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Posted by Pilgrim
- July 11, 2016, 08:46:29 AMtry changing the fuel filter and a big dose of sea foam to clean the injectors.
Posted by rwantin
- July 11, 2016, 07:40:09 AMFollowing up a bit on this. Just rode in this morning.
I did a few things over the weekend, interestingly, there was a noticeable improvement in the vibration on the way in to the office, but the washboard feel was still present, though again, improved.
I pulled and cleaned the plugs - they were pretty normal, don't think there's much here to do with it but noting.
The exhaust collector and clamps were one big ball of rust. I pulled it, stripped, cleaned, new sleeves/clamps, made everything nice. I noticed the rubber bushings, seemed like they were okay, and allowed a little movement, which I assume is good. Of course, wondering if retorquing them helped in any way. Side question - I like this exhaust, the way it looks, but is the Classic exhaust better? Noticed one for sale this weekend and looks like it is an exact fit.
The other thing I was thinking about - I added a rear rack that came with the bike - I liked the idea because it ties the two saddlebag racks together and limits lateral movement. Source of vibration? Not sure.
In any event, despite the improvement, it's still there at lower rpm. One thing I noticed - the resonance seems to be there even when the bike is stationary in neutral. Of course, there's no tach, but I notice a vibration at guessing around 1500 - 2000 rpm.
Anyway, feels like I'm getting warmer. And man o man, I love this bike.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- June 24, 2016, 23:44:23 PM 
oh that thing....lol....... 
Posted by pcarrell
- June 24, 2016, 21:49:49 PMWork......It's that all consuming thing that both you and I gave up a few years ago.
Posted by CDNRatMan
- June 24, 2016, 13:40:55 PMWork, what is that? 
Posted by rwantin
- June 24, 2016, 11:39:58 AMQuote from: CDNRatMan on June 24, 2016, 11:01:26 AMThe stupid work thing keeps getting in the way, I swear! I know that doesn't make it right...Please do not tell me you have something more important than your Drifter vying for your time.....
Much to do this weekend!
Posted by CDNRatMan
- June 24, 2016, 11:01:26 AMPlease do not tell me you have something more important than your Drifter vying for your time.....
Posted by rwantin
- June 24, 2016, 06:20:17 AMThanks so much - will try the steering stem thing.
Haven't had much time to test anything, but will be back in the garage this weekend.
Really appreciate it guys.
-Robert
Posted by Mike922
- June 23, 2016, 18:30:53 PMRobert, try the steering stem nut. http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/steeringstemadjust.html
I had bad vibration in the handle bars at 33-35 miles per hour when slowing down. Opened the nut, lubed it up, tightened it (two tries) and no more vibration.
regards, Mike (2001 1500cc)
Posted by jmbo
- June 23, 2016, 08:42:49 AMThe unfortunate problem with bike tire over car tires is they lack a wear bar down the center of the tire. You will notice on a car tire there is usually a rib down the middle. This helps support the tire and keep the tire from cupping fro either poor balance, alignment, or under inflation. Bike tires (and some car tires) lack this rib and are more prone to develop cupping problems. Unfortunately once a bike tire starts cupping there is very little you can do to remedy the problem. On a car you can always mound the tire on the rear and get by. Not so on a bike.
Posted by rwantin
- June 21, 2016, 19:54:24 PMThanks again, guys.
I did check the tire pressures before riding - the rear was about 5 psi high - lowered to the unloaded spec of 36 psi. As an experiment, maybe I'll add it back (yes, it's a pain back there). Front was spot on.
Strange about the code on the front, double checked it, that was what was stamped on there, which is strange (must be REALLY fresh). 
At the rear, it makes more sense - found 5113. The receipt for the tires is less than two years ago. They are Continental Milestones and still look pretty fresh (lots of numbs still). They look like pretty good tires (I have had great luck with Continentals in the past). They actually seem to corner pretty nicely. Bike is fairly easy to toss around for a big 'un.
Thanks for the continuing education. Seems like we are getting warmer.
Posted by Troll
- June 21, 2016, 18:00:35 PMQuote from: rwantin on June 21, 2016, 06:08:43 AMThanks for the reply.
