A vibration absorber for motorcycle handles

This paper describes the application of a vibration absorber to ameliorate the comfort of motorcycle handles. The concept of dynamical absorber is briefly summarised and a frequency response function is expressed as the ratio of vibration amplitudes (transmissibility). Some practical hints on the tuning strategy are also suggested in order to correctly define the absorber and then achieve the most effective vibration reduction. A specifically designed item is presented, with the peculiar characteristic of taking advantage of the damping properties of viscoelastic material undergoing shear deformations. An experimental verification of the good performances of the absorber is eventually given on the basis of both a modal analysis of a motorbike and the testing of its handle on an electrodynamical shaker.