I feel none of what you describe and the handlebars are rubber mounted BTW
Question regarding normal motor sounds/ vibration
Good Morning:
I just last week purchased a 2014 Valkyrie. It had 780 miles (now 1100 after I got it). Unfortunately, I don't know any other Valkyrie owners to compare, so I am asking for your help.
When I hit 3000 rpms, there is a mild yet notable sensation of vibration in the handlebars. I can know I have hit 3000 rpms by the sensation alone. It almost feels like mild resistance in the engine on and off translating to the handlebars. The engine itself, or the power output is fine, and if I give the engine more throttle, the sensation minimalizes. But, at a lower throttle lever, the sensation is noticeable. It feels like a drag, and it might be accompanied by a slight whirring or rubbing sound. It is worst between 3000-3500. I am sorry for the vague description, but as it occurs when driving, not idle, it is difficult for me to isolate the issue (if it is even one). Also, below 2000 rpms the engine feels a bit 'gravel-ly'; I'm not sure if this is simply the lugging point, or what. As this is a Gold Wing engine, it strikes me as something slightly wrong.
I have the extended warranty for two more years, so the problem is not urgent. The problem is the nearest Honda Powersports is two hours away. Thus, I want to be sure I have a problem, and this isn't simply a characteristic of the engine. I have owned other motorcycles, so I am aware that, even at its worst, it is way smoother than most others.
As an aside, the dealer, who serviced the bike when I purchased it, had left the oil levels low. I didn't notice till I got home after a 3 1/2 hour ride. I checked the next day, and they were low. I have added more oil (about 1 1/2 quarts), and it slightly helped - or maybe it's placebo effect.
Any thoughts or advice for diagnosing would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Daniel
I just last week purchased a 2014 Valkyrie. It had 780 miles (now 1100 after I got it). Unfortunately, I don't know any other Valkyrie owners to compare, so I am asking for your help.
When I hit 3000 rpms, there is a mild yet notable sensation of vibration in the handlebars. I can know I have hit 3000 rpms by the sensation alone. It almost feels like mild resistance in the engine on and off translating to the handlebars. The engine itself, or the power output is fine, and if I give the engine more throttle, the sensation minimalizes. But, at a lower throttle lever, the sensation is noticeable. It feels like a drag, and it might be accompanied by a slight whirring or rubbing sound. It is worst between 3000-3500. I am sorry for the vague description, but as it occurs when driving, not idle, it is difficult for me to isolate the issue (if it is even one). Also, below 2000 rpms the engine feels a bit 'gravel-ly'; I'm not sure if this is simply the lugging point, or what. As this is a Gold Wing engine, it strikes me as something slightly wrong.
I have the extended warranty for two more years, so the problem is not urgent. The problem is the nearest Honda Powersports is two hours away. Thus, I want to be sure I have a problem, and this isn't simply a characteristic of the engine. I have owned other motorcycles, so I am aware that, even at its worst, it is way smoother than most others.
As an aside, the dealer, who serviced the bike when I purchased it, had left the oil levels low. I didn't notice till I got home after a 3 1/2 hour ride. I checked the next day, and they were low. I have added more oil (about 1 1/2 quarts), and it slightly helped - or maybe it's placebo effect.
Any thoughts or advice for diagnosing would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Daniel
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
I’ve had my Valk for 8 months from brand new to now 11k miles and counting. I’m with use2b as I don’t feel anything near what you describe. Power is smooth, linear, vibration free (side mirrors clear as a bell) from idle to redline.
Thanks for the responses. I guess when I get a day I will schedule a check with Honda.
Thanks!
Daniel
Thanks!
Daniel
I too have nothing but smooth vibration free power to report.
I wonder if the fuel was nasty with only 780 miles on it. Maybe the bike sat around with old fuel being started and stopped at the dealership a lot Could it be a dirty injector? Maybe try a good hit of Seafoam in the tank. Im sure you have filled up already so that should not be an issue.
I wonder if the fuel was nasty with only 780 miles on it. Maybe the bike sat around with old fuel being started and stopped at the dealership a lot Could it be a dirty injector? Maybe try a good hit of Seafoam in the tank. Im sure you have filled up already so that should not be an issue.
Does the vibration go away when you pull in the clutch. Do you feel the vibration in all gears.
I wonder if maybe if there could be a wheel balance issue and the whirring/scrubbing could be brake calibers. Mainly it is you suggesting a feel with on/off throttle.
