PRODUCT TEST: Precision Shock & Vibe Handlebar Mounts

For years companies have been developing products that help reduce vibrations and harsh impacts that get transferred to the riders’ hands and arms. Along with products such as the $360 Flexx handlebars, the options also include anti-vibration steering stems and handlebar clamps. We picked up a set of $229 Shock & Vibe clamps from Precision Racing Products to test on our Yamaha YFZ450R.

To begin the installation of the new bar mounts, you need to remove the levers, light switches and throttle off the handlebars. You can now begin loosening the bar-clamp nuts located on the steering stem; doing so with the bars still attached prevents the clamps from spinning around. With all of these parts removed, you can begin assembly of the new Shock & Vibe clamps onto your handlebars. The new clamps have to slide over the bars and into place. If your bars have a crossbar, they must be removable in order to install the Precision Racing Products mounts and cannot be installed on Flexx bars. With the new Shock & Vibe clamps installed on your handlebars, you can now reinstall them back onto the steering stem in the reverse order you removed the OEM clamps, then install your controls and ignition/light switch. Now that you have all your controls mounted, you can adjust them to a comfortable riding position.

HOW THEY WORK
There are removable caps to adjust the shims for more or less damping to better suit your riding style. The clamps have an oblong hole to allow for up-and-down movement of the bars. Adding more shims eliminates flex, and removing shims adds more flex. A rubber block provides the damping effect, and when adding or taking away shims determines how much the rubber block compresses to absorb impacts. To access the shims you remove the upper cap and then remove the rubber damper from the cap to add or remove shims. For choppy MX tracks we wanted less shims installed to help with a smoother ride, and for desert riding we still didn’t want to install a lot of shims. You can also mount these clamps onto anti-vibe stems for additional shock-damping feel.

During test sessions we noticed a more comfortable feel with less arm pump, and the harsh impacts that the handlebars transfer to your hands and arms are less abusive. These clamps provide up-and-down movement for the bars acting as an added shock absorber. Adding more cushion to your machine allows you to ride faster and harder in extreme terrain. From desert riding to putting in laps at the local MX track, we were able to get more riding in without draining so much energy. To order your set of Shock and Vibe clamps from Precision Racing Products, visit them online at www.precison-rp.com or give them a call at (209) 365-1850.