HELP WITH VIBRATION

[JDPnTN]

Hey all! I have searched the site for what might be my problem with vibration I am experiencing after hitting 45mph. Other posts I have found also mentioned hearing squealing and other noises, but I am not hearing anything unusual. I just recently had my clutch basket replaced, but I dont think this would have anything to do with it. I never noticed the problem before this. As soon as I switch gears and hit 45 the vibration begins. It continues noticeably until 55. At first I thought it smoothed out after that, but I think it just vibrates so much after that that I thought it was just normal vibes from riding. I do ride a ridgeback. Anyway it seems to be getting a little more noticeable. My front forks do have some smear, and they are quite easy to force down. They do bounce back though. I think today I even heard them bottom out a few times. My bike has 4800 miles on it. Any suggestions or redirection to a thread I might have missed is greatly appreciated. :bang:

 

[V]

First thing I would check is the top motor mounts one large cap screw and three smaller cap screws. All of these tie together at the coil cover. There is a service bulletin on the large top cap screw. (Mine came out on my 05) Would also check all other motor mounts as well. These bikes like to shake things loose including your kidneys

 

[07bigdog]

I noticed a vibration on my 07 K9 last week, and the top motor mount at the gas tank was loose. Tightened it and all is good.

 

[JDPnTN]

Thanks fellas, I'll check this out tomorrow. Thanks for the quick replies. Let ya know what I find out.

 

[Gas Man]

Also, make sure you aren't luggin the motor.. that will cause vibes as well as numerous other motor problems.

 

[JDPnTN]

Well I tried the motor mounts. Really thought this might be the problem, but it wasnt. Like I said it is most noticeable at 45-55mph, switching from 3rd to 4th gear at 30-3500rpms. Never noticed the vibes until returned from the dealer with a clutch basket issue. NOT saying its their fault just giving the info! Another great weekend looking at it in the garage!:angry: I've read about Dynabeads on here smoothing out rides. Dont know if this could be a tire issue. The vibes really seem stronger to me though than an out of balance tire.

 

[Nomad2day]

JDPnTN,
Good to see someone close by on the forum...:2thumbs:
Where is the vibration? Handlebars, whole bike or what?
I am about 45 minutes from you in Clarksville Tn by the Kentucky border.
Drop me a pm and we can hook up sometime... Just click on Nomad2day and the link will come up for a instant message..
Neil

 

[jimizee028]

the bolt on my clutch basket backed out about 2 months ago and the thing was shakin like a wooden rollercoaster ,got in there tightened it up and all is well,you seemed to have said this has only been occurring since after the clutch job so logic would put the culprit there

 

[JDPnTN]

I opened up the primary to see if I could find anything loose. It all seemed pretty tight in there, but I must admit I am not much with a wrench. I diddnt want to take to far in case I couldnt get it back together again like humpty dumpty. May end up back in the shop again.:bang:

 

[slowrower]

At 45mph if you pull the clutch in and let it coast what happens? have you put it on a lift so you can spin the tires to see if its a bad rim? If tires are not the source then motor mounts, transmission bolts (yup .. this can happen, ask superfly), next pull the primary and check the clutch basket for proper torque (I have tightened 3 BDMs so far) .. keep going until you find the source. Good Luck ..

 

[JDPnTN]

Tried your approach slowroller. Hit 45 to get the bouncies going, pulled in the clutch, and it still continued to do it. Could this be tires? Put it on the stand, but didnt see any obvious signs. No wobble, looseness, or rubbing. Like I said I pulled the primary earlier yesterday. Didnt see anything loose, but I dont know what the torque is suppose to be on the clutch nut either. I bought this used so I dont have a manual to go by.

 

[Big Ron]

Tried your approach slowroller. Hit 45 to get the bouncies going, pulled in the clutch, and it still continued to do it. Could this be tires? Put it on the stand, but didnt see any obvious signs. No wobble, looseness, or rubbing. Like I said I pulled the primary earlier yesterday. Didnt see anything loose, but I dont know what the torque is suppose to be on the clutch nut either. I bought this used so I dont have a manual to go by.

Set of Dyna Beads is a cheap rule out for tire balance issues(as long as you have the right amount for your tire size). Bought $15 a set I think I remember for a 300 tire setup. Get two sets:up:

 

[JDPnTN]

Got the Dynabeads ordered from Low Down Chopper. We'll see how this goes.

 

[Gas Man]

Have faith or trust in others... you will love it!!

 

[slowrower]

Set of Dyna Beads is a cheap rule out for tire balance issues(as long as you have the right amount for your tire size). Bought $15 a set I think I remember for a 300 tire setup. Get two sets:up:

The Clutch nut should be 100 ft/lbs .. book says 80 which is why some have backed off. Now we know the vibration is NOT the engine next is wheel balance --- when riding at 45mph, pulling on the clutch is the front wheel hopping? Mine just started and its balanced so I am going to change the fork oil which i suspect is the cause -- also check neck bearings they can cause a vibration. Good Luck!

 

[JDPnTN]

Put the Dynabeads in the other day. Went on a 100 mile trip. It seemed to smooth it out quite a bit, but still getting some good solid bounce at 45mph. All in all I could deal with it. May try the fork oil next also. Thanks for the suggestions.