Vibration

My 82 kz1000 LTD works like a top but I find that the engine vibation is excessive. In the city it is hard to see in the rearview mirrors, there is that much vibration and on the highway your hands go numb after a half hour of driving. The higher the rpm the more vibration even the tach needle has fallen off because of it.
I am sure it is coming from the engine because if while im driving I pull the clutch in the RPM lowers and the vibration dies down. I am not sure if maybe one of my engine mounts could be bad or whats going on. Where should I start looking ?

Engine mounting bolts might not be sufficiently tightened.

Properly synched carbs usually results in a smoother running engine.

Would also assure correct ignition timing.

Good luck!

I dont know about the timing or carbs because like I said it works to good, no missing or back firing lots of get up and go but it just has to much vibration. I will check the timing tommorrow and see if any of the engine bolts are loose..... Thanks.

82 J motor...excessive vibration.....If the obvious fixes don't cure it, there's a very real possibility the crank could be twisted. I know that's the last thing you want to hear but I've seen it before.

Advanced ignition timing will make the motor get up and go but cause excess vibration that will make your hands numb in few miles. If the motor kicks back when you start it, there is a good chance the timing has been advanced too much.

it could very well be an engine mount. As each piston fired you engine wants to twist. If your mount isn't tightly fasten your going to vibrate. Also, another porblem I see as you mentioned that your vibration goes away when you push the clutch in is that you might have a transmission problem. your clutch plates might be burnt up. Abnormal engine vibrations can also be caused by piston slap, excessive valve lash, excessive bearing clearances, deformation of parts under stress, crankshaft and camshaft deformations.

Post edited by: badboie, at: 2007/05/30 01:51

The front motor mounts I believe have
rubber bushings in them in that year.
Yours have probably hardened up over the
years.If you ever have the motor apart
have the crank trued and balanced,it makes
a world of difference.

Checked the timing tonight and its bang on. Motormounts are tight and rubber bushings look good. If it is the crank I will keep driving it until it gives out.

Some KZs vibrated more than others due
to crank tolerances.The crank most likely
will last a long time.Bar end weights
help.Make sure the rubber tank mounts
are in place properly.Softer hand grips
help.If you highway ride alot try a one
tooth larger counter shaft sprocket.

I also have an 82 kz1000 ltd with 50,000 miles and have a vibration between 4000 and 5000 rpm, I suspect cam chain concerns. I recently picked this up for a good price, but want to eliminate the vibration, any suggestions?

Tighten all the motor mounts.I just installed
gel grips and bar end weights off a 1999 Suzuki
1200 Bandit.I had to ream the inside of the bar
ends a little but well worth it.Check all your
rubber mounts for signs of aging.Seat,foot pegs,
gas tank,front motor mounts.Gauge mounts,headlight
mounts.