For years I have been trying to find the cause of a noise which occurs when I hit bumps. I have inspected, pushed, pulled, yanked on components trying see what might be loose and tried to simulate by compressing forks to no avail. I could not reproduce the noise in the garage. I posted my issue and received plenty of pointers. I concluded that what ever it was, it was not anything hazardous and have just tolerated it while continuing my search when doing other service. Well during the course of doing a HID light conversion I found that the reflector inside the headlight assembly was broken. I found a headlight on eBay for more than I wanted to pay (but did) and completed my installation today. Eureka noise is gone. Thought this might help someone else that may have been chasing a similar noise.
Mike
Mike, how is your HID upgrade? Are you seeing the light?
Have not used it at night yet. I am not too crazy about this lamp. Cant compare since I have no other experience. The wiring exits the lamp at a 90 degree angle. Bottom line is it extremely difficult to get the retaining clip and rubber boot that seals the headlight on. I an not sure it can be done with the headlight installed. I had the headlight removed and getting the boot on was still difficult. Is the lamp you have like this?
Did a couple of quick runs on GMR (including this morning) and to Crystal lake the past several days (on vacation til the 3rd). Man the weather has been awesome! We are` very fortunate. :biggrin:
Mike
My source of the nagging noise turned out to be a little chinese woman that always seems to be in my house. Those things are harder get rid of then rats.
Quote from: Mike 86 in San Dimas on December 31, 2011, 03:41:46 PM
The wiring exits the lamp at a 90 degree angle. Bottom line is it extremely difficult to get the retaining clip and rubber boot that seals the headlight on. I an not sure it can be done with the headlight installed. I had the headlight removed and getting the boot on was still difficult. Is the lamp you have like this?
Mike
I had no problems with the DDM kit on my bike or my truck. If the wires exit at 90 then the assembly is long enough to miss any obstacles. Not sure, I will have to look.
You up for a ride tomorrow?
Mine is "Speed Metal" brand. It fits OK. I just dread the idea of having to change the lamp someday. It really does does not fit the rubber boot. I was able to force it on (headlight removed from bike, so not so hard that way). Enough of that.
We are off to the beach today with Grandson and others for bicycle riding. 85 degrees love it.
Enjoy your ride!
Mike
I have a funny noise too that is in the front end that i can't seem to find. I've tried to tet it to make the noise several times to. It happens when i ride over crushed gravel or go down a bumpy trail. I'm starting to think it's the headset. It's a knocking sound. As i hit the bumps it wil go knock knock knock knock It's also chewing front tires like crazy! :dash2:
To check the headlight reflector remove the light bulb and poke your finger in the opening (did not want to say hole, might get comments) and see if you can move the bracket that adjust the headlight angle. Or see if the lamp holder pushes in in easily (it shouldn't). The bracket is what was broken on mine. With the headlight assembly removed it is easy to check but that's a big hassle if that was not the trouble. I tried to remove the headlight lens to see if I could repair the bracket but the lens would just chip. Might be glued on. Maybe I gave up too easily. I ended up buying a new headlight assembly. Noise gone now.
I have not heard of this happening to anyone else so it may not be a "common" failure.
Mike
Quote from: 88 gtu on January 02, 2012, 09:07:48 PM
I have a funny noise too that is in the front end that i can't seem to find. I've tried to tet it to make the noise several times to. It happens when i ride over crushed gravel or go down a bumpy trail. I'm starting to think it's the headset. It's a knocking sound. As i hit the bumps it wil go knock knock knock knock It's also chewing front tires like crazy! :dash2:
Sounds like loose steering head bearings to me. Might be time for adjustment or replacement. Regards, Pete.
Hello from Oziland, Yes fj headlights do seem to rattle themselvs to bits :dash1: I found my inturnals sepparated & couldn't afford a newy so I stuffed it full of small bits of foam rubber (I know it sounds dodgy ) it hasn't melted yet :unknown:, or started a fire :diablo: so I'm good with it for now ....... Happy New year to All :wacko3:
Quote from: oldktmdude on January 03, 2012, 07:57:39 PM
Quote from: 88 gtu on January 02, 2012, 09:07:48 PM
I have a funny noise too that is in the front end that i can't seem to find. I've tried to tet it to make the noise several times to. It happens when i ride over crushed gravel or go down a bumpy trail. I'm starting to think it's the headset. It's a knocking sound. As i hit the bumps it wil go knock knock knock knock It's also chewing front tires like crazy! :dash2:
Sounds like loose steering head bearings to me. Might be time for adjustment or replacement. Regards, Pete.
