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Update: I have been riding the bike daily (unless it is freezing rain or snowing,) down to 19 deg. F. 
I do not have the cold air solenoids mentioned above (removed by some previous owner) 
and the bike has stopped making the ticking noise when cold.

I have had it come back one time since, and it was only when i added the additech fuel additive (dispensed through the pump) from Murphy USA (walmart) gas stations. in thinking back the noise mentioned in my OP was after using the same additive then.

In not using the additive the noise has not returned.

I have never had to use the choke yet, starts easily, STILL LOVING MY DRIFTER!!

I have gotten more compliments on it than any other bike i have ever owned in the past.

and always get the "Nice Indian you got there" comment so much, i quit explaining and just reply "thanks"

The tank badges still say vulcan drifter but the only Kawasaki word on it is on the vin tag on the neck. (again from a previous owner who "sanitized" it)

Has anyone else had a pinging/tapping problem from the fuel additives?

45 Bravo

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Topic summary

Posted by 45 Bravo

- November 13, 2011, 17:03:48 PM

Thanks for the info.

The ticking (only when it is below 50 deg outside) comes from the little square box with the hose leading out of it near the top front of the front cylinder.

I never have had to use the choke yet, it just starts right up even at 30 deg.

45 Bravo

Posted by chief

- November 13, 2011, 11:51:35 AM

well, you need to determine for sure what is making the noise.

Neither will hurt the bike. Both can be removed, though I chose to keep the solenoids. They are located under the right airbox cover, and help adjust the engine idle when cold. Some folks have to use the choke to start the bike after they remove them. Remove the airbox cover, start the bike and you cann see and hear the. There are two.

Posted by 45 Bravo

- November 13, 2011, 10:46:53 AM

Thanks, now let me ask this is it something i really need to worry about?
Will it damage my bike?

and please tell me more about these cold air/idle solenoids.

Thanks guys.

45 Bravo

Posted by chief

- November 11, 2011, 09:43:02 AM

Reed Valve - I removed the EPA stuff, took out the reed valve and used coasters for cover. Its a relatively easy fix...Look in the mods/tips section of the web site under Engine and Performance.

BUT... if you still have the cold air/idle solenoids - they tend to make a lot of racket as well.

Posted by Troll

- November 11, 2011, 08:54:50 AM

Boy, if that's the problem, I'll fix it. I have the identical symptoms. I suspected it's a hydraulic unit leaking down and then filling slowly. My bike has 62,000 on it, and I switched to synthetic oil but it did no good to stop the noise. If it's just a reed valve, I can change that, but honestly, I don't see how that could be the problem.

Posted by 45 Bravo

- November 10, 2011, 19:25:41 PM

Hello, short history, bought this 99 1500, pervious owner rode it about 3000 miles, it currently has 21,000 on it.
Put new shocks (but that has no bearing on this problem)

Changed the oil, put valvoline motorcycle oil, 10/40.

When it is cold 50ish or lower when i start it there is a tapping that seems to come from the front reed valve area.

After the bike gets up to warm it quits.

i live 1 mile from work, and it almost stops by the time i get to work.

if it is warm 60+ it does not do this.

I left it at the local bike shop they seem to think it may be the reed valve.

is this a severe problem?
what can be done about it.

The local shop suggested removing/bypassing them.

what does that entail ballpark, cost & work?

it is running the stock intake system, and exhaust system.
and no aftermarket performance chips

thanks.
45 Bravo

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