Handlebar vibrations can be a major hassle on long rides. Not only do they make your hands numb and sore, but they can also cause fatigue, irritation and are actually bad for bones and tissues.
It is crucial to diagnose the source of vibration, as it could be indicative of damaged motorcycle parts that require immediate attention. For instance, faulty bearings, bent rims, improper suspension configuration, and various other factors can contribute to vibrations on a motorcycle.
On the other hand, if your motorcycle is functioning properly but vibrations are caused by knobby tires or are normal to your bike’s model, consider using the following 7 best motorcycle grips for vibration reduction.
Contents
- Motorcycle Handlebar Anti Vibration Grips and Grip Covers
- Anti-Vibration Grips Buying Guide
- Material
- What causes handlebar vibration on a Motorcycle?
- Bottom Line
Motorcycle Handlebar Anti Vibration Grips and Grip Covers
#1 Oxford Heated Grips – Best Overall
Material: Rubber
Thickness: 4 mm
Unique Features / Quick Description
The Oxford Heated Grips are designed to provide warmth to your hands while riding your bike. They are thicker compared to most stock grips and while they heat up – rubber becomes softer and fights handlebar vibrations better compared to stock.
They are available in four styles: Commuter, Adventure, Cruiser V1, and Sport. The grips are made of a 1-piece molded construction and are easy to install and use. They are designed to fit the vast majority of bikes and can be slightly cut down to size if needed. The heating element draws under 3A and has zero back drain current. Grips will turn off if the bike’s engine is not running in order not to drain the battery.
#2 Biltwell Torker – Runner Up
Material: Rubber
Thickness: 3 mm
Unique Features / Quick Description
The Biltwell Torker Grips is a high-quality option for anyone looking to upgrade the grips on their motorcycle. These grips are made of rubber and are designed to be comfortable and provide a secure grip while riding.
They are a 1″ size and fit most standard handlebars. One of the standout features of these grips is their durability and resistance to UV, ozone, and oxidation, making them a long-lasting option. The Torker TPV Street Motorcycle Hand Grips are also good-looking and nice to touch. They look best on cruisers and cafe racers.
While these grips have received mostly positive reviews, some customers have had difficulty getting them to fit their handlebars properly. Overall, the Biltwell Torker TPV Street Motorcycle Hand Grips offer a comfortable and durable option for anyone looking to upgrade their motorcycle’s grips.
#3 Grip Puppy Comfort Grips – Best for the Money
Material: Foam
Thickness: 8 mm
Unique Features / Quick Description
The Grip Puppy Grips are designed to fit over standard handgrips and provide greater riding comfort for the rider. They are made from a special high-tech material that is UV, ozone, and oxidation resistant, and are designed to work well with heated grips.
The grips are soft, squeezable, and tactile, and are intended to reduce engine vibrations felt through the handlebars. The Grip Puppys have received mostly positive reviews, with customers finding them comfortable and effective at reducing vibrations. Some reviewers have noted that they may wear out over time, but overall they are seen as a good value for the price.
#4 Grip Covers Comfort Foam
Material: Anti-kinetic EPDM
Thickness: 7mm
Unique Features / Quick Description
The Motorcycle Anti Vibration Grip Covers are made of anti-kinetic EPDM material and are designed to slip over existing grips to increase overall grip thickness by 6-8mm. They can be cut to the required length to fit over your current handlebars. These grip covers are meant to reduce vibrations and improve comfort for motorcycle riders. They are compatible with all standard-size grips and are easy to install.
#5 MMG Motorcycle Aluminum Anti-Vibration Grips
Material: Rubber
Thickness:
Unique Features / Quick Description
The MMG Motorcycle Grips are designed for use on most 7/8” (22mm) diameter handlebars. Made from billet aluminum and featuring a premium soft rubber grip, these grips are designed to reduce vibration and provide a comfortable and secure hold for the rider. They are available in blue color which may fit your motorcycle style.
#6 Foam Anti-Vibration Comfort Grips
Material:
Thickness:
Unique Features / Quick Description
The Foam Anti-Vibration GRIPS are designed to fit over standard and heated handgrips. They are made from anti-kinetic EPDM material and are UV resistant, making them durable in all weather conditions. The grips are designed to reduce vibration and increase rider comfort and are easy to install by simply applying soapy water to the existing handgrips and slipping the foam covers over them. They are compatible with a wide range of motorbikes, including most motorcycles made in Japan, Europe, and the United States.
