[2004VTX1300C]

I posted this on the 1300 page and tried everything they suggested
-check motor mounts (tight)
-Adjust valves (hated it but done)
-Higher octane gas (93 octane)

and I still have a vibration the starts at about 60 and shakes the mirrors enough I can't hardly see out of them, continues getting higher frequency as I increase speed. Going 80 on the interstate for about 15 miles my hands go to sleep. I understand there is some vibration out of a V motor but this seems a little excessive. And it is motor related as when I pull the clutch in the vibration goes completely away, dead smooth, release the clutch and the mirrors go back to shaking!

Any suggestions would be great!!!

Thanks

 

[BigRedFlamin-X]

You might want to look at the steering stem bolt and bearings. I's been an issue on some 1300's, either because it's torqued incorrectly, bad bearings or both.

Try a search on the 1300 riders board for "steering + stem + bearing" ... there's quite a few threads on the subject. HDL sells tapered bearings that are supposed to be umpteen times better than stock.

The reason I suggest this is because the mechanical forces are different when you're under power vs. coasting, which could account for the vibration going away when the clutch is engaged. Just for grins, try dragging the rear brake instead of pulling the clutch in and see if the vibration goes away or changes.

Another point to ponder: does this vibration occur in any other gear? Bring it up to 60 in 3rd and 4th. If it occurs earlier, then it very well could be something in the engine, clutch or tranny. If it still occurs at 60 regardless of the gear, the problem most likely isn't in the drive train, and I'd put money on the steering stem bearing. It's also remotely possible that a tire is out of balance, although I don't see that changing with the clutch in vs. out.

BTW, higher octane gas is a waste of money in engines that aren't designed for it. It only has a higher ignition temperature to prevent pre-ignition in high compression and turbo/supercharged applications. If anything, it will foul your plugs. Get some regular fuel in there quick, or you'll have another problem on your hands. :shock:

Good luck ...
Ed

 

[2004VTX1300C]

It does happen in other gears, it appears to be engine RPM dependant. I Had the clutch in and reved up the engine and the vibration came back so that kind of eliminates the front end bearing question. Not sure what to do now.

 

[Chicago-Spike]

Go back to 87 octane, the VTX doesn't need higher octane as it was designed to run on 87. Bad plugs?

 

[2004VTX1300C]

Nope, new Honda plugs when I adjusted the valves! I am stumped. The only thing that is in the back of my mind is the right side rear plug wire felt a little funny. Like it might have been loose inside the rubber cover, might not be making good contact with the plug connector. Could that be causing the vibration?