Engine vibration

[Greenhornet]

My 08 18 HPN with 2013 Motor Trike has a vibration that tingles hands and feet. It is very noticeable when accelerating with tach below 2500. The vibration seems to stop above 2500. It doesn't mater what gear you are in. The vibration is very strong from 2100 -2500. It also smooths out when you level off and stop accelerating. All suggestions will be appreciated.

[David357]

My 08 18 HPN with 2013 Motor Trike has a vibration that tingles hands and feet. It is very noticeable when accelerating with tach below 2500. The vibration seems to stop above 2500. It doesn't mater what gear you are in. The vibration is very strong from 2100 -2500. It also smooths out when you level off and stop accelerating. All suggestions will be appreciated.

Did this vibration just develop recently?

Do you experience the same vibration at 2100-2500 RPM with the trike stopped and the transmission in neutral?

[GoldWingrGreg]

I'd start with the simple stuff first like having your tires inspected for excessive runout, and have their balance check and then rebalanced if needed. If all is good there, have the drive shaft inspected.

[Greenhornet]

I have had the vibration for quite a while. It is still there while in neutral and rev the engine. But it is more noticeable when the engine is under a load. I don't see how the tires could have anything to do with it. If you are running along at speed and pull in the clutch the vib stops.

[trike tech]

Based on your description, it's some sort of vibration in the engine/transmission. If it's doing it sitting still, you've eliminated any rotating part of the motorcycle/trike (which mean it won't be driveshaft, wheels, tires, axles, wheel bearings, etc). Also, pulling the clutch in also somewhat confirms this because the external rotating assemblies are still moving at the same speed, you've only dropped off the rpm's.

Items like this can be frustrating, and can come to a point that it's easiest to "ignore" it (One of my previous bikes was well known for a "buzzing" in the footpegs & bars at a certain RPM & was far worse if you changed to an aftermarket footpeg. I just dealt with it instead of driving myself batty).

You mention the bike is a 08 GL, but no mention of how many miles are on the motorcycle. The great majority of the time, things like this come down to maintenance in the end (heck, I've seen an air filter cause vibrations in motorcycles before). If you have the mechanical aptitude, you may be able to go down "the list" yourself & check off items one at a time. If not however, it can easily turn into a very expensive venture.

[David357]

I'd start with the simple stuff first like having your tires inspected for excessive runout, and have their balance check and then rebalanced if needed. If all is good there, have the drive shaft inspected.

Bob, with Greg's assessment.

However, I am more inclined to believe the vibration is generated from the drive shaft and universal joints. These items need to be checked out.

Also, when was the last time the steering bearings were torqued or replaced?

I know a few Honda owners that noticed a definite decrease in handlebar buzz after replacement and torquing of the steering bearings.

[Papa Zook]

Based on your description, it's some sort of vibration in the engine/transmission. If it's doing it sitting still, you've eliminated any rotating part of the motorcycle/trike (which mean it won't be driveshaft, wheels, tires, axles, wheel bearings, etc). Also, pulling the clutch in also somewhat confirms this because the external rotating assemblies are still moving at the same speed, you've only dropped off the rpm's.

Items like this can be frustrating, and can come to a point that it's easiest to "ignore" it (One of my previous bikes was well known for a "buzzing" in the footpegs & bars at a certain RPM & was far worse if you changed to an aftermarket footpeg. I just dealt with it instead of driving myself batty).

You mention the bike is a 08 GL, but no mention of how many miles are on the motorcycle. The great majority of the time, things like this come down to maintenance in the end (heck, I've seen an air filter cause vibrations in motorcycles before). If you have the mechanical aptitude, you may be able to go down "the list" yourself & check off items one at a time. If not however, it can easily turn into a very expensive venture.

What Richard said. If the same vibration is present sitting still, it is not a driveline issue, but an internal issue. If it is doing it sitting still and increases while moving it is both.

[trike lady]

I'm going to go out on a limb with my answer, check the motor mounts.

Here's another thought, was the vibration present when it was a two wheel Wing?

[GoldWingrGreg]

I have had the vibration for quite a while. It is still there while in neutral and rev the engine. But it is more noticeable when the engine is under a load. I don't see how the tires could have anything to do with it. If you are running along at speed and pull in the clutch the vib stops.

Sorry ... I'm on vacation and you know us Wing riders like riding in areas with no internet. Vibrations can come and go for various reasons. One thing that happens once the clutch is pulled in is a weight shift. Throttle on and weight shifts rearward ... the forks extend. Throttle off and it settles more even on all 3 wheels. Since the contact patch changes as weight shifts, it can bring out tire related problems. Thus, get the tires checked. The tech needs to look for any reason a tire might not roll smooth (cupping, out of round, a shifting belt ...). If nothing is found there, have their balance checked.

Next, I'd check the drive shaft. It must spin true. Again, throttle on and off on a spinning shaft that is not spinning true can bring out problems that may go away under other conditions. If you have a trike with independent suspension, then you'll have 3 shafts that need inspected.

[trike lady]

Greenhornet

Can you tell me how many miles are on the bike? Also was the problem there prior to becoming a trike?

I'm trying to analyze all the information you posted, but I'd like a little bit more info. I have another thought.

[Greenhornet]

It was a trike when I got it. it has 50000 miles on it. The engine mount bolts are a possibility. but I have no idea where they are or how to get to them.

[Greenhornet]

The vibration has gotten bad enough that it is now present with the clutch disengaged and coasting. So that tells me it's the drive shaft "U" joints.

[trike lady]

I'm going to say the 'U' joint also.

According to what I have read the drive shaft should be lubed and inspected every 6000 miles and may be due for a replacement at the present time.

See attached chart:

[GoldWingrGreg]

I'm pretty sure Motortrike has an upgraded shaft available. To tell if yours needs the upgrade, the front yoke should be green. Your's is probably blue. For assistance, call them.

[Greenhornet]

Thank you Trike Lady and Greg. Both replies are very helpful.

[trike lady]

You're welcome.