The front fender makes a similar noise when the mounting tabs start breaking...... I didn't figure that one out until the whole rear 1/2 fell off. :dash1:
You aren't kidding. My fender pieces never fell off, but they are in need of tab repair. Still going with the "streetfighter " look. :rofl2:
Joe
Sometimes it is a weak center stand spring. When you hit a bump the stand drops away and then returns to rest resulting in the noise.
Tim
Hey Joe (and anyone suffering from broken front fender tabs)
Did you remove the reflector bracket that mounts behind the fender tabs? The thickness of this bracket is required to avoid overstressing the tabs. Without the bracket in place, the tabs will crack when the fender bolts are tightened down.
I know some people like to "clean up" the appearance or their bike by removing all the DOT reflectors. Just a heads-up
Also, back in October I promised to send you something. Sorry for the delay, I'll get that in the mail soon
DavidR.
Quote from: Flyover Country Joe on January 10, 2012, 03:13:10 PM
You aren't kidding. My fender pieces never fell off, but they are in need of tab repair. Still going with the "streetfighter " look. :rofl2:
Joe
Quote from: axiom-r on January 10, 2012, 03:47:42 PM
Sometimes it is a weak center stand spring. When you hit a bump the stand drops away and then returns to rest resulting in the noise.
Tim
Nope, not in this case. The PO removed the centerstand. But I do have a big rectangular magnet to JB Weld to the bottom of the left footpeg. The side stand does flop around quite a bit.
Joe
Quote from: SlowOldGuy on January 10, 2012, 06:14:05 PM
Hey Joe (and anyone suffering from broken front fender tabs)
Did you remove the reflector bracket that mounts behind the fender tabs? The thickness of this bracket is required to avoid overstressing the tabs. Without the bracket in place, the tabs will crack when the fender bolts are tightened down.
I know some people like to "clean up" the appearance or their bike by removing all the DOT reflectors. Just a heads-up
Also, back in October I promised to send you something. Sorry for the delay, I'll get that in the mail soon
DavidR.
DavidR.
Good to hear from you. I think I had heard about the missing reflectors brackets causing broken fender tabs. Once again, the PO did the removal for me. I have already ABS glued new tabs to the fender halves, just have to drill some new holes in them. I have a plan to rubber mount the fender, don't really know how successful it will be. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. Hope all is well with you and yours.
Let me know your address to send you a check. I would be more than happy to pay for the kit.
Quote from: Flyover Country Joe on January 10, 2012, 03:13:10 PM
You aren't kidding. My fender pieces never fell off, but they are in need of tab repair. Still going with the "streetfighter " look. :rofl2:
Joe
Nagging noise?
That's easy, I've got one too. Though sometimes I leave her at home instead. :)
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Quote from: SlowOldGuy on January 10, 2012, 06:14:05 PM
Hey Joe (and anyone suffering from broken front fender tabs)
Did you remove the reflector bracket that mounts behind the fender tabs? The thickness of this bracket is required to avoid overstressing the tabs. Without the bracket in place, the tabs will crack when the fender bolts are tightened down.
Ive just fitted a new set of frt guards but didnt see ant reflector brackets on there what do they look like , & ive heard that a fork tube brace will take the twist/movement out & stop the tabs breaking is that true ? Dont want the new set breaking
cheers Brian
Quote from: Brian on January 21, 2012, 03:39:10 PM
Ive just fitted a new set of frt guards but didnt see ant reflector brackets on there what do they look like , & ive heard that a fork tube brace will take the twist/movement out & stop the tabs breaking is that true ? Dont want the new set breaking
cheers Brian
The tabs will brake if you don't shim up the amount of the missing reflector bracket. My 86' is missing the brackets (broken/cracked tabs) so I can't measure for you. Anyone have the front reflectors that you can measure for us?
Thanks mate
Brian
Just shim between the tab and the fork slider until there is no clearance and the tabs are not trying to bend when the bolts are tightened.
DavidR.