Need Help With Rattle in GL 1500 Motor Trike

[Colorado Con]

I have a 91 Gl 1500 with Motor Trike Conversion, has 82K miles and is in excellent condition and always well maintained. Here is the question. It has developed a rattle, sounds matelic, coming from the left side, about where your left foot sets on the foot peg. It does it only when you do steady accelreration in 2nd gear around 25 to 30 mph or 3rd gear around 40 to 50 mph. etc. if you acceralate hard it goes away or on just easy going it does not do it and it will not do it all the time. I have had it to a top mechanic at my local Honda shop, at first he thought it was the front Universal joint, it sounded like that, but when he went to replace it, it was not the problem. The drive shaft is all perfectly lined up, u-joints all good. It shifts very smooth etc. It has everyone stumped. They say it is nothing to worry about, just ride and enjoy the bike and see if it gets any worse. Like I say it does not doit all the time and many people would probably not evey notice it. Has any one else ever had this problem or does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[THEREALTRIKKY]

Here's a question, when your trike is making the noise are you going straight? If so, put a load on the handlebars similar to changing lanes, does it stop? Or when you're going around a corner or curve does it stop also.

 

[Colorado Con]

Yes, the rattle has always happened when going straight, next time I ride I will try increasing pressure on the handle bars, that is a thought. Thanks.

 

[THEREALTRIKKY]

Yes, the rattle has always happened when going straight, next time I ride I will try increasing pressure on the handle bars, that is a thought. Thanks.

If that makes the noise stop, the issue is the front heim joints that attach the suspension arms to the motorcycle frame. They are worn and have play in them. You can probably find them at a local bearing supply store for replacement, or call Motor Trike.

 

[Colorado Con]

If that makes the noise stop, the issue is the front heim joints that attach the suspension arms to the motorcycle frame. They are worn and have play in them. You can probably find them at a local bearing supply store for replacement, or call Motor Trike.

Thanks for the input, I did try that but it made no difference in the noise at all so I guess that is not the problem, thanks for the suggestion.

 

[biker251]

I had the same problem with my motor trike kit and i changed out the 4 smaller heim joints on the top of the kit and it solved the problem.