Strange noise on IB Magnum By Big Al (Read 1,090 times)

[Big Al]

I believe Trailblazer has posted about a noise from her IB Magnum when it first begins to accelerate from idle, forward and reverse. Once it gets moving the noise goes away completely. The noise 'sounds' external and like the tinkling sound of perhaps a loose chain.

I have seen some of the responses to her concern, chain guard (which the magnum doesn't have), loose bolts, fender rattling, etc ... I have got to say that I personally have check every external possibility ... every nut and bolt has been checked and tightened, every loose cable has been zip-tied to minimize movement, the chain is tightened to specs and now I am considering internal components.

With the rear wheels off the ground (via ATV jack) and twisting the throttle while the engine is running the sound is the same. For the fist instant of acceleration the noise, then as speed picks up noise goes away. Placing my face close to where the noise seems to be emanating I would say it sounds very close to the variator but even using the screwdriver-as-a-stethoscope method I still was unable to absolutely pin point it ...

It would make sense to me that it could be the roller weights engaging but what I cannot understand about that theory is WHY would they make noise. Does anyone have any ideas about that? Am I on the right track? Any advise would be appreciated.

[Alleyoop]

Yes, some weights will make tinkling noises, and it is hard to tell if it is internal or external. My weights in my Trike makes tinkling noises but only at idle. Since it is so close to the engine case it sounds like it is internal. They will rattle a little since they have to be a little loose in the slots. I have a mechanics stethoscope and even with that it is hard to determine were it is coming from. So I put in Dr. Pulley Sliders and that stopped it but I have about 2000miles on the Sliders and the noise has come back but only at Idle. So I live with the little rattleing at idle.
Alleyoop

[Big Al]

Thanks for the quick reply alleyoop, I appreciate that. Perhaps I am on the right track then, so I'll try to figure a way to confirm that's what is happening and not worry too much in the mean time. I just don't want some failure to occur on the road, and if it is just the roller weights then we can live with the noise for the time being.

[rapidjim]

Noise does travel, have you checked the rear brake pads to see if they are moving in the caliper side to side? Just an idea.

Jim

[Big Al]

Thanks Jim. Yes, I checked the pads. I haven't given completely up, but so far the sound has not gotten better or worse so I'm not too concerned ... but it does give me pause to wonder. I like to think I am above average with mechanical things, and even on my job as a business machine technician I run across noises that I have to locate and resolve. That is they type of service call I dislike most ... chasing noises.

I got the scoot registered, insured, and the state inspection done. Now I need to work on getting the panels on the front to quieten down some. Pretty satisfied with the scoot overall. I think people who dislike these Ice Bears really have expectations disproportional to what they pay for them. I mean, how can you expect to pay mail order prices and receive a product of showroom quality without putting in the effort that a dealership would ... such as the effort I have heard you do. Anyway, I digress. The scoot is ready for my wife to take the basic rider's safety course on and that's what's important for the time being.

[rapidjim]

The reason I brought up the pad issue is that I had it happen. Alley's comment on the roller weights is where I would check next. I really hate chasing noises myself, but that is the nature of the beast we deal with.

Front panel removal, Fenders and such, is a pain. The trike panels are put together backwards. ie from the rear to the front. You have to start at the rear of the trike, taking off panels, to gain access to the mounting hardware for the fornt panels.

Glad to hear it is all ready for her to take her safety course. Tell her she needs to remember she is on a trike which will act differently than a 2 wheeler and some of the stuff they talk about in safety courses will not apply to her. Example: leaning into curves with a two wheeler, not to do with a trike.

Good luck to her and hopes she does well.

Jim

[Big Al]

I think where she has an advantage is that she has never ridden a motorcycle before. She doesn't have to 're-learn' things like I would have to. She's put about 100 miles on the trike so far and she seems to be better at riding it than I am, which I think is great. We went out riding yesterday and I put together a short video in order to have something decent of the Magnum on YouTube. Seems there hasn't been much posted on it in the past! Here it is if anyone wants to check it out. I'm not much with a camera, but hey, I try!



Thanks, Jim, for the tips on panel removal. I got the noises settled on the front so now it's a pretty quiet ride. What I found the main rattle to be was a stripped out 'speed nut' on one of the two lower screws that hold the "V" cover in place. Plus I used insulation tape on most of the contact points.

Laters ...

[rapidjim]

Good to hear!

Jim

[Big Al]

I should update this. I still haven't located the source of this sound I've been hearing but I have let that go for now. I was working on a wobble which had gotten so bad that you dare not let go of the handle bars below 20 mph. I suspected it was the right rear tire because on my lift with the tires spinning you could see the tire wobble on the rim. Not the rim mind you, but the tire. I planned on replacing both tires with beefier and better ones but I searched the Internet until my eyes were bleeding and all I found even close were some tire/wheel combos. I did get some good suggestion here on some tires that probably would have worked, but I decided to roll the dice and get a replacement tire from Ice Bear for the time being.

Anyway, I got the tire mounted and balanced today, put it on the trike and took it for a test spin around the neighborhood. No wobble. Best ride this trike has provided yet.

I am still worried about this noise I'm hearing. My wife just got her motorcycle license and I hate to tear into it right away, so I'm going to wait for the 'new' to wear off a little first so the wifey can have a little fun first.

Thanks for all the help and input by the way. It is appreciated.