2014 V7 Classic Vibration

[Colin Cheney]

Hello Everyone,
I am new to the group and new to Moto Guzzi motorcycles.  I have some technical experience with BMW and Norton motorcycles.  When I purchased my Classic it vibrated excessively at the handlebars 55 mph or around 3,500 in top gear.  Having read posts on this and other forums I noted that the vibration may be linked to the crash bars, which were Hepco and Becker and fitted to the machine when I bought it.  I removed the bars and the front, upper mounting bar on Saturday evening and rode the machine last night; it was much improved and the vibration had gone from the handlebars [wide, touring type bars] but was now more noticeable at the footrests at 4,000 rpm.  Would this be linked to the centre stand [also already fitted on purchase]?  Could the engine mounting bolts be tightened up or loosened off a little to move the vibration?  I seldom ride faster than 65 mph so I could live with vibration at, say, 6,000 rpm or above.
All replies much appreciated, 
Colin Cheney, Leicestershire, England.

[fotoguzzi]

I'm having a hard time imagining the crash bars (or centerstand) have anything to do with vibration.. have you sync'd the throttle bodies or is that a model with single TB?

[Dave Swanson]

I'm having a hard time imagining the crash bars (or centerstand) have anything to do with vibration.. have you sync'd the throttle bodies or is that a model with single TB?

It is a single TB.

I know my 2015 benefited greatly from the Beetle map which smoothed out things considerably, but I wouldn't have called the engine vibes excessive beforehand. 

[Dave Swanson]

And Colin, welcome to the forum!  Please take a minute to further introduce yourself to the mob here.

I am sure someone on the forum will help you get to the bottom of your vibration issue in short order. 

[SmithSwede]

My thought is you are lugging it.   The little small blocks like to run between 4,000 and 5,500 rpm.   I never cruise below 4,000 rpm, unless I'm going under 35 mph through town.   I often run 60 to 65 mph in 4th gear just to keep it smoother.   I save 5th for interstates and high speeds. 

[sign216]

I have an '09 V7 and it has heavy bar ends.  Does yours?
I found that cutting the throttle spring on the right handgrip really helped my sensation of vibration.  Less fatigue and all.
Let me know what you find.
Joe

[Dave Swanson]

It is a good exercise to check all bolts you can access on the bike to make sure they are tight.  That is the first place I would start.  Many vibes have been traced to loose bolts on the V7.

[Kev m]

I concur that it's not a bad idea to check bolts as good measure.

That said 55 mph is only 3500 in 5th gear and a bit of lugging is a real possibility.

[Cam3512]

I have heard certain crash bars act like a tuning fork.  I've reached down and grabbed mine and the vibes were hellacious at certain RPM's.  BTW, your '14 is either a Special or a Stone.  Classics were earlier models-  '09-'12?

[Chuck in Indiana]

I have heard certain crash bars act like a tuning fork.  I've reached down and grabbed mine and the vibes were hellacious at certain RPM's.  BTW, your '14 is either a Special or a Stone.  Classics were earlier models-  '09-'12?

Agreed. I chased a mystery vibration, couldn't really tell where  it came from, and finally took the engine out. Balanced the entire rotating assembly. It was the crash bars..  One was tweaked from a fall, apparently.