'99 Valkyrie Exhaust Heat Shield Rattle & Mystery Hole

[charliescarface]

The muffler heat shield nearest the engine (right side) seems to be attached toward its front only. Where it meets the rear heat shield there is a threaded hole but no means of connection. This situation creates a rattle when the engine is running. I've looked at Honda's drawings but they're no help. I've searched the forum and found reference to the mystery hole but found no answer. Is this small heat shield supposed to be connected at its rear and if so, how? Thanks in advance. 1999 Honda Valkyrie Interstate.

[Chrisj CMA]

There is a tab I believe at the rear and a bolt up front behind the peg mount. That's all I remember having to do

[indybobm]

The tab on the rear of the heat shield is supposed to have rubber protectors on them. They are item#5 in the fiche. Without them, they will rattle.

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1998/GL1500CT+A/MUFFLER/parts.html

[MarkT]

Those rubber "protectors" are the first thing to go over time & heat.  I have to replace them frequently on exhaust builds and so buy them by the dozens.  The "mystery hole" on the right side is an example of production not talking to engineering.  It was in the original specs, original intent bypassed, but the screw and hole never removed from the spec. Maybe costs more to delete it from the spec than to just ignore it & keep paying for the welded-in nut, hole, and screw. Perhaps it became storage for an extra screw you might need elsewhere - like the extra fuses (though those make sense). I can point out several other similar issues. Like the dent formed in the right muffler can near the end of the axle - but doesn't really line up.  Glad they left the assembly-line engine-holder holes on the bottom of the casing - provides useful holes to attach my permanent lift adapter.

[charliescarface]

Ok. I've crawled under with a flashlight and found the two attach points. Before I go and waste 30 minutes on it, how are these rubber pieces attached?

Thanks for the previous responses. They've been helpful.

[DeathWishBikerDude]

I've bought 3 sets of stock pipes and each one has had rusted mounting at the rear.seriously considering truck stacks to prevent any more damage to the cans.

[Hook#3287]

Ok. I've crawled under with a flashlight and found the two attach points. Before I go and waste 30 minutes on it, how are these rubber pieces attached?

Thanks for the previous responses. They've been helpful.

They don't actually "attach".  Slip them over the tab on the covers and then insert them into the slots on the muffler as you install the covers.  Put the bolt in and you're done.

When you order some, buy extra. 

[Hook#3287]

Opps, had that backwards.  The tab is on the muffler and the slot on the cover.