Vulcan Drifter Riders

DISCUSSIONS => General Discussion => Topic started by: LV2RIDE on June 19, 2010, 00:47:36 AM

Title: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: LV2RIDE on June 19, 2010, 00:47:36 AM
I am the proud owner of a 2001 Drifter, however I am getting a noise (rattle) sound from the front of the bike? I have adjusted the windshield to make sure it is NOT touching any brackets. It sounds like the headlight has ball bearings in it but only when I go over a bump or a vibration at low speed...strange?? Anyone else had this problem??

Thanks
Larry
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: Hoppy on June 19, 2010, 07:54:55 AM
Most likely it's the wiring bundle bouncing around inside the headlight bucket. Easy fix is to line the bucket inside with an old mousepad or layer of foam or even an old sweatshirt that has been cut up. This is a common complaint for the drifter and an easy fix.
Hoppy
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: LV2RIDE on June 19, 2010, 19:38:12 PM
Thanks, I will try that. Sounds like an easy fix.   This is a great forum, so many great people willing to help others and give good advice.
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: chief on June 19, 2010, 19:39:56 PM
Also, the headlight ring on Drifters sometimes rattle. Make sure its secure and tight.
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: jb741 on June 19, 2010, 21:04:23 PM
I had that same problem with my 1500. Turned out to be a windshield wasn't quite level, and making noise at low speed and bumpy roads....
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: LV2RIDE on June 20, 2010, 01:19:37 AM
I checked the windshield, it is clear and not touching anything.. I will be looking into the headlight and slipping a little material in and seeing if that stops it.

Thanks
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: Mr Bill on June 29, 2010, 09:45:42 AM
I had the same problem(s).
- I wrapped the headlight wires in a shop rag so that they were cushioned and couldn't bounce as much.
- I also put a layer of electrical tape around the inside of the headlight bucket where the bezel (ring) fits in.  This made for a better/tighter fit between the bezel and bucket...no loose slop to rattle.
No more noise :)
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: Lupee2u on June 30, 2010, 09:20:08 AM
Hi,

I have found that on occassion the bolts on the front fenders need tightening, as well as the screw on the rear portion of the fender. When these loosen it makes a terrible rattling noise when you hit a bump.

Good luck,

Lupee
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: LV2RIDE on June 30, 2010, 15:29:00 PM
 Got the problem solved..... wrapped the headlight wires with a zip tie and then padded the headlight bucket and the sound went away.
Thanks for all the great help and info from everyone.
This is the best Bike Page out there. But what would you expect??? We are Drifters   
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: cochise on July 30, 2010, 21:49:13 PM
I've heard a rattle since getting my o2 800 a few months ago. Just thought it was that big front fender but after reading the post I checked it out. My headlight bucket is pretty full, ( spotlite , fender light wires) so I put some upholstery batting around the inside of the bucket between the wiring and bucket. Rattle is gone. Just shows , read the posts , even if you think they don't apply to you right now. Thanks Drifter brothers.
Title: Re: Noise Noise,, Ratle Rattle..
Post by: Varooom on August 01, 2010, 12:22:03 PM
When I originally bought the Kawasaki windshield it interfered with the hand brake's hydraulic res.  Wore a grove in the edge of the windshield before I figured it out.  Handlebars had been adjusted by the dealer when installing the personalized head bracket.  Left them right where the windshield would later reside!
Varooom