With no expertise, I'm thinking softer is better for damping action.
IE the softer more flexible the silicone mount the better chance the weight will act as a vibration reducer?
A one piece weight better than shot in a matrix?
Interesting discussion. I'm akinda thinking about how the added mass reduces vibration, and whether as gggGary thinks a flexible mount would help with damping. I'm tending to the opposite view.With no expertise, I'm thinking softer is better for damping action.
IE the softer more flexible the silicone mount the better chance the weight will act as a vibration reducer?
A one piece weight better than shot in a matrix?
I think the difference is changing the resonant frequency (and it's harmonics) vs damping vibration.Interesting discussion. I'm akinda thinking about how the added mass reduces vibration, and whether as gggGary thinks a flexible mount would help with damping. I'm tending to the opposite view.
Vibration forces shake your handlebar, adding weights damps the vibration. I'm suggesting damping results when the vibration forces try to move a heavier object. If the weight is attached, it is part of the handlebar, but if not attached I'm not sure how it will help. For example, if you put lead shot inside the bar but without it being attached, the vibration forces will still shake the bar just as before. The lead shot will be jiggled around and will eventually grind each other to lead dust. Which leads me to think molten lead poured in and set will be much more effective in damping the vibes? Don't think I've explained that very well . . .
As I write this, just notified about Bosco's post above.
I think the difference is changing the resonant frequency (and it's harmonics) vs damping vibration.
You can move resonant frequency(s) around some
but you won't avoid them completely.
I did replace the handlebar rubber mounts with OEM bits a couple of years ago and slathered it with silicone lube. Perhaps now t]since the bars are off I should disassemble, clean and relube, this time with red rubber grease.I agree, from experience it's extremely difficult to move around natural resonant frequencies. That's why on turbines, compressors etc we go to huge lengths to ensure we don't have any occurring in normal operating ranges.
On a motorcycle, one with a 360 degree crank we are dealing with something quite differently though. Rather than a specific speed related excitation, the entire motorcycle is shaking. At engine RPM. These days motors are built with balance shafts and the like to cancel out the vibration at source in the engine. But the XS650 takes a very different approach and just about everything has rubber isolators. For me, first step in minimising annoying levels of vibration in the handle bars is to fit new isolators, Yamaha ones. They're still available. And go from there.
A good video. Makes me feel I’m at the edge of a large rabbit hole!
I have to agree with what he said.Melt and pour in the molten lead. Vibration is quick, small, movements, rapidly changing directions.By adding weight, you increase the inertia (Resistance to change in velocity and direction) of the handle bars. The lead must be bonded to the bars, as to become one. Do not mix lead shot with silicon. It will allow the handle bars to vibrate indipendently from the lead shot.
Use thick soft grips. They allow the handle bars to vibrate indipendently from your hand.