Machine is just too new and you would want it looked at if it continues.
Machine is just too new and you would want it looked at if it continues.
Thanks for the feedback. I've had a bit of free time yesterday to pay more attention. I am leaning right now towards a fouled spark plug. She idles up and down a bit and sounds like it might be missing. The spark plugs seem like an easy check, and it would make sense, as the bike probably sat a year or so before I bought it, and the gas probably fouled it up when I rode it home. I have to find a torque wrench first (I have the sockets), but they seem to be easy to get to, and I will give it a shot this weekend. I'll write back when I know.
Thanks for the advice
Daniel
Thanks for the advice
Daniel
We use to use seafoam in ford pickup engines before trying to remove the spark plugs. It aided in burning off the carbon around the spark plug threads. You could then remove them without breaking off the spark plug. It also cleaned the fuel system.
I don't know if this applies to our Val, but the Gl1800 guys were saying you need to let the bike set and idle until the fan runs to reset the GU. This is done after air filter, elevation change etc.
Good luck getting your Dealer to do warranty work. I even complained to Honda factory reps. No joy!
Good luck getting your Dealer to do warranty work. I even complained to Honda factory reps. No joy!
Followup:
Thanks for the responses. I replaced the sparkplugs yesterday after work to no avail. The ceramic coating was fine; there was some carbon scorching on the sides, but they were fine. I replaced them anyway. However, the problem persists. An acquaintance of mine used to be a Honda Motorcycle tech and is going to give a listen early next week. However, I am obsessive type, and cannot help but keep trying things! I really like this bike, and I just want her to run as she should.
Here are the symptoms that I can identify:
The engine has a mild vibration when idling (even fully warmed) and idles up and down a bit - not perfectly smooth. The up and down idling is not dramatic, but it is noticeable. Also, it sometimes sound a bit clunky - like a diesel engine.
At three thousand RPMs onwards, a noticeable vibration enters the handlebars. It is barely noticeable in lower gears, but the higher the gear the more pronounced. It becomes particularly powerful during deceleration, as the engine brakes it feels rather rough.
Below two thousand RPMs, the engine feels, in the handlebar, a gravel-ly type vibration. It's difficult to describe, it just feels not terribly smooth. Also, a bit of a rubbing noise might be audible. In both cases though, pulling in the clutch gets ride of the vibration and noise - thus eliminating wheel issues. Plus, holding clutch in does not get rid of the idling up and down when stationary.
The engine itself responds fine - starts up immediately, and I do not sense hesitation in the engine.
I appreciate your efforts and thoughts. I am not mechanically skilled, but I don't mind getting my hands dirty - but not in over my head. I purchased some Sea Foam, but I am hesitant to dump it in my tank. I know it's a petroleum by-product that may work, but I am also wary of damaging my engine. I have mused that it may be a partially clogged fuel injector, but truly diagnosing that is beyond what I would feel comfortable doing at my house. Again, it sat for probably a year or two at the dealership (traded in at 700 miles) before I purchased it. There was half a tank of gas in it (I was irked when I got it as I thought it was probably old gas). I've since put on 400 miles with two fresh tanks. I cannot say if it had the problem when I first picked it up because I lived hours away and had sold my old bike and bought this right after (I met the buyer at the lot), and I had to get right back home; I did not have time to really pay close attention. It started right up and sounded fine as I took off.
As for the dealership, I have one that has done extensive business with my father(about 7 high end Hondas in 15 years) - it's different from the one I purchased the bike from - and I believe they will take an honest look at it, if nothing else than to keep my father in good graces. It's a three hour drive, but it is what it is - I will probably take off a day next week and drive out there if my acquaintance can't help. Any thoughts in the meantime are appreciated, though.
Thanks,
Daniel
Thanks for the responses. I replaced the sparkplugs yesterday after work to no avail. The ceramic coating was fine; there was some carbon scorching on the sides, but they were fine. I replaced them anyway. However, the problem persists. An acquaintance of mine used to be a Honda Motorcycle tech and is going to give a listen early next week. However, I am obsessive type, and cannot help but keep trying things! I really like this bike, and I just want her to run as she should.
Here are the symptoms that I can identify:
The engine has a mild vibration when idling (even fully warmed) and idles up and down a bit - not perfectly smooth. The up and down idling is not dramatic, but it is noticeable. Also, it sometimes sound a bit clunky - like a diesel engine.
