Vibrations at Exactly 50 MPH

Iroh

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May 18, 2020
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44
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Dubai
Hello everyone,

Nice to see a dedicated forum for the Tenere. This is my first post so big hellos and waves in all direction. I need some advice from experienced users.

I purchased a 2015 1200XTZ Super Tenere used last week. It has around 10,000 miles on it.

The seller installed a pair of new tires and didnt ride the bike at all for a few months. After I bought the bike, I noticed very strong vibrations at exactly 50MPH (85kmph). If I speed up or slow down, the vibes go to a minimum. This also happens if I coast at 50MPH with the clutched pulled in. So it doesnt look like there is an issue with the Engine.

Could it be Flatspots from the bike sitting around?
Or could it be that the new tires were balanced incorrectly which the seller wouldnt know as he hasnt touched the bike after replacing the tires.?
Or is the Clutch Basket Vibrations( Have read about it in the forum. I dont completely understand it)

I think I will gather some knowledge around this before giving the bike in for service. The dealer is out of question. I will be asking some dedicated motorcycle shops to look at it but wont be specialized for the S10.
I installed Grip puppies last month on my other bike and will be doing the same soon for the S10

Thanks!
 

Boris

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Dec 21, 2013
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midlands. UK
Very unlikely to be the clutch basket, as this was a problem that affected the Gen 1 bikes. Yours at 2015 is a Gen 2.

If the vibration is bad then there’s clearly a problem, as the Gen2 are pretty smooth running bikes.

You really have little choice other than to start with the basic stuff, tyre pressures, one wheel off at a time and check tyre fitting and balancing, starting with the front first, then you can check the wheel fitting process is correct at the same time. If the problem persists, then rear wheel out, tyre check, balance, re-fit.

if you have a centre stand, wheel removal is a straightforward process and there are detailed guides on this site.

Do this first before thinking about bearings etc.
 

jeckyll

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May 11, 2016
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Lotusland
All good suggestions.

I'd put the bike on the centerstand:
- check that wheels move freely when spinning (in N of course). Helps to have someone pushing on the back of the bike to check the front wheel. Feel the wheel while spinning to check for any really obvious bulges or flat spots, look carefully at the beads to ensure they are seated properly and don't 'wiggle' when the tire spins
- check tire pressures
- check spokes
- check steering head, ensure is moving freely side to side, no binding, no slop (the main nut can work it's way loose)

If nothing found, I'd get the wheels re-balanced. I actually consider this the most likely scenarios without knowing anything else or touching the bike :)

If that doesn't fix it, get a qualified mechanic to check the bike over.


Just my $0.02, good luck
 

Squibb

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It's got to be that front tyre fit or balance, maybe even some very loose spokes. It's a nuisance but there is no option but to follow the advice above. You can check static balance - personally I prefer to have my wheels balanced dynamically at the tyre shop/dealer.
 

tallpaul

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Sep 14, 2017
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Whitworth, Rochdale, UK
Welcome to the forum. Could you post a picture of the bike. Being from the UK I've seen a few 2015 bikes that are actually late registered 2013 bikes. I'm not sure how things like that work in Dubai but a picture would verify that it is a gen2. Having said that, the previous replies show the way to finding the problem. Good luck!
 

Iroh

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May 18, 2020
Messages
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Location
Dubai
Welcome to the forum. Could you post a picture of the bike. Being from the UK I've seen a few 2015 bikes that are actually late registered 2013 bikes. I'm not sure how things like that work in Dubai but a picture would verify that it is a gen2. Having said that, the previous replies show the way to finding the problem. Good luck!
Thanks for the welcome. I have booked an appointment with a bike shop for tomorrow. Will update soon.
I am not really sure how to differentiate the 2 gens. I have a 2015 as per the chassis number check online. I have the big screen thats different from the 2013 model. is there some other way to check?
 

tallpaul

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Gen 1 has an analogue tachometer. The Gen2 is LCD. There are other things too but that is the most reliable. If the VIN plate gives you the date then that too is a good thing.
 

bimota

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Dec 10, 2017
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bridgend, Wales, UK
Thanks for the welcome. I have booked an appointment with a bike shop for tomorrow. Will update soon.
I am not really sure how to differentiate the 2 gens. I have a 2015 as per the chassis number check online. I have the big screen thats different from the 2013 model. is there some other way to check?
has it got led indicators
 

Iroh

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Joined
May 18, 2020
Messages
44
Location
Dubai
Because it happens during coasting I think it’s safe to assume you have narrowed it to tires, wheels, brakes, spoke or bearings.

When ever chasing down something I always start with what has been changed or repaired recently. In your case it happens to be in the correct neighborhood. Tires, Balance, and spokes get my vote. What kind of tires are on the bike now? Different tires have different characteristic.
Hey, currently it has new Mitas Terra Force R Tires. I cant say how they are performing because this is my first ADV bike.
 

Iroh

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May 18, 2020
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Dubai
Gen 1 has an analogue tachometer. The Gen2 is LCD. There are other things too but that is the most reliable. If the VIN plate gives you the date then that too is a good thing.
Its Gen2 for sure then. Led signals and the big screen. Not the analogue version
 

Tenman

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Dec 7, 2013
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Natchez Ms USA
If the rims are true. I would remove the weights and put some dyna beads in the tires. In 57K miles. I've done 120mph on mine with Battle wings, K60s, EO7s and Tractionators. Never had a shake. Most people I know run too low tire pressures. Scallops the front tire
 

Iroh

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May 18, 2020
Messages
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Location
Dubai
If the rims are true. I would remove the weights and put some dyna beads in the tires. In 57K miles. I've done 120mph on mine with Battle wings, K60s, EO7s and Tractionators. Never had a shake. Most people I know run too low tire pressures. Scallops the front tire
I am not entirely sure if we have dyna beads in my region. Ill find out tomorrow when I speak to the mechanics.
 

Gigitt

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May 15, 2015
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Sydney Australia
I am not entirely sure if we have dyna beads in my region. Ill find out tomorrow when I speak to the mechanics.
Also search for tire or wheel balancing beads.... make sure they are ceramic, they don't have to be the brand Dyna Beads.
Plenty for sale on eBay
 

SkunkWorks

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Sep 13, 2018
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Colorado
Also search for tire or wheel balancing beads.... make sure they are ceramic, they don't have to be the brand Dyna Beads.
Plenty for sale on eBay
I use "CounterAct" balance beads.
They are hardened glass. They do not break down, or turn to dust. Had them in my last set of Jeep tires for 40,000 miles, and the inside of the tire still looked brand-new.
They work well.
 

Don in Lodi

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I'm for an uneven bead seating. Any sign the wheels got balanced? Tape weight stuck to the rims? It's a low speed for balance issues, balance usually manifests at higher speeds.
 

SuckSqueezeBangBlow

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Whitby, Ontario
I use "CounterAct" balance beads.
They are hardened glass. They do not break down, or turn to dust. Had them in my last set of Jeep tires for 40,000 miles, and the inside of the tire still looked brand-new.
They work well.
Old thread but I just lost some weights on my tires and can't get in for a couple of weeks so thought I would try these. How much did you use on the Tenere and do you still like them.
 
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