Vibrating Dommie

[389]

I have recently bought a 97 NX 650 Dominator, to go travelling on. I have not had much chance to use it yet, but went on a 50 mile ride at the weekend. I was a bit concerned about how much it vibrates. Is it normal for this bike to do that, or should I be worrid about there being somthing wrong? It has done 15000 miles and got full service history, it has had no problems in the past by the looks of it. I have checked all the engine bolts etc and nothing was lose.
Any advise would be appreciated.

[Spud]

I have a 92 Dommie which doesn't seem to over vibrate.. I guess maybe it depends what you used to. If you ridden an Enfield Bullet it feels like that.... to me anyway.
I'd expect them to vibrate a little as they are 650cc singles.

[This message has been edited by Spud (edited 30 November 2001).]

[iswoolley]

I used to think that all 600cc-ish singles would vibrate about the same. However I used to have an XT600E, which was bearable at speeds up to about 70ph, but having had a go on a friends F650GS Dakar I was amazed at the lack of vibration right up to 100mph.

The only way to be sure is to have a go on a known 'good' Dommie, and do a direct comparison. Other than that you're up against the 'they all do that mister' mentality of mechanics about whom you're never quite sure about their competance.

Iain.

[gozell]

just got a '97 dommie as well, its done less than 10.000km and so far it does seem to vibrate a bit more than my suzuki dr650r which i use to ride. no mechanical sounds so suppose its part of the dommie karma.... (?)
will see

[Gennnaro]

I've got a 97 dominator as well, 70000 km over it and not a single problem.It vibrates a little bit but not that much.BTW if you want a smooth bike get a Transalp instead... I travelled all around europe and is fine even now(even if now drinks more oil) I'm planning to rebuild the engine to leave for a overland trip next year....

------------------
LHG
Gennaro
RM(I)

[389]

Thanks for your comments evryone. Since I posted the question I have let a couple of freinds ride the bike and they seem to think it is fine, and it's what Ihave to expect on a big single.
I have allso changed the stock handle bars and put Renthalls on, and put some soft grips on, this makes it a lot nicer on the hands.
I went on a ride the other day however and the rear foot peg bracket nearly fell off. It had one bolt left in it and that was only holding on by a couple of threads. Is it also normall for bolts to vibarate lose on this bike? Its a bit worrying in case anything important comes off!!

[fireboomer]

Where is youre dommie assembled? I bought a Transalp and the dealer honestly said he had hoped for one that was NOT assembled in Italy. But... it was assembled in Italy.
So the first 2000k's or so several bolts got loose, one footpeg fell of,.... The dealer checked all the bolts several times and excused himself several times. No damage was done and the bike is doing great.
Just check all bolts regularly in the beginning. After a while the bolts should all be well in place.
If you still don't trust it you can always use a (ver very) littlebit of locktight. But be warned, you may not be able to unscrew one when you need it.

[This message has been edited by fireboomer (edited 13 December 2001).]

[Graeme]

Ah the old "watch out it's made in Italy" story. Bollocks to all that.
My Dommie is Italian build & has covered 40000 km on some of the roughest imaginable roads (now in India). Absolutely nothing has fallen off or worked it's way loose. And she purr's. It's a big single so of course it won't be silky smooth. But from 4200 rpm to 6000 in top gear she is fine, & this is where the vast majority of kays are covered.
As for the Italian made thing, well as a afficianado & owner of a Duke & a Guzzi -again great & bulletproof bikes (I'm talking the 2 valve machines of both marques here). It's a vicious rumour that Italian bikes are fragile, spread by ignorant Jap bike riders. Just don't buy an afternoon bike. They drink Vino in the Ducati factory after lunch! - well they used too years ago.

[fireboomer]

Oeps. Didn't want to wake up some Italian Temperament. Off course there is something like Italian Quality. Those quality Chianti wines for example. Ideally for lunchtime :-)

[This message has been edited by fireboomer (edited 22 December 2001).]

[glennva]

Hey man be cool, just drop down a gear and all is solved, bad vibes eh?

[mascot]

hi i have just got a dommie and would like to know off owners whats the feul ecconamy like in sand and who makes the bigger tanks
thanks