kookalooo!
Any chance the product will work better once they get accurate frequency readings from the different model bikes? I see there is certainly a need from the enthusiastic response, but for the price it would be great if they were application tuned instead of FZ parts that sorta work. I'm up for a set when I know they work with my bike!
Doug
Hey gang, to follow up, bad news and good news....The group buy did not pan out, sorry, but we have that covered.
Yeppers, as usual, Randy @ RPM to the rescue....
I'm in for a second set.
Thanks Randy for making this happen!
Quote from: carsick on October 18, 2010, 09:23:45 PM
Hey man, if enough of our northern friends want some I could always load up the gas tank with 'em and make a little cross country trip. Er, except for my expired passport. Never mind. Joking. Ha ha. Is there some kind of import tariff on parts into Canada?
I feel your pain Doug. All this national security stuff has taken the fun out of smuggling a couple cases of Labatt 50 back into the states.
Quote from: markmartin on October 19, 2010, 07:22:17 PM
I feel your pain Doug. All this national security stuff has taken the fun out of smuggling a couple cases of Labatt 50 back into the states.
Not worth going to Gitmo for good beer, eh Mark? I should have told you my Alaska story at the rally. Turns out you have to drive through Canada to get there, who knew?
Quote from: carsick on October 19, 2010, 06:48:47 PM
Any chance the product will work better once they get accurate frequency readings from the different model bikes? I see there is certainly a need from the enthusiastic response, but for the price it would be great if they were application tuned instead of FZ parts that sorta work. I'm up for a set when I know they work with my bike!
Doug
I will post this question to Vibranator and advise. I know that Pat has put 300+ miles on his 92 with them and now has them installed on his 84. He states a noted reduction in the vibrations felt.
He should be able to attest a little better than I as he was the one doing the testing.
Randy - RPM
As built the dampers work pretty good. They quell the high frequency tingles I get in my hands at freeway speeds.
Do they remove all the vibration? Of course not. I only noticed the vibration reduction after time, while at freeway speed.
The question Doug asked, which IMHO is the correct question: Can they get better?
Anyone have a Yamaha FZ-6 or FZ-1? They are inline 4 cylinder bikes. Do they have the same tingle buzz that we have?
Most inline 4's which do not have a balance shaft(s) do have some sort of tingle buzz, but is it the same as our FJ's?
Dunno. To be really sure, we need someone to get a 1st or 2nd gen FJ to Henderson Nevada for the mfgr. to evaluate.
Pat, All the FZ1s have rubber dampers fitted into the upper triple trees so they have a reduction in the shakes to start with. The people to ask would be R1 owners with solid clipons. It's been so long since I had mine I do not remember the shakes.
Kim
Quote from: racerrad8 on October 19, 2010, 07:41:34 PM
I will post this question to Vibranator and advise. I know that Pat has put 300+ miles on his 92 with them and now has them installed on his 84. He states a noted reduction in the vibrations felt.
He should be able to attest a little better than I as he was the one doing the testing.
Randy - RPM
Okay, after several phone conversations today, the have agreed to get at least one FJ and to some frequency testing. They explained the method of their starting point as associated to other in-line four cylinder engines. He told me there might be improvement, but was confident it would be in the single digits of percentile, if any. They do agree they could be off, but based on the computations they should be really close.
So, they will be in contact with me next week he said.
There were also several requests for the "groove" just like the factory units to hold the "cruise control o-ring". I have sent them a stock one and all of them will now be made with that groove as well. He does have eight sets that do not have it that he will be selling me as well. So, if it does not matter if you have the groove I will deplete that inventory first.
They seem very willing to work with me and are genuinely excited about the interest from the FJ brotherhood.
They have also told me they are scheduled to get an FJ to do some tuning for their fork cartridge emulators. He said they have a patented design and already have a unit made for the fork diameter of the FJ. Their goal is to do that suspension testing over the next several weeks when they get an FJ on-site.
These guys are kind of like me in the fact they are two guys doing it all, getting their business off of the ground. They have been excellent to work with up to this point and I see a great FJ supporter for many years to come.
I will keep everyone posted as soon as I find out next week the outcome of their frequency testing.
I still need to get an accurate head count of my first order and I need to purchase a minimum of 25. Let me know directly; rpm@swaybar.com
Thanks again to Pat Conlon for getting this product rolling for us.
