Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech I have a noise!

Ok, It's a rattle........ almost sounds like the chain hitting something, but it does it on or off the throttle, clutch in, clutch out, neutral or in gear, motor on or motor off......... It almost sounds like the wind is blowing something hanging loose, or a loose bolt with a nut on it vibrating in a hole...... It doesn't seem to do it until I am on the road for a half a mile or so........ very strange. Somebody tell me it's no big deal. Triumph parts are waay to expensive...... Help

Some ideas - Check your chain guard. Check your chain tension. also can be those wire thingies that hold the cables.

Is your chain too loose? You say it sounds like the chain hitting something,have you investigated that fully? How many miles on your bike? If it does it at a coast with the engine off, it has to be either the drive system(chain and sprockets) or something with one of your wheels. May be brake related too but you could elimate that by applying the brakes individually to see if the noise changes or stops.

Noises can be hard to track sometimes.. especially on a bike but keep after it and narrow it down.. you'll find it.

The chain is adjusted, and re adjusted, and looks to be in the clear. Brakes on or off no change.11K miles, well maintained. I fingered some things under the motor and the rear brake line is suspect........ I'm going to shim it with cardboard and go for a ride............

Ok... I shimmed the brake line and went for a ride..... didn't hear anything, but I was in a hurry and didn't wear my helmet. Went back, put the helmet back on and thought I heard it.... (less wind in my ears)... it was Very noticeable before.

It may be the little vents in the inexpensive HJC helmet that came with the bike. ... They snap open and shut but half way between open and shut they are loose. It could be that they are fluttering in the wind. I will tape them up and ride some more tomorrow...... Best riding day of the fall here coming up.

I don't know what to say.............

Bob,

If memory serves me right, some people have had dinging sounds which ended up coming from the headlight housing area. Possibly those wire retainers. I get a ringing sound once in awhile while headed uphill under a "load". I doubt it's anything mechanical. Just a thought?

JH

Bob,
As mentioned, noises can be hard to track down. I had a "ticking" noise that was driving me nuts - only happened when I reached a certain speed.
Turned out that the snaps that hold the visor on my helmet were loose and at speed it would rattle and make a ticking noise.

If you recently installed a "Freak" it probably is the tab that is used to hold the tool kit in place.

I had the same noise. Turned out to be the wind hitting my keys every once in a while.

Oh, Thank goodness I'm not only guy to hear death noises coming from their bike only to find out the bike had nothing to do with it. It was LOUD with the helmet on, helmet off nothing. Well I'm here to tell you I will know for sure tomorrow... It's going to be 75 and sunny. The trees are full of color, and I am going to burn a tank of gas at least! Thanks for the input guys, I really appreciate it.

Additional note:
Well it's official........ Taped the vents on the helmet up, and the "rattle" went away. Nothing hurt but my pride.

I've noticed a "ringing" kind of sound every once and a while. Turned out to be the wires that guide the cables around the headlight on my bike. Doesn't do it often enough or loud enough to bug me though.

I had the same problem Randy.. solved it with a quick 'adjustment' and taadaa no more ringing for me