tsigwing Posted January 12, 2009 Share #1 Posted January 12, 2009 I've got a 2005 RSTD with ~ 13xxx miles on it. After changing to Flanders bars, I have started noticing a "clunk" or rattle that is most noticeable when coming to a stop, but can still feel/hear it when going over some bad parts of the road. I can feel a vibration in the handlebars and can hear something as well. Checked the steering head bearings by elevation the front wheel and pulliing up, no slack and the wheel doesn't "flop" to either side. I did give the locking tabs a whack to make sure they were tight. Everything is tight that I can see, may only be coincidental with the handlebars, but looking for some help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaltyDawg Posted January 12, 2009 Share #2 Posted January 12, 2009 I can't see where going to the flanders bar would cause that unless something is not right with the cabling. Did you change all of the cables? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsigwing Posted January 12, 2009 Author Share #3 Posted January 12, 2009 Rerouted all of the existing cables, don't think the new bars caused the issue, just a curious coincidence. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ponch Posted January 12, 2009 Share #4 Posted January 12, 2009 Might want to have the dealer take a look. I'm in the Houston area. If close enough, I can look at it with you. Would you like to part with the TD handlebars? I've been considering the TD bars or Flanders on my RSV. Ponch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarFan Posted January 12, 2009 Share #5 Posted January 12, 2009 I can feel a vibration in the handlebars and can hear something as well. Checked the steering head bearings by elevation the front wheel and pulliing up, no slack and the wheel doesn't "flop" to either side.. First of all "Vibration in the handlebar" does not sound very comforting. If I were you I would first of all check the tire and the alignment and also if the wheel bearing is ok. Also check if the wheel axle is straight. You have warranty so take it to the dealer and have them check this out. Regarding the steering not flopping to either side when you push the handlebar gently with your finger then the steering should turn freely to the opposite side given that it is raised from the ground. There should be no binding/friction there. I am not saying it should flop to the other side but surely it should freely turn over. I would have the dealer sort this out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eck Posted January 12, 2009 Share #6 Posted January 12, 2009 Check your steering head bearing adjustment.... http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=511 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RoadKill Posted January 12, 2009 Share #7 Posted January 12, 2009 Could the new bars be rubbing somewhere during bumps and stops? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsigwing Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share #8 Posted January 13, 2009 First of all "Vibration in the handlebar" does not sound very comforting. If I were you I would first of all check the tire and the alignment and also if the wheel bearing is ok. Also check if the wheel axle is straight. You have warranty so take it to the dealer and have them check this out. Regarding the steering not flopping to either side when you push the handlebar gently with your finger then the steering should turn freely to the opposite side given that it is raised from the ground. There should be no binding/friction there. I am not saying it should flop to the other side but surely it should freely turn over. I would have the dealer sort this out. The vibration is only their when I hear/feel the clunk, not all of the time. The steering is binding and isn't too loose, just seemed that would be the most common issue related to steering. I have also checked the air pressure in the front and rear tires as well as the air pressure in the shocks, everything there is fine. Never hit any major bumps or ruts with the front tire, so didn't think that would be an issue. My last option is to take in to the dealer. I HATE using the dealer for this kind of stuff, usully get a "could not duplicate" and waste a bunch of time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsigwing Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share #9 Posted January 13, 2009 Check your steering head bearing adjustment.... http://www.venturerider.org/forum/showthread.php?t=511 This is where I started the trouble shooting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StarFan Posted January 13, 2009 Share #10 Posted January 13, 2009 The steering is binding and isn't too loose,. Well, I would certainly have the steering bearing/stem nut tightness checked. Look up the torque specification for the steering stem nut and check if it is tightened to the specified torque setting. - There should be NO binding or fraction in the steering! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsigwing Posted January 13, 2009 Author Share #11 Posted January 13, 2009 Well, I would certainly have the steering bearing/stem nut tightness checked. Look up the torque specification for the steering stem nut and check if it is tightened to the specified torque setting. - There should be NO binding or fraction in the steering! Don't have the specifice tool for checking this, but there is no binding or friction and it isn't loose enough to flop to either side. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tsigwing Posted January 19, 2009 Author Share #12 Posted January 19, 2009 It was the top nut under the speedometer, it was loose:scared:. Doh! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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