vibration

[albrightb]

I have an 04 nomad with just over 8000 miles. Bought it last year with just 3000 miles. Just lately I have noticed a high frequency vibration coming up through the floor boards at all speeds and all gears including neutral when revved-up. It's fast enough to almost feel like a tickle on the bottoms of your feet. My wife recently complained of the same sensation as a passenger. I also feel it though the highway pegs. On long rides it becomes an annoyance. Otherwise bike runs great. Any suggestions....motor mounts (?).

Thanks Buz

[dogdoc]

WOW, thats a can of worms Buz. it could be really alot of possibilites. internal components wearing out like the dampeners(rubber) that wear out that a few have had go south. Loose components, etc etc. Im sure everybody will have their opinions. Good Luck.

[macmac]

I would tighten the engine mounts to spec for starters...

[billmac]

These V twins do shake, rattle, and ect.

The radiator grill puts out some vibrations on these Nomads. Might want to take a peak at that.

[ells]

+1 on the engine mount bolts. Others here have reported re-torquing them helped with some vibration, but not described quite the same as yours. I was surprised how lose mine were, probably from initial assembly.

[phenrichs]

So how does one go about checking the mount bolts? Is a jack or lift required?
Can I borrow your torque wrench?

[macmac]

Sure, I got 2 torque wrenchs , just hop on over... Book says 32 ft pnds. for the long bolts, and 18 for their brackets.

[phenrichs]

Funny macmac, just hop on over. It would take me what 4 days to get there. Can you check them without having to lift the bike up?

[Cajunrider]

I don't think REFUGIO has gotten his vibration problems straightened out yet. He's still waiting on a factory rep to help diagnose his problem.

[albrightb]

Who is REFUGIO? and what sort of vibration problem was he having? I take it that this high frequency short wave vibration felt through the floor boards is not a common nomad trait. Buz

[dogdoc]

Not common Buz.

[phenrichs]

No I have not felt anything like that. I have heard a high pitched rattle sound but I am fairly certain it is the rad cover and I intend to replace it with something that looks better anyway.

If you want a real challenge and want to be everyone's hero try to solve the 25 mph handle bar wobble. I am thinking of hiring Columbo maybe he can solve that case.

[mikesth]

Originally Posted by OP

If you want a real challenge and want to be everyone's hero try to solve the 25 mph handle bar wobble.

Hmmmm - NEVER had that...it even struck me as strange that this is the first bike I've ever had that didn't have headshake at some speed...Does everyone have it and have they checked the steering head assembly torq?

I'm not saying I ever ::) rode without hands, but I am sure I don't have a 25mph head shake

[ringadingh]

Originally Posted by OP

If you want a real challenge and want to be everyone's hero try to solve the 25 mph handle bar wobble. I am thinking of hiring Columbo maybe he can solve that case.

I had a wobble that got worse over time and it was my front tire. It was no good from day one and drove me nuts.
A new Dunlop cured everything for me.

[Cajunrider]

Originally Posted by albrightb

Who is REFUGIO? and what sort of vibration problem was he having? I take it that this high frequency short wave vibration felt through the floor boards is not a common nomad trait. Buz

REFUGIO is one of the members of KawaNOW who hangs out alot on the Hooligan site. He has or had an issue with pretty bad vibration which started out at the passenger seat. He brought it to the dealer for warranty covered troubleshooting. MaKaw had the dealer cut every other rubber rib on the motor supports. After doing this the engine understandably shook more reducing the seat vibration. They may still be screwing around with it although I haven't read any updates from REF lately. The dealer can only do what MaKaw authorizes them for warranty work even if they think it's wrong. I'm watching Refugio's problem closely and if Kaw doesn't make it good I'll never buy another. I hope he drops in and updates us on the status.