Found cause of nagging noise

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

 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

[FJmonkey]

Mike, how is your HID upgrade? Are you seeing the light?

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

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.   
Mike

[bugboy]

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.

[FJmonkey]

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?

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

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

[88 gtu]

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!

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

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

[oldktmdude]

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!

Sounds like loose steering head bearings to me. Might be time for adjustment or replacement. Regards, Pete.

[Horse]

Hello from Oziland, Yes fj headlights do seem to rattle themselvs to bits  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  , or started a fire so I'm good with it for now .......  Happy New year to All

[RichBaker]

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!

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.   

[Flyover Country Joe]

You aren't kidding. My fender pieces never fell off, but they are in need of tab repair. Still going with the "streetfighter " look.
                                                                                                     Joe

[axiom-r]

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

[SlowOldGuy]

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.

You aren't kidding. My fender pieces never fell off, but they are in need of tab repair. Still going with the "streetfighter " look.
                                                                                                     Joe

[Flyover Country 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

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