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Vibrations on highway that were apparently really bad on the Z650, is it the same on 2020 and 2021 models or better ?

7204 Views 24 Replies 11 Participants Last post by  firefox111
Hello, I read that some found the vibrations on the model prior to 2020 really bad on the highway like fingers numbing ...

I consider to buy that bike as a first bike (46 years old, 245 pounds, 5"9") .. and I just want to make sure I will be able to do long trip if needed without the need to stop every 30 minutes to feel my fingers again

Thanks.
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I'm not an expert, it's first bike for me but I don't feel too much vibration at high speed, not as bad as feeling pain 30 minutes later. I would be more worried about air... highway+speed=air. Air can be more painfull after 30 minutes than vibration I think.
The vibrations are annoying during break in, so the first 600 miles. After that it smooths out and I dont notice them at all anymore. Its a very smooth bike. Also, ive done 1-2 hour trips a few times on the Z and ove never had any issues with wind fatigue or vibration numbness. Just a stiff butt. Thats normal for any bike though.
I have the 2019 and vibrations are noticeable on some of my longer rides on the freeways. I get numb hands if I ride on the freeway for more than an hour or two. Not sure if it's just my bike.
I have the 2019 and vibrations are noticeable on some of my longer rides on the freeways. I get numb hands if I ride on the freeway for more than an hour or two. Not sure if it's just my bike.
I should note that I do wear leather gloves, and am meticulous about my suspension settings as well my rider ergonomics. I've found that not having the right handlebar angle, fork height adjustment, and rear preload can really make the bike tough to ride. Alot of reviewers dont go in and dial their personal settings in... so theyre reviewing a bike set up for someone else. I went a step further and got heavier fork oil and adjusted the factory preload spacers on the front fork and its really enhanced the quality of my ride. Vibes werent bad before, but after all of that Im just floating through space (in a good way).
My 2017 Z650 seems fine. I have ridden it for 12 hours in one day (at a good clip), with no problems. BTW, the seat is evidently very well shaped to prevent discomfort on such a long ride. Personally, I like a little bit of vibration, to remind me that the machine is run by an engine with character. But any claims of numbing vibrations are probably overblown.
It's hard for me to believe how spoiled some riders apparently are. You'd think they have never ridden anything smaller than a Gold Wing. Motorcycles vibrate, period. Some are worse than others. But among parallel twins, the Z650 is one of the better in that regard. Keep in mind -- just as with many other things -- that complaints, bad impressions and experiences of motorcycles get heavy play in online reviews -- while the vast majority of owners are perfectly happy with their bikes and never post a peep.
Just joined, hence the late reply, but here's my bit:
I do pretty frequent highway bouts, and the vibes aren't THAT bad relatively speaking. If you want to mitigate them some aftermarket dual-density grips like the ProGrip 719 REALLY cut down on the feeling in your hands. Honestly, those grips are probably the best $15 I've put into this bike.
To clarify my earlier post, I tend to hold the throttle with my hand really far to the right, with the end of my hand on the end of the bar end. This tends to exacerbate the vibration since the bar end has no dampening when compared to the throttle grip. So I’m a special case lol.
I have the 2020 Z650. I don’t mind the vibration. There’s always vibration in twin cylinder motorcycles. If you hate vibration, you buy yourself a 4 cylinder goldwing. What I really want to eliminate is wind force on my fullface helmet which makes my neck so tired after a long ride on the freeway at speeds over 75 mph. For eliminating numbness of my finger, I bought this:

And this for stress-free right wrist:
This is purely anecdotal but I bought my 2018 Z650 with 19k miles on 5/6/23 and drove it 130 miles to get home on 5/7 - no rest stops. My hands didn't go numb or anything but when I got home they felt like I had been weed whacking for a while. It was my first real freeway trip and the longest I had spent on a bike in one sitting so I don't have anything to compare it to. I was wearing Alpinestars SMX-1 AIR V2 GLOVES with AXIAL Block Glove Liners so I might have had some dampening to protect against vibrations.
Ride more and more 130 freeway miles. You’ll get used to vibration. There’s always vibration from a 2 bangser. Buy a pair of foam handlebar grips and a throttle lock from Amazon.
Ride more and more 130 freeway miles. You’ll get used to vibration. There’s always vibration from a 2 bangser. Buy a pair of foam handlebar grips and a throttle lock from Amazon.
I just got my Grip Puppies installed today! My next goal is to try and reduce vibration in the mirrors since it really impedes visibility
I have the 2020 Z650 and the mirrors are not bad at all! How many miles is your 2018? Maybe it needs tune-up!
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I have the 2020 Z650 and the mirrors are not bad at all! How many miles is your 2018? Maybe it needs tune-up!
It has 19,2xx miles and had the last major service at 18,6xx
What’s weird is the left mirror has more vibration than the right but I’ve seen another forum member complain about that as well.
That is weird! I don’t know what to say.
It is what it is. I’m just excited to own it and am looking forward to all the miles ahead!
I enjoy my Z650 on the expressways. This is my Z. I installed Shad side and top cases. If I go for a far away trips, I mount a tank bag to easily throw in my gopro, wallet, and phone whe I get caught in the rain.
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It has 19,2xx miles and had the last major service at 18,6xx
What’s weird is the left mirror has more vibration than the right but I’ve seen another forum member complain about that as well.
My guess is that there is something that needs attention if your mirrors vibrate badly. Like others have said, my mirrors are perfectly clear and vibration free. I'm wondering if your tires (or front tire in particular) is worn, or the head stock bearings need tensioning.
I enjoy my Z650 on the expressways. This is my Z. I installed Shad side and top cases. If I go for a far away trips, I mount a tank bag to easily throw in my gopro, wallet, and phone whe I get caught in the rain. View attachment 5799
That’s a sweet setup! I have an sw-motech rear rack in mine. Trying to determine a good rear bag to use. What’s the longest trip you’ve taken on your bike? Btw I tried the grip puppies and they’re a bit too big. It feels like I don’t have proper control of things so I took them off.
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