They increase the overall handgrip thickness by 6 mm to 8 mm and can be cut to size if needed. The Foam Comfort Grips have received mostly positive reviews, with customers finding them comfortable and easy to install. They are simply two pieces of foam, but they do their job well.
#7 ODI Vans Cult grips
Material: Rubber
Thickness:
Unique Features / Quick Description
The ODI Van Cult Grips are a high-quality motorcycle grip option. The brown color adds a stylish touch to any motorcycle. Customers have reported that they offer a comfortable and secure grip, and have praised the overall quality of the product. In addition, these grips have received positive reviews for their aesthetic appeal, with customers noting that they add a cool, vintage look to their motorcycles.
Anti-Vibration Grips Buying Guide
Here are some aspects to take into account when choosing Motorcycle Grips:
Material
EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) is a type of synthetic rubber that is resistant to water, UV radiation, and heat. It has a good level of flexibility. EPDM rubber is often used in the automotive and construction industries for weatherstripping, seals, and other applications where it is exposed to the elements.
Using EPDM rubber for motorcycle handlebar grips has several benefits:
- Durability: EPDM rubber is known for its excellent weather resistance and durability, making it a good choice for motorcycle handlebar grips that will be exposed to the elements.
- Comfort: EPDM rubber has a good level of flexibility, which can help to absorb shock and reduce vibrations, thus reducing hand fatigue and increasing ride time between stops.
- UV resistance: EPDM rubber is resistant to UV radiation, which can help to prevent fading or brittleness over time.
- Good grip: EPDM rubber has a good level of grip, making it easier to hold onto the handlebars and not allowing the throttle so slip back in your hand.
Overall, using EPDM rubber for motorcycle handlebar grips can help to improve the comfort and durability of the grips, making for a more enjoyable riding experience.
Rubber is the most popular material used for Handlebar grips.
- Rubber is a durable material that can withstand the wear and tear of being used on a motorcycle.
- Rubber provides good traction, which reduces the slip between your hands and the throttle or handlebar.
- Rubber is a good shock absorber, which can help reduce vibration and fatigue on long rides.
- Rubber grips can be given a certain thread pattern that improves grip, reduces vibrations, and looks good as well as is nice to touch.
What causes handlebar vibration on a Motorcycle?
Here is a list of the most probable causes of handlebar vibrations on a motorcycle.
unbalanced wheels
Vibration Reason
Unbalanced wheels cause vibrations to occur while the motorcycle is in motion. This is because the weight of the tire and wheel is not evenly distributed, causing an uneven force to be applied to the motorcycle as it moves. This uneven force will cause the motorcycle to vibrate, which can be uncomfortable for the rider and potentially damaging to the motorcycle itself.
How to solve it?
Simply balance the wheels. This can be done with the help of a wheel balancing stand or by visiting a tire service shop.
Note that wheels must be balanced with brake discs on. The rear wheel must be balanced together with a sprocket installed.
aftermarket (Chinese) handlebar weights
Vibration Reason
Handlebar weights are designed by the manufacturer to specifically fight vibrations by being of specific weight and made from specific material (usually steel). Aftermarket weights are usually lighter and made from aluminum making the handlebar buzzier.
How to solve it?
Inspect your handlebar weights and if they are not original – order original and replace them.
unevenly worn brake discs
Vibration Reason
Unevenly worn brake discs cause vibration because they create an uneven surface for the brake pads to make contact with.
When the brake pads press against the uneven surface, it causes the brake disc to vibrate, which is transmitted through the vehicle’s suspension and can be felt as a vibrating sensation through the steering wheel, pedals, and/or seat. This vibration is a sign that the brake discs are not functioning properly and need to be replaced.
If the brake disc is seriously worn – it will cause vibration even when brakes are not applied.
How to solve it?
Replace brake discs with aftermarket ones. Don’t forget to use the thread locker on brake disc bolts unless you want them to unscrew and block the wheel from rotating at 120 km/h while overtaking the truck. Don’t ask me how I know this.
knobby tires
Vibration Reason
The uneven tread pattern causes the tire to bounce and vibrate as it rolls on pavement, which can be transmitted through the motorcycle’s suspension and handlebars, causing a noticeable vibration. Usually, this vibration is noticeable at certain speeds more.