Thank you, Randy - RPM
I had a conversation today with Vibranator. They are running a 92 starting today and have also located an 86 they will be testing late in the week. They told me they will have all of their data and, if required, the design change/improvement programmed into the CNC lathe ready to get them made. They told me they obtain the majority of there frequency range rating while running on a chassis dyno and then they road test to verify.
I also sent them an O.E. unit and they have "reverse engineered" the outward design to include the factory groove so those of you who use the "o-ring cruise" control will still have a place to store it.
I have gone through my requests to this point sent directly to my email and I am at 14. I have to purchase a minimum of 25 to get the pricing I offer above. I need to get a good solid number so I can commit to them I will make that purchase.
So, if you are one of the fourteen who already sent me an email I do not need to hear from you again, but I to hear from the rest that are interested. I did a website count and had 23 so there should be more requests.
Please send your request to rpm@swaybar.com
They tell me I can have them ready to ship 3-5 days after I place the order, so when I get the amount I will place the order.
Randy - RPM
I just got off of the phone with Vibranator and the testing is complete. They have determined that the vibration frequency is the same for both the 1100 & 1200, regardless of year, based on the rotating mass & design of the engine. They tried going three steps above and below the measurable frequency range on both bikes and they have the tuned them for the best performance.
They told me there was some difference in handlebar feel between the full rubber and semi-rigid mounted engines. I asked if there would be different part numbers for different years and they told me no. Since the vibration frequency range is the same on both engines and that is what the units are tuned too; they will be the same for all applications. They designed the part based on vibration frequency of the engine design at various operating ranges. Since there is different feel in the bars based on engine mounting, the performance experienced, will be different for each individual. They also told me there is no substitution for the maintenance of the motor mount system in any bike the is suspended and not fully rigid mounted.
In case you did not see/read my last installment, they have added the cruise control o-ring groove at the request of Rossi.
So here is the list I have so far and I am still short;
Randy R
Garth (3)
Eric M
Harvy
Pat C
David N
Mark M
Frank M
Bill W
Shaun M
Ed T
Frank B
Chris H
Doug C
Doug M
Steven S
Mark O
Denis D
That leaves me at 20 and I need to buy 25 to get the special lower pricing. They are ready to get started making them once I tell them I want them and send them payment for such a large amount. I have to go to work tomorrow and will be back to the shop on Tuesday, I am hoping to get the order placed then.
Please send your request directly to me if you are interested; rpm@swaybar.com
Thanks, Randy - RPM
I sent out emails this morning to those that had previously contacted me about the Vibranator handlebar ends. I have placed the order today for a count of 30 and I have at this point a count of 27 sold. The units are at the powder coater now and they made a run of 50. I can still add to the order as they will not be ready to ship to me for 7-10 days.
With that said, if you are interested in purchasing these bar ends please let me know so I can add to the order to get the best pricing for our group.
With the quantity of the order I am able to offer these at the cost of $98.00 which is $12.00 off of their retail price.
If you want to add to the order please email me directly; rpm@swaybar.com
Thank you, Randy - RPM
I just got off of the phone with Vibranator and they are on schedule to pickup the parts today. They should be sending them to me on Monday after the holiday break.
This is the last chance to get on this group purchase for the reduced priceof $98.00. After this order they will probably sell for pretty close to their suggested retail price of $120.00.
I currently have a count of 27. I can add to the order until Monday when they are putting them in the box.
If you want to get on this purchase please let me know by Sunday night; rpm@swaybar.com
Thanks, Randy - RPM
Received mine, and installed. Look good.
Testing tomorrow.
Thanks Randy.
Bill.
Posted from another post on the forum, thanks for the feedback and if you get a chance, log onto the RPM website and leave your feedback there as well for those who are not members here.
Thanks again,
Randy - RPM
Quote from: I make oil on September 13, 2012, 11:32:48 AM
Ok FINALLY made it home! :good2: Waiting for me was a stack of goodies just begging to go on my bike. First order of business....
