I’ve never owned a 650 but have owned two 550’s, a 450, and currently an 850. Of these bikes, the 850 is clearly the smoothest running. Both 550’s vibrated the same amount and would blur the mirrors and tingle the hands at freeway speeds. 450 would likewise vibrate a fair amount. All of these bikes were tuned properly and ran great. Simple fact is that all engines vibrate to some extent, some more than others.
After participating at the GSR for a few years now, I’ve noticed that most of the complaints about engine vibration are from 1150 and 650 owners. Some people are more sensitive to vibration than others and some bikes vibrate more than others do to production variation. I can’t ever remember anyone commenting about vibration on the 850.
Just sharing information, I have no axe to grind. It seems clear to me that it’s not “hype” that some 650’s tend to vibrate a fair bit. In-line four cylinder engines have harmonic frequencies and the 650’s harmonic falls right at the common freeway cruising speed – 4500 – 5000 rpm. It’s good news that some owners have been able to minimize this vibration through careful engine tuning. That shows that there is hope for those other 650 owners that are experiencing this issue.
Good luck.
After participating at the GSR for a few years now, I’ve noticed that most of the complaints about engine vibration are from 1150 and 650 owners. Some people are more sensitive to vibration than others and some bikes vibrate more than others do to production variation. I can’t ever remember anyone commenting about vibration on the 850.
Just sharing information, I have no axe to grind. It seems clear to me that it’s not “hype” that some 650’s tend to vibrate a fair bit. In-line four cylinder engines have harmonic frequencies and the 650’s harmonic falls right at the common freeway cruising speed – 4500 – 5000 rpm. It’s good news that some owners have been able to minimize this vibration through careful engine tuning. That shows that there is hope for those other 650 owners that are experiencing this issue.
Good luck.
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