Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech Got a rattle...hmmm?

Haven't put many miles on the America in the past 3 years, and haven't been around these parts much, due to work travel. Its nice to be back

I have a rattle, sounds like it is coming from the front of the engine, only heard on acceleration at low RPM (<2500 about). I cant tell that anything is loose. Any idea on where to check would be mighty helpful.


Current configuration is 05 America 55k miles, Cocktail shaker exhaust, K&N pod filters, battery relocated to the in front of the rear tire, speedy risers with drag bars. Been through most of the bike tightening bolts, but still no luck.

Could it be piston slap, though it happens even when the engine is warmed up?


-Thanks!

I would have a look under the valve/cam cover. Could it be pre detonation from the Winter fuel blend? Just throwing that out there, as it seems fuel quality never goes up, only down. A Dial indicator with a long extension through the plug hole would tattle on worn piston stroke tolerances, if things get that far.

I'm not saying this is your issue, however exhaust heat shield welds have been known to fail and if they do that can produce a rattle.

i'll check the heat shields. Ive banged on most everything and I cant find a rattle.
I was happening all summer too, at least the few times i was able to ride, so i doubt it is fuel, but if I cant find it, I'll take her over to the cycle shop and let them poke around...

Just happened to me. Heard a rattle while riding and and didn't want a repeat from the last noise I heard. That one turned out to be one of the bolts on the windshield bracket losening up. By the time I found the cause of the rattle and was able to pull over, it had fallen out. Made for a slow ride home with the shield a bit floppy. Memphis Shades was real good about the specialty hardware (and I used Loctite blue on reassembly)
Anyway, not wanting to repeat that again, I was touching/ holding each part I could reach, seeing if I could locate the rattle while riding. NG. Nothing I touched got rid of the noise. Turned a corner, rolled over a small bump in the road and heard a metallic clatter on the ground. Figuring it was from the bike, I immediately pulled over and saw something shiny in the road behind me. Turned out to be the left side heat shield in middle of the road. Luckily I wasn't going fast (probably wouldn't have heard it), and lucky no traffic coming up to roll over it, thanks to a red light. Had a few light scratches in it. Rattle noise was probably one tab separating from its weld and the vibration & bump in the road was enough to separate the 2nd one. No parts broken, just weld separation. Took off the muffler and had a local shop put 2 tack welds and all is good again. Maybe cause of the windshield, but I would have sworn that the rattle sound was from up front.