Vibranators from RPM. I rode the bike about 15 miles to ensure I had a good memory of the feel of the bike with out them and then brought it home and installed. Quick and easy installation and they look good too. Good quality finish. It took me more time to gather my tools and open the packages than to install. I took the bike on another 15 mile ride over the same route for comparison.(which turned out to be an hour ride) I have to say the difference is VERY noticeable. Honestly, I was suspect of the reviews I've read in the past. I could not get that some little bar ends could make such a difference over the ride comfort of the bike. They absolutely make a world of difference. If anyone out there is contemplating adding them don't hesitate they are everything you've read and then some. They have to be experienced to be believed, well worth the money. I love my bike but any rides over 30 min where uncomfortable for me. Adding these has changed the way the bike feels and I am much more comfortable with the thought of long distance riding on it. Thank you RPM.
I am looking forward to my next change. Hopefully, it will make it even better for the trips I have planned for next year and my local riding as well give it some of my own personality. This is fun. :yes:
How this for weird, this is the exact topic i was gonna post on this morning - Spooky!
went out yesterday for a couple of hours on a mix of minor side roads, some dual carriageway (small freeway i guess only 2 lanes - British roads are shall we say 'unique', 'rustic', 'bijou') and some fast A roads. Anyway after about 30mins i noticed i was getting pins and needles in both hands but worse in my right. I figured it was my ridding position as although it has happened before this is by far the most noticable it has been. So in spite of lots of jiggling and position altering it got no better.
I ride a 93 3xw and thought i had seen something on here that these later models dont suffer so much with vibrations?
Anywho! the general consensus is that these work!? Correct me if im wrong! Anyone tried them on later models?
RPM still list these on the web site so i may put them on my ever expanding christmas list!
Quote from: nurse on September 14, 2012, 03:27:14 AM
How this for weird, this is the exact topic i was gonna post on this morning - Spooky!
went out yesterday for a couple of hours on a mix of minor side roads, some dual carriageway (small freeway i guess only 2 lanes - British roads are shall we say 'unique', 'rustic', 'bijou') and some fast A roads. Anyway after about 30mins i noticed i was getting pins and needles in both hands but worse in my right. I figured it was my ridding position as although it has happened before this is by far the most noticable it has been. So in spite of lots of jiggling and position altering it got no better.
I ride a 93 3xw and thought i had seen something on here that these later models dont suffer so much with vibrations?
Anywho! the general consensus is that these work!? Correct me if im wrong! Anyone tried them on later models?
RPM still list these on the web site so i may put them on my ever expanding christmas list!
Yes, they work, but you don't need them on a '93.
Your handlebars at cruising speed should have no more vibration than when it's parked with the motor turned off!
I'm not exagerating.
What you DO need is the engine mount fix as covered in the files here somewhere. Finding it and posting exceeds my computer skills, in fact you are witnessing the extent of skills right now, typing.
It also stops vibrations everywhere else which is the cause of buzzing, rattles, plastic cracking and instruments playing up.
Below is discussion on this very topic a few weeks back
Quote from: Tapartacus on September 01, 2012, 06:44:18 PM
Well just got back from a long ride after removing, cleaning and re-greasing the engine mounts on my 92 and all I can say is... HOLY F$#%&*ING SH&%#@T!!!!! What a difference!! I can't believe it. I couldn't stop giggling like a little school girl every time I twisted the throttle. NO vibration in my hands which used to tingle after a hour of riding. Smooth as silk. At 60 mph and 4000 rpm it doesn't even feel like the engine is on. My problem with rumble at 1500 is almost undetectable. I will say that the most noticeable difference is at the higher rpm range but what a difference. I used to want to shift up to get rid of the vibration but now the more throttle I give it in any particular gear the smother she rolls. Anyone with a 91-93 who hasn't done this yet needs to do this NOW! Big thank you to all who suggested this and a big thank you to Bob from Ontario(good Canadian kid) for his guide and of course Pat, Randy, Kurt, DavidR, Noel. I'm just so giddy.
Andrew
Andrew, I love this post. I have tried a number of times to get this message across to anyone that owns one of these models but I've clearly been too conservative with my language. Your description is excellent and to anyone reading this who hasn't done the mod, he's not exaggerating.
The word you used, HOLY F$#%&*ING SH&%#@T!!!!! describes the feeling perfectly. I wish I'd thought of it at the time. Perhaps it could join "kookaloo" in a list of FJ specific words.
I've said it before, this mod didn't improve the bike, it transformed it.
All Hail DavidR
Cheers Ribbert, i shall have a trawl through the files pages later when i get home. :good2: