"clattery" engine

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by cnc

I had the same problem. A couple of cable ties on the passenger grips and it went away.

You forgot to mention the duct tape. ::)

[phred]

Originally Posted by ndbigfish

+1 on the cam chain tensioners and radiator cover shroud.
How many miles on the '99'?
Check the gaskets that hold the speedometer to dash board cluster. On my '99' I had to replace the grommets on the back of the speedometer and the gasket around the speedometer. I kept thinking it was something on the motor or front end.

Its got about 38,000 on the odo right now. I didn't get a change to look at it today, as I spent my time working on the front brakes of my honda shadow. Hopefully I can look at the nomad some time this week.

Thanks for all of the info all ready, I'll keep you guys posted on what I find out.

[AlabamaNomadRider]

Like others have mentioned I would check the shroud around the radiator, under the speedometer cluster and last resort cam chain tensioner. Let us know what you find out.

[phred]

Well, I found the source of the "clattering" I was hearing....I'm almost too embarrased to admit what it was. One of the mounting bolts for the left side lower had vibrated loose and fallen out, so the bracket was vibrating against the fork leg. I'm still gonna check over some of the other things that were mentioned in this thread, just to make sure everything is right with the bike. What size are the mounting bolts for the lower brackets? I tried a 8x1.00, but it's not right. 8x1.25 maybe?

[Yellow Jacket]

According to the Kawasaki parts page it's an 8mm x 10 mm, bolt, socket.
That's about .4 inches long.
I believe you're talking about the bolt that holds the lower defector bracket on the fork.
P/N 92153A

[redjay]

8mm x 1.25 pitch sounds right.

[macmac]

My Service Star Hardware store has very similar ss hardware... Most of the bolts are too long, but a hacksaw and fill fix that quick enough.

[zoom45]

Don't be embarassed. That's great there wasn't a bigger problem.
Zoom45

[cyclecat]

I've actually had 2 of the acorn nuts on the lowers come loose and fall off. One of those little things to check periodically.

[macmac]

This is why going over the bike from time to time is a good thing. Cleaning the bike will allow you to discover loose stuff.

Loose stuff happens... I lost a air filter and the chrome cover with the nuts, and washers.

Last I saw that air filter was wedged up under the cager behind me, who had no idea...... All Gone..