At three thousand RPMs onwards, a noticeable vibration enters the handlebars. It is barely noticeable in lower gears, but the higher the gear the more pronounced. It becomes particularly powerful during deceleration, as the engine brakes it feels rather rough.
Below two thousand RPMs, the engine feels, in the handlebar, a gravel-ly type vibration. It's difficult to describe, it just feels not terribly smooth. Also, a bit of a rubbing noise might be audible. In both cases though, pulling in the clutch gets ride of the vibration and noise - thus eliminating wheel issues. Plus, holding clutch in does not get rid of the idling up and down when stationary.
The engine itself responds fine - starts up immediately, and I do not sense hesitation in the engine.
I appreciate your efforts and thoughts. I am not mechanically skilled, but I don't mind getting my hands dirty - but not in over my head. I purchased some Sea Foam, but I am hesitant to dump it in my tank. I know it's a petroleum by-product that may work, but I am also wary of damaging my engine. I have mused that it may be a partially clogged fuel injector, but truly diagnosing that is beyond what I would feel comfortable doing at my house. Again, it sat for probably a year or two at the dealership (traded in at 700 miles) before I purchased it. There was half a tank of gas in it (I was irked when I got it as I thought it was probably old gas). I've since put on 400 miles with two fresh tanks. I cannot say if it had the problem when I first picked it up because I lived hours away and had sold my old bike and bought this right after (I met the buyer at the lot), and I had to get right back home; I did not have time to really pay close attention. It started right up and sounded fine as I took off.
As for the dealership, I have one that has done extensive business with my father(about 7 high end Hondas in 15 years) - it's different from the one I purchased the bike from - and I believe they will take an honest look at it, if nothing else than to keep my father in good graces. It's a three hour drive, but it is what it is - I will probably take off a day next week and drive out there if my acquaintance can't help. Any thoughts in the meantime are appreciated, though.
Thanks,
Daniel
I would add - the vibration in the handlebars is not present when simply revving up the engine in neutral.
Thanks
Thanks
Spot on and I surmise the nature of this engine. However, I will not diminish your experiences.The engine has a mild vibration when idling (even fully warmed) and idles up and down a bit - not perfectly smooth. The up and down idling is not dramatic, but it is noticeable. Also, it sometimes sound a bit clunky - like a diesel engine.
I often notice after riding and then re-starting after sitting for a while, some of the same up/down idles and roughness. I chalk it up as the quirkiness of this valk. This is #7 for me and each one has had its own little quirks.
Last night I washed off the bugs and then cranked it to pull into garage. It was running pretty rough and smelled rich. I put a tad of lucas cleaner in it and fired it up to ride to work this morning and it ran like brand new.
The vibrations:
What is noticeable to you, may not be a thing for others. Oh! For what we all paid, these bad boys need to run like a top and there is nothing wrong with having expectations but important to give these machines time unless of course there is a problem that we cannot over look.
Hello:
I agree. As I said in my first post, I acknowledge the engine is way smoother than any cycle I have ever had - except at those RPMs. Thus, that's why the thread began with a question about how a Valk normally feels - there just are not enough around to confer. My main concern is because it sat - that's why I was soliciting feedback: to make sure if there is something wrong from having sat, it is addressed before it damages anything. I agree with you - I don't expect perfection. I just want to be proactive so she lasts like a Honda normally does - that's why I buy them!
Thanks,
Daniel
I agree. As I said in my first post, I acknowledge the engine is way smoother than any cycle I have ever had - except at those RPMs. Thus, that's why the thread began with a question about how a Valk normally feels - there just are not enough around to confer. My main concern is because it sat - that's why I was soliciting feedback: to make sure if there is something wrong from having sat, it is addressed before it damages anything. I agree with you - I don't expect perfection. I just want to be proactive so she lasts like a Honda normally does - that's why I buy them!
Thanks,
Daniel
While I agree that any machine sitting is not a good thing, it doesn't necessarily condemn it and in this case, prevent your Valkyrie from performing as if you drove it straight from the factory.My main concern is because it sat
You gambled when you bought it knowing fully there could be issues and now your obsessiveness is driving your thoughts and actions maybe to the point of not even riding it or adding a well designed chemical (seafoam) to the fuel. Nope! It is certainly not a cure all and riding your machine is not going to do further damage. In fact, I believe the best solution is to either take it back to see if you can get a refund or let a Honda mechanic get his/her hands on it.
If you do let an expert have a go at it and it checks out okay, ride it like you stole it and don't look back.
