Geoff –
Just wanted to get back to you with my initial thoughts on the balancers. I’m the Yellow wing from the WingStuff open house. You asked me to give you my 100 mile perspective, which I will, but I also wanted to put a few more miles (longer rides) on the bike also.
First of all, on the ride home, I noticed an immediate reduction in vibration coming through the handlebars. I have a bit of carpal tunnel and arthritis in my right hand and find my hand getting sore and/or numb on rides. Well, not any more. Wow what a difference. Also, I remember Don Ginter’s vacation story about looking down and seeing 90 miles per hour. I had to laugh when you both said “cruise control”. Well, I leave the open house, hit the highway and start muttering under my breath about how slow traffic is moving. I look down, and I’m at 80. That brought a hearty laugh.
My every day ride to work can be an adventure. There is heavy construction for about 1 mile and traffic through the area rarely slows down. The road condition can change from one day to the next, and the irregularities in the road can make it a challenge. With the Centramatics the effect of these conditions has been greatly reduced. Handling has increased due to much reduced vibration, and the only bumps felt are those from the bumpy pavement, and even those seem reduced due to the now perfect balance of the tires. On longer rides, since there virtually no vibration through the handlebars, I no longer have soreness in my right hand. I think this can be partially attributed to the reduced vibration and bouncing of the front end which allows for a much more relaxed grip on the handlebars. Overall, the bike rolls much smoother. On a smooth road it’s like riding on a cloud.
Long story short: I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THESE THINGS!
Thanks so much for the opportunity to add an unseen, unlighted, unchromed accessory to the ultimate show bike, that no Goldwing should be without. Now, if I could just get a set for my wife’s PT Cruiser and my ML430.
Best regards,
Jim Gorman
"Grumpy"
Proud Member Of CA1M
http://www.ca1m.org/
Always On The Moooove
|