Precision Racing Shock & Vibe Handlebar Clamp Test
The Shock and Vibe Bar Clamp is claimed to act as suspension for your handlebars while also reducing vibration.
Used by 19 of the top 20 ATV racers, Precision Racing’s steering stabilizers have set the bar high in performance, innovation, and race wins. Precision’s latest product is equally innovative. The Shock and Vibe Bar Clamp replaces your ATV’s stock or aftermarket bar clamps and is claimed to act as suspension for your handlebars while also reducing vibration.
Like Precision’s Steering Stabilizers, the shock and vibe is quickly becoming popular among top-level racers such as Joe Byrd, Harold Goodman, and Keith Little. Rookie MX sensations Chase Snapp and Joel Hetrick also run the clamps. Joel used them to win two Pro National races this year, including Loretta Lynn’s . Top Cross Country racers like Jarrod McClure, Jeff Pickens, Kevin Yoho, and Parker Jones also run them.
The Shock & Vibe has already won the prestigious Baja 1000 twice with Wayne Matlock, then Brandon Brown the following year. Matlock was reluctant to use the then unproven bar clamps; however, during his initial testing, he found them to offer too much of an advantage to race without, going on to beat the rest of the field by nearly two hours. Josh Fredrick captured the WORCS championship aboard his Can-Am in 2010 with the help of the Shock & Vibe.
The Bar Clamps can be mounted to most stock or aftermarket steering stems, and they can work in conjunction with an anti-vibe stem. Installation took us under 30 minutes. The included instructions explain installation and adjustment, including recommended torque specs.
The Shock & Vibe clamps allow your bars to move nearly three inches tortionally, keeping your handlebars level and sheltering your wrists from the harsh impacts caused by uneven bumps and imperfect landings. Adjusting the shock and vibe is easy. Simply remove the cap on each of the clamps, remove the small elastomer bushing, and add or remove the provided shims to stiffen or soften the clamp’s movement. Reinstall the caps and you’re ready to ride.
The Test
Our Kawasaki KFX450R test unit was ideal for testing the Precision Shock and Vibe Bar Clamps. Along with its rigid, responsive, aluminum frame, comes the highest levels of vibration in the 450 class. Our Kawasaki retains the use of stock shocks, allowing us to evaluate the bump absorption qualities of the clamps without the benefit of aftermarket suspension.
Adding the Shock & Vibe will raise your handlebars around a ½ inch on most sport ATVs.
We felt the taller clamp height worked perfectly with our KFX’s stock Renthal handlebars, opening up the cockpit a bit. The KFX’s vibration increases with the RPMs of the engine. The addition of the bar clamp seemed undetectable at idle; however, they definitely seemed to reduce the amount of vibration felt through the bars at higher RPMs where vibration is more intense. Test rider Dave Trimble felt the clamps got rid of the tingling he felt in his hands after riding a moto with the stock clamps. This I Phone vibration test conducted by Precision Racing, illustrates the reduction in vibration the Shock & Vibe provides.
The bump absorption qualities of the shock and vibe work best in uneven bumps, whoops, and when landing crossed up. The tortional movement provided by the clamps allows your handlebars to remain level while the machine moves underneath you. One of the best qualities of the clamps is that they are hardly detectable if you aren’t paying attention. We have spoken with several riders who don’t like the ever-changing bar bend provided by suspension handlebars yet love the consistent feel of the Shock & Vibe clamps. Test rider Chase Cunningham from Team Media Allstars has used these throughout the national season. Make sure to watch the test video to view his endorsement.
Compared to suspension handlebars, the Shock & Vibe clamps cost considerably less, weigh less, and, as we mentioned, provide a more consistent feel.
Compared to suspension handlebars, the Shock & Vibe clamps cost considerably less, weigh less, and, as we mentioned, provide a more consistent feel. They are only limited–– when compared to suspension bars–– in their ability to absorb impacts that are perfectly vertical. While they might not offer the increased strength of an aftermarket steering stem, they noticeably reduce vibration, reduce bump feedback to the bars, and offer some give to your stem in the event of a rollover.
Precision Racing’s Shock & Vibe handlebar Clamping system essentially does the job of a $350 anti-vibe steering stem and $350 suspension handlebar for only $229. Their performance and value make the clamps ideal for serious racers or riders on a budget looking to reduce fatigue while riding their ATV.
Manufacturer: Precision Racing Products
Product: Shock & Vibe Handlebar Clamping System
Price: $229
Contact: www.precision-rp.com
Precision Racing Shock & Vibe Handlebar Clamp
Summary: Compared to suspension handlebars, the Shock & Vibe clamps cost considerably less, weigh less, and, as we mentioned, provide a more consistent feel. They are only limited–– when compared to suspension bars–– in their ability to absorb impacts that are perfectly vertical. While they might not offer the increased strength of an aftermarket steering stem, they noticeably reduce vibration, reduce bump feedback to the bars, and offer some give to your stem in the event of a rollover.
4.5
3 Month Test
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