How to solve it?
Try adjusting the tire pressure slightly higher or lower or wait until the threads will wear and become less aggressive. Or choose more pavement-friendly tires next time.
too low or too high tire pressure
Vibration Reason
If the tire pressure is too low, the tire will flex more as it rolls down the road, which can cause the handlebars to react slower to self-steering and cause handlebar vibrations. On the other hand, if the tire pressure is too high, the tire will be less flexible and may bounce more, which can also cause the handlebars to vibrate.
How to solve it?
Set tire pressure to recommended by the manufacturer and do slight adjustments in 0.1 BAR increments and see if there is a difference.
bent rim / lose spokes
Vibration Reason
Bent Rim will cause vibrations. Spoked wheels are not ideally round compared to cast wheels. Approximately 2mm offset is normal and should not be felt as vibrations.
Loose spokes may cause the rim to slightly deform while the wheel is spinning and cause vibrations. Make sure the mechanic checks spoke tension when changing tires. Visit only experienced mechanics who know how to work with spoked wheels.
How to solve it?
Bent rims will need replacement unless the bent is not serious. Note that up to 2mm, offset is okay for spoked wheel rims from the factory.
Spokes should be checked every 20 thousand kilometers or whenever you change your tires.
Note that a bent rim sometimes does not reveal itself until the tire is replaced.
Wheel bearing issues
Vibration Reason
With a damaged wheel bearing wheel does not rotate smoothly causing vibrations.
How to solve it?
Replace wheel bearings if:
1. there is any noise when rotating the wheel
2. there is any play in the wheel
Do not ride the bike with damaged wheel bearing!
Steering bearing issues
Vibration Reason
Loose or worn steering bearings will cause the steering to lightly stick making the motorcycle’s front wheel to self-correct slower.
This can turn into handlebar vibration as energy accumulates and releases itself when the wheel self-corrects while riding.
This may happen at high frequency (over 10 times per second) which causes vibration.
How to solve it?
Replace bearing. It is better to use needle bearings instead of ball bearings since they are more durable.
To check if your steering bearing is worn – hang out the front wheel and turn it from one side to the other.
Make full lock turns slowly and check if the movement is smooth. If the handlebar is willing to stay in a certain position more – your bearing needs replacement.
suspension settings/preload
Vibration Reason
To ensure a comfortable and stable ride, both the front and rear suspension preload should be adjusted such that there is 25-30% compression when you are seated on the motorcycle. If you plan on carrying luggage, passenger, or install additional accessories, the suspension should be adjusted accordingly. Be aware that setting the rear suspension preload too soft and the front suspension preload too hard may result in poor front wheel traction and handlebar vibration.
How to solve it?
Check your bike’s front and rear suspension travel. Multiply it by 0.3. For example on my Honda Africa twin that would be 220*0.3)=66mm. This is how much the front fork should be compressed with me sitting on the bike. The same goes for the rear. (Measure rear wheel travel at the rear wheel axle)
weight distribution – Side Paniers / Top Box
Vibration Reason
Adding weight to the back of the motorcycle will automatically change motorcycle weight distribution and decrease front wheel traction. This will change the front wheel caster angle and may lead to a wobbly front which may be considered as handlebar vibration in some cases.
How to solve it?
Try to keep motorcycle weight closer to the center of mass. Put heavier things lower and closer to the front and light items in the top box. Also, increase rear wheel preload to accommodate for the heavier rear end.
Engine Problems
Vibration Reason
Any engine problems may lead to access vibrations. Here is a list to check first:
1. Bad fuel/clogged injectors
2. Worn spark plugs
3. Clogged air filter
4. Incorrect Valve clearance
How to solve it?
Service all simple and cheap parts like an air filter, oil, and spark plugs before doing valves and replacing injectors.
Bottom Line
Inspect your motorcycle for probable cause of vibrations as well as consult a motorcycle mechanic on possible issues. If the bike is in good condition and vibrations are normal for your bike model – consider upgrading your grips to Oxford heated grips. As a second option – the Biltwell Torker or ODI Vans Cult grips are stylish options that will look good on most cruisers and cafe racers. Finally, if your bike already has heated grips or if you want a simple solution – go for Grip Puppy Comfort Grips as they are the cheapest working option and are easiest to install.
