Clutch or transmission?

[Kylenav]

Hello fellow Valk riders.  I just inherited my dads 01 tourer a couple weeks ago when he passed from cancer.  He had purchased it a few months back from a friend as a focal point to get through things...

Now I have it and it's making a few noises and stuff...  I'm not sure exactly what it is or if it's a normal characteristic at this point.

First noise sounds just like a throwout bearing gone bad in a car.  I know the bike doesn't have a throughout bearing so is it a clutch disk?  When the bike is in neutral at idle with the clutch disengaged it has a vibration and makes a rattling noise.  Pull the clutch in and the problem is gone.  I do know the fluid needs to be changed but if it's a clutch issue as well then might as well do both at the same time right?  Also it has become slightly harder to find neutral and even shift into gears with a louder clunk sound when it does go through the gears.  I changed the oil thinking this could possibly help but made no difference with the gear changing... Maybe all related I hope.

Second noise now...  When at any speed and with the RPM around 2500-3500 and you give it the beans it has a slight roaring noise from somewhere in the rear end.  I don't know if this is normal for the Valk or if the U joint is going out or what else it could be.  Soon as she hits around 4000-4500 RPM the noise is gone and she purs like a kitten. Or pulls like a rabid dog depending how you look at it I guess:)  When just cruising and at lower RPM the noise is there but very, very faint.  Sounds like my 2005 shadow so I'm assuming that is normal.

Lastly... I was riding the bike from GA to home my in FL and had to get out of a truckers way in a hurry.  It's the tourer model so it has the factory hard bags and big windshield.  Anybody else get a death wobble in the front end around 100-105MPH?  Usually don't ride that fast so not a big deal but just curious now if this is normal...

I'm getting ready to ride with my brother from FL out west to Utah to leave my dad on a curvy mountain road and don't want to have any trouble.

I greatly appreciate any help and look forward to learning the in and out's of the Valkyrie. Thanks again.

Kyle

[Kaiser]

I'm sorry to hear about your father's passing.

Where in FL are you located?  Perhaps somebody close by can come and check out the bike for you.  Also, if you don't get any useful information here, you might want to try posting on the FL board.  It can be found here:

http://www.valkyrieforum.com/forum/vrcc_florida.cgi

I haven't been around here too long, and still have a lot to learn about Valks.  But, from what I've heard from the old timers - these bikes very, very rarely have tranny issues.  Hopefully it's just the clutch (if that, even).

Glad you found us and here's to hoping that the mystery gets solved soon.  Welcome aboard and safe travels out west!

[GOOSE]

kylenav.......first....how many miles on the bike?  next, i nthink tours were only made from 1997-2000.  now your questions...#1 in neutral you will here the noise you are talking about, then when you put it in gear, it will go away.  #2 the noise coming from the rear...how long since the final drive (rear end) fluid has been changed?  the noise you here is probably normal, but it would be worth the effort to check the tire/the lubrication on the splines, etc.  i know how you feel about the bike, because of the attachment with your dad. and because of that only you want to be sure it's 100 %.  surely there is another valk pilot down around you that would be more than happy to give you some help.  good luck.

[CajunRider]

Noises... I can't really help there.

High speed wobble... here's a few things to check:

First, wheel bearings.  Get the tire of the ground and shake them around.  There shouldn't be any play.

Second, Rear shock bushings, top and bottom.  If they are the factory ones, this is probably your problem, as the rubber tends to get crushed over time.  Someone one here can point you to the Nylon replacements... cost about $15.

Third, tripple tree bearings.  Lift the front of the bike off the ground, and get the bike nice and level (side to side level).  Center the front tire (straight ahead) and let go of the bars.  They should stay center.  If it falls to one side or the other too easily, tighten up on the head bolt. 

Fourth, check tire pressures (40-ish range front and back).  Make sure the tires you have are rated for this heavy of a bike. 

Those four things (cheap stuff to check/fix, unless you have to buy new tires) usually clear up any wobble you might have.

[eric in md]

sorry about your father. cool that he wants spead on a mountain road . ok your bike clutch noise sounds right, whine in tranny is the straight cut gears you can try mobil 1 oil some times it helps .. wobble could be head bearings,tire psi, or tires. good luck you will enjoy this board its great people and great times here .. welcome aboard .

