New bike. New member.

adamjayp · 02-05-2008, 9:07 AM

Hello there everyone, I just bought a new bike yesterday... It is a 2007 Honda 919. It's red of course... 0.2 miles on it (they put .2 for the test ride). I ordered it about a month ago, but had to wait to get it since I was in Afghanistan. Back now though, and I put 50 some odd miles on it yesterday. I'm planning on putting 300 (get the break in out of the way) miles on it before I head back east weekend after next. One little question though... sometimes while I'm riding (especially over bumps, like gravel) I hear a little metallic clinking noise. Only at slow speeds of course, since you can't hear much when you are going faster. I've looked all up and down the bike, but can't find anything loose. Any ideas? Other than this, the bike is unbelievable. To me anyway, I'm sure you guys with your new fancy race bikes think it's slow.

I've never had a new bike before... this thing is wicked fast - and that's with me being gentle for break in.

Or at least kinda gentle... Anyway, thanks for stopping in. Be safe.

-Adam

PS Attached Cell phone pic... Yes, I'm at the cemetery. I went to visit my grandma.

-Z- · 02-05-2008, 9:42 AM

Welcome friend. I was in Afghanistan from 04 to 05. Where are you currently stationed?

Oh, btw...ain't nothing slow about a 919!!!

rokitt51 · 02-05-2008, 12:14 PM

home buddy. Glad ur back in one piece. Where are you at over there. I was there for a bit myself. Wish you didnt have to go back. Stay safe.

BALDGONZO · 02-05-2008, 12:40 PM

Sweet bike adamjayp! Thank you for your service!!! Welcome

adamjayp · 02-05-2008, 1:25 PM

Thanks for all the replies, the army has me at Fort Bragg, NC, although I'm on vacation in California right now. For those who know the place, I was at Bagram and Jalalabad mostly. I fix turbine engines on helicopters, so I didn't shift around to much. Be safe!

robert mcvey · 02-05-2008, 2:08 PM

nice bike welcome , could the noise be small stones hitting the bottom of your exaust when you are on gravel .

adamjayp · 02-05-2008, 2:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robert mcvey

nice bike welcome , could the noise be small stones hitting the bottom of your exaust when you are on gravel .

Not likely, since I was only on gravel for about 10 seconds... turning around, it did it over all rough terrain, broken asphalt mostly, since that's what parking lots are made of nowadays. It almost sounded two pieces of metal tapping each other... I though maybe it was my keychain, but I don't have one... just a key (it's brand new). It sounds like it's coming from somewhere in front of the rear tire, but behind/ below the battery/airbox. Kinda in the rear shock region. It's hard to tell exactly when I'm riding.

Twincam · 02-05-2008, 2:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjayp

Not likely, since I was only on gravel for about 10 seconds... turning around, it did it over all rough terrain, broken asphalt mostly, since that's what parking lots are made of nowadays. It almost sounded two pieces of metal tapping each other... I though maybe it was my keychain, but I don't have one... just a key (it's brand new). It sounds like it's coming from somewhere in front of the rear tire, but behind/ below the battery/airbox. Kinda in the rear shock region. It's hard to tell exactly when I'm riding.

to the sight.

Nice bike, i take it that the red is candy red? I was thinking of spraying it in that, but i decided a black with a metal flake (got my salvage (cat c - repairable) with 2000 miles on it)

Not sure about the clinking noise, how about taking it back to the shop as part of its run in?

adamjayp · 02-06-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Twincam

to the sight.

Nice bike, i take it that the red is candy red? I was thinking of spraying it in that, but i decided a black with a metal flake (got my salvage (cat c - repairable) with 2000 miles on it)

Not sure about the clinking noise, how about taking it back to the shop as part of its run in?

Yep, it's candy red metallic. Very nice color. The pictures don't do it justice, and it looks different in the sun than in the store. Of course, I ordered mine without ever having seen the color (I saw a black one), but I knew as long as it wasn't that hideous green

(no offense) I should be okay.
As far as the clinking, I'm embarrassed to say, I think it was one of the cargo hooks under the seat not seated in it's little holder.

I didn't ride today, so I'm not sure, but it sure seems like it.

If it doesn't go away though, I'm certainly going to have the dealer look at it. No sense buying a brand-new bike and fiddling around with it trying to fix it. That's what the (albeit slightly anemic) warranty is for.

Be safe.
-Adam

-Z- · 02-06-2008, 2:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjayp

Thanks for all the replies, the army has me at Fort Bragg, NC, although I'm on vacation in California right now. For those who know the place, I was at Bagram and Jalalabad mostly. I fix turbine engines on helicopters, so I didn't shift around to much. Be safe!

Where in Cali are you now? And yeah, I was at Bragg when I went to Afghanistan too, but at Kandahar. I spent a lot of my time out there down at the flightline with all of your aviation brethren. Yeah, you really got your work cut out for you. I especially hate how you guys have to inventory your entire toolset after each and every single job you guys do. At least, that's what I got from all the 15-series guys I hung out with.

Welcome to the site again. I don't know what the sound could be, but if it's brand new I'd take it back to the dealership and complain, have them fix it free of charge now rather than trying to figure it out yourself and risking it being something that causes a major problem before you can find and fix it. I know it probably kinda goes against your grain being a mechanic yourself, but that's what I'm thinking. Just a suggestion.

adamjayp · 02-06-2008, 9:35 AM

Hey Z, A lot of my buddies were down in Kandyland, it gets hot there (and everywhere else in Afghanistan...).

