Tinkling Sounds

Energy One

Slow Vince

Active Member
All the threads relating to clutch related failures have me looking over my shoulder...

I'm hearing sporadic "tinkling" noises while riding at lower speeds, almost like a "road spirit" bell (don't have one, different religion). Does not seem to matter which gear I'm in; 2, 3, 4... At higher speeds, there's enough other ambient noise that I don't hear it (or it goes away?).

Noticed first ride home after shipping. Did NOT do during Daytona (when the bike was still home ported in Georgia). Only changes snice then was the 2500 checkup, when the K&P filter was installed and the recall electrical cover fasteners were replaced.

I've done some tapping and prodding, trying to find something loose that would rattle, but have not found anything yet.

Runs smooth and getting better, the more I teach this new dog old tricks, but youse guys are scaring me! Maybe I've just got bats in the belfry?
 

Slow Vince

Active Member
Have not done so... Wouldn't have expected that with such low mileage, and my riding style is really soft - I baby the poor thing.

But good idea - I'll have to order in an inspection cover gasket...
 

lee

Well-Known Member
I've had my inspection cover off loads of times - never changed the gasket - mines actually an O ring
 

KnotSo

Admin
Staff member
Hey Vince, check to make sure your fork seal covers are tight. They will make that sound if they come loose.
 

Chopper Dave

SIICK!!!
Hey Vince, check to make sure your fork seal covers are tight. They will make that sound if they come loose.
I was just going to say that Knotso.......Vince....after my 2500 service....one of my fork seal covers came loose and made that tinkling sound.....tightened them up and haven't had a problem since.....and I also check by hand to see if they come loose or not....
 

Slow Vince

Active Member
The one on the starboard side (rider's right) was wasn't really what I would call loose, but could easily unscrew with my fingers... Tightened down as mush as possible with a pair of latex gloves...

Guess I'll have to use that as an excuse to take it for a ride...

A little dab of "blue" maybe?
 

KnotSo

Admin
Staff member
Hand firm is best, too tight and you may damage it next time you need to take it off. I loosen em up and raise em a bit after each ride in the rain to dry out any moisture in there.
 

BBChopper

Supports 2 Disabled Vets
Troop Supporter
Have not done so... Wouldn't have expected that with such low mileage, and my riding style is really soft - I baby the poor thing.

But good idea - I'll have to order in an inspection cover gasket...
"I baby the poor thing."

Well theres your first problem! Run that Dog!!!:up:
Second the "tinkling" thing has to go!!!!:eek:
You still have warranty? If so run it while ya got it..:cheers: :2thumbs:
 

reloaderbmg

OLD DOG
also might be the normal tappit noise these bikes make!
did thay change the oil?
did thay clean the tappit screen?
 

Slow Vince

Active Member
also might be the normal tappit noise these bikes make!
did thay change the oil?
did thay clean the tappit screen?
Well, it wasn't the fork tube covers.

Yep, they did change oil, as well as tranny and primary - I wanted to start with a clean slate before shipping home. Did they clean the tappet screen? Dunno, will ask'em.

Have not checked primary, until I get gasket. Yeah, have removed inspection covers on many hogs and often use the same gasket, but if I don't have a fresh one in hand, you know what'l happen.

Bats in the Belfy still an option, but y'all are right, when I run it harder, the noise goes away. As do many other things...
;^}
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
:hi: vince, mine has been doing that same shit for the last 3k and still have yet to figure out just where the noise is coming from. seems to me it is more from the top end on the left side than the chain tension. noise was a little more noticeable after i changed to syn. could be the push rods need adjusted. let me know if you locate the grimlins. safe riding. :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs:
 

woodbutcher

Mr. Old Fart member #145
Staff member
:hi: naw, the bell hangs off the right side down next to the oil lines and there ain't nothin' left of it except the top 1/2". damn thing done drug too many times.
:2thumbs: :2thumbs: :2thumbs: was tryin' to ride like hoat but i don't think i want to do that any more. :roll: :roll: :roll: :cheers: :cheers:
 

TSDAWG

Yes, it's mine.
Calendar Participant
I had this last summer at about 3000 miles. I started turning bolts all around the headlight and handlebars and it went away. Still not sure which one did it, but one of them did the trick. Almost 6000 miles since and not tinkling...other than my gremlin bell. Amazing I can actually hear that thing over my loud azz pipes.
 

BigDognSoCal

Active Member
Maybe the heat shields on your pipes are loose...

For the primary inspection cover gasket go to your auto parts store and get a roll of gasket material and you can cut your own, use a paper hole punch for the bolt holes...its just the perferct size...you will get about 25 gaskets for the price of 2 if you get them precut from the shop...

Im not cheap...but when this tranny first came out you could't get the damn things so I had to improvise...3 years later and I still have gasket material left over...
 

Nomad2day

Longhair Redneck Geek
I had a ticking noise on mine that drove me crazy. The rear cylinder top heat shield clamp had broke and was rattling. It was wedged in and tight to the touch until I pushed on it and rotated it it spun free and then it was clear. I pulled it out. I still need to replace it.
 

Slow Vince

Active Member
Confirmed with the wrench that did the 2500, primary was checked, and it's only had a few hundred miles since then.

I did change to syn tranny and primary at that time.

I'll call the noise a "low level rattle", only notice at slow speed; the frequency of the noise is constant, doesn't change with mph or rpm, which kind of eliminates normal engine/tranny noise.

It sounds like something is loose between the engine and/or the frame, but everything I've thumped is solid.

WILL take a much closer look at heat shield clamps!
 

V

Guru
Have you checked the upper motor mount/ coil cover. Earlier models had a problem with the bolts loosening or coming out. There is 4 of them the main bolt under the tank and 3 in the coil cover. All cap screw type.

I don't know? V
 
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