[Tropic traveler]

Ditto on the Mobil1 motor oil {use the 4T 10W40 Motorcycle oil} & change the diff oil to synthetic also. Where in FL are you? Plus one on the tire pressure check too.
Do the simple & cheap things first. Find a Valker in your area & have him ride yours to see if some of your noises are actually normal Valk noises or not. The Valk is quite a unique beast!
BTW.... PICS PLEASE!!

[Kylenav]

Thank you very much for the kind words, and the great advice.  I truly appreciate it.  I'm sure it's possible I'm being a little critical because it was my dads and it does have that extra value to me.  It's something he loved, and a great way to remember him when he was his happiest.  For that reason it will remain in pristine condition and dear to me forever.

I'm fairly certain that it's the tourer model. It's the GL1500CD and the bags and windshield say Tourer on them.  Could be wrong though, I'm new to this machine...  I'll have to be sure since I know some parts will be model specific so thanks for the heads up!

Clutch noise>>  I just changed the engine oil and used the Royal Purple full synthetic 10W-40 and that made little to no difference in the clutch noise in neutral.  I am going to change the clutch fluid next since it's definitely dirty and from what I've read on other topics that could very well be the issue.  That should be no problem and I'm hoping that will do the trick for the clutch noise.

Rear end noise>>>  I also just changed the final drive fluid, which looked good, but switched it to a full synthetic also.  The rear end noise under heavy throttle is still there but I'm hoping and thinking that is a normal noise.  My shadow was only a 750 so this bike is a considerable jump in power to say the least.  It also has the stock exhaust and is pretty quiet compared to other bikes I have ridden, which makes hearing things and feeling anything a little easier.  On that note I'll be looking into either modifying the stock baffles just to give it a little extra noise.  Although it does sound like a Ferrari as my dad put it.. ha ha

For the wobble...  Tire pressure on the front was a little low at 32 and the back was only 25 so I'll air those up tomorrow.  It does have new tires, which don't match and that kinda worries me... It has the avon venom on the rear and a Bridgestone up front, I think I'll be replacing the front if this issue isn't solved by the cheap tips provided form you all.   I'll put it on my lift this weekend and check the bearings out and make sure the front end is all tightened up.

I'm in Ruskin FL.  Small town about 30 min south of Tampa.  If anyone is in the area I would be very appreciative for some insight.  My fridge is always stocked with beer!!  My dad was quite the mechanic and I do know my way around a wrench.  On the same token he taught me if you don't know what your doing, you are more likely to break it than you are to fix it.  Which in my experience is usually true.

Thank you again for the kind words and the advice.  I look forward to "talking" with you guys about the Valkyrie.

I'm going to attempt to post a couple of pictures...

[Kylenav]

Looks as though the pictures didn't work... I'll do some reading on how to load them to the board I guess!!! They will be up soon.

Thanks again.

Kyle

[Hook#3287]

Kyle;

My condolences on your Dad.

Sounds like you found your wobble problem with the low rear PSI, but I'd check the front end anyways.  I wouldn't be overly concerned about the different tire makers, as long as they’re both radials.

My clutch sounds different when running in neutral with the clutch engaged, then when disengaged. As long as it works smoothly, it's most likely okay.  Changing it ain't that big a deal anyways.  Do the fluid change as well as the brakes and coolant fluids and I think you got them all.

I think your rear-end noise is normal. Valks are so quiet compared to almost everything else, and especially in a Tourer because of the screen, you're going to hear alot of stuff happening.  But if it gets worse you might want to pull the rear wheel and drive shaft and check if all’s well.

Get your self a manual and download the one on the net (I don't have the address but someone will kick in with it soon).  This site will become your best friend.  The brothers are great and someone has always been there, done that.  And if we don't know, we'll beat it like a dead horse till the answer shows up.

Someone down in your area will be glad to hook up with you, I'm sure, and all your concerns will be put to rest.

[Kylenav]

Thank you Hook.  I'll keep you updated with the front end. I have to find a quiet road to test the wobble....

I'll give this picture thing another go.

[Hook#3287]

BEAUTIFUL!!!!