Yes, we do inventory our toolboxes after each and every job on the helicopter. Can't have a wrench getting sucked into the engine, or caught up in the rotor head. Could be messy.

As far as fixing it myself, I think you're dead on. If it wasn't the cargo hooks, then I'll be taking it back for sure. I am a mechanic, but I'm not going to try and fix a brand new motorcycle without all my tools, no manual, no stands... anyway, I'm hoping it's just the cargo hooks flopping around.

I'm in Yuba City here visiting my family... I see you're in Sac. That's pretty close.

I'm thinking of going to ikea on friday. Take my mom up there, she likes it. Probably take the truck though. I'd look silly with a computer desk on the back of the bike.

sheepofblue · 02-06-2008, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjayp

Not likely, since I was only on gravel for about 10 seconds... turning around, it did it over all rough terrain, broken asphalt mostly, since that's what parking lots are made of nowadays. It almost sounded two pieces of metal tapping each other... I though maybe it was my keychain, but I don't have one... just a key (it's brand new). It sounds like it's coming from somewhere in front of the rear tire, but behind/ below the battery/airbox. Kinda in the rear shock region. It's hard to tell exactly when I'm riding.

Could be gravel still coming loose from the tires sipes. Further PUT A HELMET ON

then you don't hear it. Never ride the bike 1 foot without it. I would recommend a good Snell fullface and earplugs (don't get black if you will be in NC long). Also get gear. Also take a class. MSF is likely offered on base at a reasonable cost. Further safety gear is mandatory on any bike (yes even a cruiser) but as you stated a 919 can zip along very well so even more so. I recommend full face helmet, over the cuff gloves, over ankle boots and a jacket (leather is better but mesh in the heat is what I wear) as a MINIMUM. Some riding pants (over pants or leather) is a great addition.

After you spent time in Afgani taking care of me the least I can do is try to aid you in taking better care of yourself.

Lots of fantastic roads in western NC so enjoy but take care and remember the road ain't a race track (though they do exist

). Enjoy the nice bike and I hope a bit of this was helpful to you.

XRsteve · 02-06-2008, 11:25 AM

I hear the same noise. It's usually really small bits of rocks on the exhaust. It could also be the floating brake rotors. They seem to make noise when turning.

adamjayp · 02-06-2008, 12:42 PM

Thanks again for all the replies! Keep em coming

I'll ask the dealer about the brakes, and look in my tires for little rocks... Anyway, to tell you a little about me: I've been riding for upwards of 6 years now, this is my third bike, although it is my first brand new one. I've taken both beginner and advanced MSF courses. Of course, I don't know everything, and I'm always learning new limits, either mine or the bikes. I wear an ICON motorhead jacket, Joe Rocket gloves, and I alternate between my AGV helmet and my scorpion exo. Almost always wear boots, but I've been known to ride with Tennies on. I wear earplugs on my KZ750 for sure, since it's VERY loud... not fast, just loud... I wore them on the Nighthawk too (past tense, since I sold it when I went to afganiland), although I haven't noticed a need for them on the 919, Everyone says it's loud enough, but I don't notice

. I think an exhaust may be in order. I'm looking at the 'stash by twobros. Well, that's about it. I think I'm going to go ride.

Thanks again everyone! You make an excellent

Be Safe

919hooligan · 02-06-2008, 1:11 PM

Congrats on the new 919. I'm sure you'll love it. I've had mine for three years and still enjoy it as much as when I first bought it. Also I appreciate what you and and the rest of the men and women in the armed forces are doing over there.
If you ever decide to head to the western part of the state let me know and I'll hook you up on some great roads around Brevard, Asheville, Spruce Pine areas.

-Z- · 02-06-2008, 7:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by adamjayp

I'm thinking of going to ikea on friday. Take my mom up there, she likes it. Probably take the truck though. I'd look silly with a computer desk on the back of the bike.

Might be silly, but it would make for an awesome thread on here! Pics of bikes doing stuff we don't expect them to do!

fl-929 · 02-06-2008, 10:26 PM

Welcome!

darinhuwe · 04-01-2008, 12:10 PM

Hey Adam,

Congrats on the new bike and making it home safe!

I'm currently over in Iraq and can't wait to get home and ride my '06 919 I also purchased brand new. Had 1.2 miles on it when I picked it up, great feeling!

I experienced the exact same noise that you spoke of on your bike. I am pretty dang sure it was the chain that was making the small "tinking" noise occasionally. I believe it was a little loose from the dealer thinking back.

Yeah, the 919 isn't the fastest bike out there, but it sure is a hell of a lot of fun. And I know I can ride for 400 miles a lot easier than my buddy on his 1000 gixxer

I can't wait to see what they do with the 919.....
-Liter displacement
-better brakes
-make it look a little angrier

-just some thoughts

adamjayp · 04-05-2008, 10:50 AM

Stay safe man! I think you're right about the chain too, and also little rocks. at about 800 miles I tightened up the chain, and I haven't heard it since, except when I can SEE the loose gravel/sand on the road. When my buddy follows me on his R6, he says I throw up a pretty good rooster tail of gravel when we're going into the parking lot, when the tire is still hot from riding. Again, be safe. I know you hear it a lot, but we all want you to get back home again.