The date code (if I have this right) is 4316. Not sure how to decipher (I think I USED to know how). I'm now thinking maybe its engine speed (below), and somewhat encouraged.
So I rode in this morning, paying even closer attention to what was happening. It SEEMED a little better after addressing the mount bolts, but realistically, probably just wishful thinking on my part.
Bike seems to smooth out a bit over 40, very nice at 50, particularly for such a large twin. Below 40, particularly below 35 in third, the washboard resonance throughout the bike is pretty strong. If I am accelerating say, in second, not so noticeable, letting off or shifting up into third brings the vibration. I pulled in the clutch a few times and held the revs, still there.
This may be a big clue. When I got to the office here, I revved it in neutral, a lot. The resonance can be felt as the rpm drops lower, just as it is returning to idle.
Harmonic balancer? Fueling? It seems like we're getting somewhere. And I can't tell you how much any insight is appreciated.
Pic at work - still a very proud papa. Love this thing.
You must have a number for the code wrong, according to that, they will be made in the 43 week of 2016....
Posted by JagLite
- June 21, 2016, 15:33:45 PMTired of tires? 
When I bought my 99 1500 the seller told me the tires were ok but had been on the bike when he bought it 3 years before.
I ordered new tubes and tires for it because I would be riding it from California home to Alaska and wanted good tires.
When I removed the rear tire I found this:
A piece of the tread had broken out down to the cords.
Not what you want on a heavy bike!
A blowout on a highway can be deadly.
The general view is that kind of tread damage is caused by riding with very low air pressure in the tire which can cause cracks as the tire flexes.
My thinking is that (if you haven't noticed yet) checking the tire pressure in the rear wheel is a real pain so it gets ignored.
The front wheel is much easier to get to the valve stem but the rear is a challenge at the best of times.
I have 90 degree angle valve stems as I think most use and that helps a tiny bit.
I also installed the Ride-On Smart Caps that have LED's that light up to let me know if the tire pressure has dropped.
But, as you will discover, you have to roll the bike around and keep checking until the valve stem is visible below the fender.
http://www.ride-on.com/smartcap.html
I still check my tire pressure with a gauge if I haven't ridden in a while but so far I haven't lost any air.
I'm a belt and suspenders guy so as long as a rider checks the pressure regularly the Smart Caps probably aren't necessary.
I like them because I can just roll the bike to see the Smart Cap on the valve and if the light isn't on, I'm good to go.
Valve stem, are you down there?
Anyway, I don't know why you have the vibration, and it shouldn't be tire related if it goes away as the speed increases, but tires are the only connection to the ground and are critical so I would start there.
Posted by Old Drifter
- June 21, 2016, 07:20:27 AMRobert, on my '99 I had a similar vibration/washboard type feeling when leaning even slightly. I was also thinking the driveshaft/bevel gears, however with only 5500-6000 miles I thought this would be rare. I'm glad I didn't open that up because It wound up being the rear tire. It was worn in the center and the edges were kind of squared off, thus causing the washboard effect. The tire rubber was also old and hard, 17+ years old.
Posted by rwantin
- June 21, 2016, 06:08:43 AMThanks for the reply.
The date code (if I have this right) is 4316. Not sure how to decipher (I think I USED to know how). I'm now thinking maybe its engine speed (below), and somewhat encouraged.
So I rode in this morning, paying even closer attention to what was happening. It SEEMED a little better after addressing the mount bolts, but realistically, probably just wishful thinking on my part.
Bike seems to smooth out a bit over 40, very nice at 50, particularly for such a large twin. Below 40, particularly below 35 in third, the washboard resonance throughout the bike is pretty strong. If I am accelerating say, in second, not so noticeable, letting off or shifting up into third brings the vibration. I pulled in the clutch a few times and held the revs, still there.
This may be a big clue. When I got to the office here, I revved it in neutral, a lot. The resonance can be felt as the rpm drops lower, just as it is returning to idle.
Harmonic balancer? Fueling? It seems like we're getting somewhere. And I can't tell you how much any insight is appreciated.
Pic at work - still a very proud papa. Love this thing.