This is a cross post with another excellent forum (Bay Area Riders).

I took my Z750S in for the 600 mile service to a local shop. On with the story!

Before arriving I told Alan that I was having some major problems with vibrations in the handlebars. Alan went over every part of the bike from front to back. He did a quick tail chop, bled the brakes, changed the oil and filter, added some oil to the front forks to firm it up, installed some sliders, adjusted the levers, and on and on. It's amazing how thorough and professional he approaches his work. After his first inspection he rolled the Z out into the parking lot and fired it up to take a few laps back and forth to test the suspension and brakes. Then back onto the rack it went for some final adjustments.

...and it still vibrates?

And the vibs? Yea, Alan got rid of them. Alan discovered that just about every bolt and fastener needed tightening. I'm not talking a half turn here and there. Many of the engine mounts were seriously loose. The Z's motor is a stressed member of the frame, get the picture? (a paint shaker image is what I get). The shop that I bought the bike from will remain unnamed. But if I ever do purchase a bike from them in the future, I most certainly will NOT pay for the prep. fee. They already owe me one. Alan also worked on a fairing buzz and added some custom fixes to make it even more solid.

It was great meeting you Alan and learning from you as you worked on my bike. It's a unique experience and I know that I'll come back for more work in the future. Alan, you are awesome, but this ***** reigns supreme.

...and it still vibrates?

It's now much better. My right hand still gets that tingly sensation after 80 miles or so, but it is a big improvement.

My suggestion is to check those bolts (or have someone else do it for you) and see if it helps out.

For those of you with a Z750S and fairing buzz, Alan tightened up the screws and fasteners inside the fairing and also used ties to tighten up the wiring and used part of a rubber line to further insulate the gauge cluster.

I didn't take a pic. of the sliders, but they are different. They are the Shogun sliders for the Z1000. They have six metal screws that go into the rubber protectors, so it looks like a the chamber of a revolver. Has anyone seen a slider designed like that? I'll post a pic. later tonight.

You shouldn't pay ANY fees whatsoever until it's 15000 kms service (when it needs a valve inspection / adjustment). Download the service manual and do it all yourself.


Oil change at a shop? I don't think so.

Tightening of bolts? I think there are chimpanzees that can do that.

Only labour I paid for so far (after 7500 miles) was $24 USD to have tires mounted and balanced (took just the wheels in to the shop).

Between the service manual and the knowledge base on this forum (or any forum with a couple guys that know their sh*t) there's little reason to bring a bike to a shop.

That's a bit harsh there Scotian. Not everyone has the area to work on their own bike and many do not have the basic skills to know if they are doing the job right in this day and age. And Alan obviously went well past the basics in giving the bike a through once over rather than just a basic tuning.

I think it's great that you found a mechanic that obviously cares about his work and estabilishing a good relationship with the customer and their bike. Deanza, you should write Alan into your will. A good mechanic that cares is hard to find these days and deserves some luvin' when you find one.....

Originally posted by BCRider
That's a bit harsh there Scotian.

Point taken... it was worded rather rudely. Next time I'll stick some smileys in to 'lighten' it up

Originally posted by Scotian_Lotion

...there's little reason to bring a bike to a shop.

My dealer has free coffee. And I can peruse the magazines without paying.

I agree. If you can do this yourself, have at it!

I read a lot of new owners complaining about the vibs. The point of the thread was to help the less experienced new owners to consider alternative solutions to new grips and other handlbar mods.

This is the first new bike that I've purchased. I thought that the prep. charge I paid actually bought something. Now I'm wiser

See.......... it's all good............
Now put some sand in the bars to get rid of the vibs....

BTW, I just want to add that I appreciate the findings about the bolts coming loose. My Z has been getting more shaky over the last while and I was thinking that it was just me using more of the upper end of the rev spectrum. Now I know that I need to do a stem to stern bolt tightening session.

Fade,

Can you elaborate on "putting sand in the bars" to reduce vibrations? Sorry if I'm naive, but I never saw this done before.

Look A fellow BARFER! glad to see Alan did you right never heard anything bad about his work all ++++++

glad to hear he got rid of your vibes too., now to get rid of mine, every thing is tight as its gonna get so time to get some permatech and flow it threw my bars.