[Stones Fan]

Hello all,
I have enjoyed this bike! Coming from Harleys, this is now my everyday ride, yet not all that familiar with it's nuances.
I do all my own maintenence, except for tires, and just completed oil, filter, air filter, coolant, and new front tire. I purchased this bike used with 11k and it now has 19k plus...it has started making a howling noice, most noticeably when downshifting, and at lower speeds. It sounds to me like a bearing, or a water pump issue. I have checked all fuids , no leaks, and have pulled off all covers and have tried to determine where it is coming from....to no avail. It makes this noise at idleling and and slower speeds, however at higher speeds I do not hear it (but that could be me, with the wind buffering) I really do not want to start atearing into it without some sort of plan, as I'm in a area with very few mechanics. Any help or insight would be appreciated!!

 

[WFO-KZ]

Your best bet it to take a video with sound recording. Upload it to youtube or your favourite upload site and then post a link here. When our members hear the sound they may be able to give you some pointers on what to check.

But a quick check is to check your tire pressures. Probably not something that simple, but lets rule it out.
Also if you can get the wheels off the ground one at a time, give them a spin and listen for unusual noise.

Oh wait. Scratch all that. I just re-read your post and you said it makes the noise at idle (not moving?) if so ignore my advice in the 2nd paragraph.

 

[Stones Fan]

Problem soved...I think? Read sticky on the forum regarding the stator by member Sfair, which was very informative!! Thank you! Unfortunatly I may have to try and make the 70 mile trip to the dealer to be sure...as it could be something else. The bike now has almost 20k on it, and not knowing it's history before I purchased it, it probably needs a good going over. Not looking forward to this experience, as I recall the numerous times ( and $$) with the stealer dealer HD local thieves.

 

[WFO-KZ]

I read the stator thread but he unplugged it and the noise was still there so it seems unlikely that in that case it was the stator. Perhaps I read the wrong thread?

 

[Stones Fan]

WFO-KZ
Thanks for your respose! Here is the link to the article...https://www.vulcanforums.com/threads/vulcan-900-stator-information-thread.24679/post-202712 This is apparently a problem with pre 2015 models

 

[WFO-KZ]

Ahh I see. That's our sister site. Sfair is a member here also.
I see reference to the Alien Noise. LOL. Sounds like that might be your issue.
Keep us posted.

 

[bweighmaster]

Sometimes evev us .... Gurus , and moderators have brain farts ... All in good fun ....

 

[Stones Fan]

Well I have deceided it is the stator. OEM is $559.00...ouch! So I have been looking around, and even Ricks Motor sports is $166.00, which seems about right. I think I will tackle the job myself after watching You tube videos for a few days. I do have a friend who will be looking at it soon when he can get to it to be sure it is the stator. So right now I'm just waiting on parts, and studying the procedure....update soon.

 

[Stones Fan]

It was the stator! Got it fixed this past week, everything seems fine after the trip home from Beach Customs in Little River, SC. I had been bringing the Harleys there over the years and asked if they could help me out. I ordered the parts including gaskets, rectifier and the stator. All said and done....less than $400 for everything including fresh new oil. Hope to get a few more years of riding on this bike!.

 

[WFO-KZ]

Great deal and thanks for posting the solution.

 

[Kawasakian]

Times 2 on posting the outcome! So many people don't do that.