[Kylenav]

Looks like that's the ticket!!!



My dad out west with his VTX, which my brother will be taking care of from now on.

[sandy]

Kyle: The high speed wobble could be a few things. As was mentioned the rear shock bushings are probably worn out. Rattlebars website sells firmer poly razmataz bushings and is running a sale. Mention "2-4-1" in your order and you'll get two sets for the price of one. You need 4 bushings on the Valk. As was mentioned, tire pressures could be the problem but tire brand and miles on the tire could be the issue. If they're cupped badly, a wobble could result. I didn't see the miles on the bike but adjusting the steering bearings might also help. Several tranny noises are normal due to crosscut gears. It also makes shifting a bit clunky which is all normal.

[John U.]

Kyle, do a search on front end tightening. You need a special socket, the nut on top of the tripletree won't tighten anything but itself.
You can download a free sevice manual at the Valkyrie Norway website: http://www.valkyrienorway.com/download.html

[Ricky-D]

It is not a good idea to start tightening things trying to solve a problem without first finding the cause of the problem.

If you have a high speed wobble the very first thing to examine is the tires for balance and true running.

An easy "on the bike" check for steering stem looseness should be sufficient.

Same check for indexed bearings in the steering stem.

You do not state the mileage on the bike. It will have some relevance.

Do a hands on check for any looseness of the swing arm.

Another person is very helpful when performing these checks.

***

[PhredValk]

Kylenav: Sorry about your Dad, and glad that you and your brother are doing the right thing for him.

Sandy, where on Rattlebars? I looked and couldn't find the bushings.
Fred.

[Earl in Pensacola]

I'd be willing to bet that with 38/40 "cold" PSI Frt/Rear both the wobble and at least 99% of the rear-end noise you heard will be gone.

[sandy]

I couldn't find it either. They use to be there. Check the classifieds. That's where I found the 2-4-1 sale. Found it.

http://members.vrccservices.com/classifieds/classifieds.php?view=2-4-1&Mode=1&List=Show+Me&ID=0001

[sugerbear]

don't take this as talking "down" to you but,

you did use non energy conserving oil?

RP makes a motorcycle specific oil

i use mobil 1 15-50 and it quieted down the noise quite a bit for me.

the transmission is a fully synchronised transmission, it will make noise when in neutral with the clutch out.

and welcome to the club

[Valkahuna]

Hello Kylenav,

Sorry to chime in late, but it's been nuts around my place (construction, etc.).

Sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Your trip to spread his ashes on a mountain road reminds me of my father's request. He was a pilot and liked flying over the Ohio River Valley around Cincinnati and Kentucky. He wanted his ashes spread over the area he liked to fly. I got a friend of his with a Helicopter to take me up. When we landed, the whole bottom of the Chopper which was red was covered with a gray dust. I guess Dad was with me that day.

Your Valk looks great! I see from the pics that you have the Chrome Tranny cover. I have that on my Valk as well, and that cover really magnifies any noise. You can cover the inside with some audio foam, and that will quiet things down a lot. On my bike, after adding the cover it sounded like a different bike until I got used to it.

Good luck, and welcome aboard! I am in FL in the winter, in the New Smyrna Beach area.

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Kylenav, somewhere on this board is a fact list of common valk noises and querks. I think it is on Chet's website rattlebars.com but I'm not sure. I'm sorry to learn of your dads pasting but at least you have your memories and a piece of him in the bike. Welcome to the club.

[Tundra]

Had the pleasure of meeting/riding with Kyle yesterday, enjoyed riding with you

[Hook#3287]

So Tundra, what was the outcome of the issues Kyle stated?

[Mr.BubblesVRCCDS0008]

Sorry to hear about your dad and I'm glad to see your getting is Go to Rattlebars.com and check under the FAQ  site and see if any of this helps you. Chet has a very good website with tons of info.

[olddog1946]

As with the others, condolences on your Dad's passing..I envy you being able to hear those noises, get a set of cobra's and you'll never have to hear them again, lol...all in all, you will love the bike, they all have quirks of their own, and all of Us have our own quirks as well..so it's usually a good fit...you've got a gorgeous "fast black" bike..enjoy it and the "crazies" here...