Hello
I agree. I have a warranty and a good dealer to deal with. My obsessiveness is of the Engineer type - I just like knowing stuff - not paralysis. I just have time on my hand until I am going to get it to a dealer. I can take any day off work - I have tons of leave, but I just want to try to figure it out in the meantime. I rode my bike today to work and have not been avoiding riding it. In fact, I have been riding it everyday, just because I love riding it. As regards to SeaFoam, I am not not adding it due to fear of exacerbating a problem, but in fear it may make a problem. I am suspicious of additives like that.
All I was asking is the people had any thoughts about potential overlap or causes. This is not a desperate cry for help or fear - the bike rides fine in terms of performance. I was just asking if people had thoughts and the general characteristic of how their motors run. Plus, when I post I'm at work - time on my hands kind of thing.
Thanks
I agree. I have a warranty and a good dealer to deal with. My obsessiveness is of the Engineer type - I just like knowing stuff - not paralysis. I just have time on my hand until I am going to get it to a dealer. I can take any day off work - I have tons of leave, but I just want to try to figure it out in the meantime. I rode my bike today to work and have not been avoiding riding it. In fact, I have been riding it everyday, just because I love riding it. As regards to SeaFoam, I am not not adding it due to fear of exacerbating a problem, but in fear it may make a problem. I am suspicious of additives like that.
All I was asking is the people had any thoughts about potential overlap or causes. This is not a desperate cry for help or fear - the bike rides fine in terms of performance. I was just asking if people had thoughts and the general characteristic of how their motors run. Plus, when I post I'm at work - time on my hands kind of thing.
Thanks
Same here! Glad it is running well. Weather here is perfect which is why I rode mine to work today.when I post I'm at work - time on my hands kind of thing
I am somewhat concerned as you are about the idling but no problems with vibrations.
I am under the impression that the OEM spark plugs were meant to last a very long time with the occasional check and clean... which is what I'll do.
Try the Sea Foam I used it for years, it will not hurt anything.
It might be a miracle Worker.
It might be a miracle Worker.
If it were mine I would go buy a bottle of Techron ,siphon out the old fuel add new tank of fuel with Techron added . Go find nearest interstate & run it at speed for at least an hour. I'll bet it will run different........ I think she sat too long with stale fuel.
I read your post this morning and when I rode my Valk today I was paying extra attention to my own bike.... Totally normal. Yeah, a little bit of vibe around 3k to 3500 and on the decel.Good Morning:
I just last week purchased a 2014 Valkyrie. It had 780 miles (now 1100 after I got it). Unfortunately, I don't know any other Valkyrie owners to compare, so I am asking for your help.
When I hit 3000 rpms, there is a mild yet notable sensation of vibration in the handlebars. I can know I have hit 3000 rpms by the sensation alone. It almost feels like mild resistance in the engine on and off translating to the handlebars. The engine itself, or the power output is fine, and if I give the engine more throttle, the sensation minimalizes. But, at a lower throttle lever, the sensation is noticeable. It feels like a drag, and it might be accompanied by a slight whirring or rubbing sound. It is worst between 3000-3500. I am sorry for the vague description, but as it occurs when driving, not idle, it is difficult for me to isolate the issue (if it is even one). Also, below 2000 rpms the engine feels a bit 'gravel-ly'; I'm not sure if this is simply the lugging point, or what. As this is a Gold Wing engine, it strikes me as something slightly wrong.
I have the extended warranty for two more years, so the problem is not urgent. The problem is the nearest Honda Powersports is two hours away. Thus, I want to be sure I have a problem, and this isn't simply a characteristic of the engine. I have owned other motorcycles, so I am aware that, even at its worst, it is way smoother than most others.
As an aside, the dealer, who serviced the bike when I purchased it, had left the oil levels low. I didn't notice till I got home after a 3 1/2 hour ride. I checked the next day, and they were low. I have added more oil (about 1 1/2 quarts), and it slightly helped - or maybe it's placebo effect.
Any thoughts or advice for diagnosing would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Daniel
As for the dealer leaving oil levels low? That was pretty crappy. If they did. Keep in mind this is a big engine with a big oil pump. If you're running the bike, stop it and check it the oil level might seem low since a lot of the oil is running through the engine. Im not trying to come as condescending or anything .. I don't know your riding history or mechanical know how..
But for these motors to burn any oil is pretty rare. These motors are VERY overengineered and VERY understressed.
1 - 20 of 26 Posts
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