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Howl'n Windjammer III

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  • Howl'n Windjammer III

    About two months ago, my ‘Jammer developed an occasional howl that was not related to engine speed, more like road or wind speed. At first I blamed it on road surface as the howl at first came and went. As the miles piled on the howl became more constant and louder and I continued to elevate probable causes until I noticed the high mileage Metzler Lazertec sport front tire has fletching shaped center tread blocks that are starting to protrude a little higher than the rest of the tread. I am sure this has set up the harmonic vibration bring the howl to my fairing. I tried adjusting the tp up and down some with little improvement. I do pre-ride pressure checks with my little "Slime" gage so improper tp is not the issue. I began running sport tires on the front years ago to help with the higher traction requirements of the front and a touring tire on the rear. Front and rear have generally worn close to the same rate. Looks as if I will be replacing the front with a different model and/or brand of sport tire before it’s time.
    1979 XS 1100 Special - Nicknamed "MONSTER"

    ATC fuse box
    Braded stainless brake lines
    4/2 aftermarket exhaust(temp until stock is re-chromed )
    V-Max auto cam chain adjuster
    Brake light modulator with reserve brake light bypass
    Vetter Windjammer III faring
    Tkat Fork Brace

    "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed; unlike the citizens of the countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms”
    James Madison, The Federalists Papers

  • #2
    Do you have vents in the windshield? Are they open? I find that I get a howl at certain speeds if the vents are closed. It's an air pressure thing.
    1980 XS850SG - Sold
    1981 XS1100LH Midnight Special (Sold) - purchased 9/29/08
    Fully Vetterized and Dynojet Kit added, Heated Grips, Truck-Lite LED headlight, Accel Coils, Irridium plugs, TKAT Fork Brace, XS850LH Final Drive & Black SS Brake lines from Chacal.
    Here's my web page devoted to my bike! XS/XJ User's Manuals there, and the XJ1100 Service Manual and both XS1100 Service manuals (free download!).

    Whether you think you can, or you think you cannot - You're right.
    -H. Ford

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by CatatonicBug View Post
      Do you have vents in the windshield? Are they open? I find that I get a howl at certain speeds if the vents are closed. It's an air pressure thing.
      Nope, no vents. Thanks for the input.
      1979 XS 1100 Special - Nicknamed "MONSTER"

      ATC fuse box
      Braded stainless brake lines
      4/2 aftermarket exhaust(temp until stock is re-chromed )
      V-Max auto cam chain adjuster
      Brake light modulator with reserve brake light bypass
      Vetter Windjammer III faring
      Tkat Fork Brace

      "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed; unlike the citizens of the countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms”
      James Madison, The Federalists Papers

      Comment


      • #4
        Something to think about is that you hear much more from the engine with a Jammer. Make sure that all is well that way. First time I rode with a jammer I thought me motor was about to come apart. Many noises will tranfer from one place to another. It is entirely possible that you could be hearing anything from a bad front axle bearing to a low lubrication on your middle drive. JAT
        2-79 XS1100 SF
        2-78 XS1100 E Best bike Ever
        80 XS 1100 SG Big bore kit but not fully running yet.
        Couple of more parts bikes of which 2 more will live!

        Comment


        • #5
          Originally posted by Rasputin View Post
          Something to think about is that you hear much more from the engine with a Jammer. Make sure that all is well that way. First time I rode with a jammer I thought me motor was about to come apart. Many noises will transfer from one place to another. It is entirely possible that you could be hearing anything from a bad front axle bearing to a low lubrication on your middle drive. JAT
          All very true, wind noise goes down and engine noise goes up. However, I replaced the front wheel bearings during the restore and the middle and final drive are checked monthly This noise was not there for the first several months after I added the 'Jammer, the noise coinsided with tire ware and the howling is still there with clutch in and engine cut at a 60mph coast. Thanks for the help
          1979 XS 1100 Special - Nicknamed "MONSTER"

          ATC fuse box
          Braded stainless brake lines
          4/2 aftermarket exhaust(temp until stock is re-chromed )
          V-Max auto cam chain adjuster
          Brake light modulator with reserve brake light bypass
          Vetter Windjammer III faring
          Tkat Fork Brace

          "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed; unlike the citizens of the countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms”
          James Madison, The Federalists Papers

          Comment


          • #6
            Proof will be in the puddin'

            Originally posted by je2wheeler View Post
            All very true, wind noise goes down and engine noise goes up. However, I replaced the front wheel bearings during the restore and the middle and final drive are checked monthly This noise was not there for the first several months after I added the 'Jammer, the noise coinsided with tire ware and the howling is still there with clutch in and engine cut at a 60mph coast. Thanks for the help
            Me again, this howlin' thing will be put to rest when I change the front tire but I can not bring myself to pay for a tire before it's time - so stay tuned
            1979 XS 1100 Special - Nicknamed "MONSTER"

            ATC fuse box
            Braded stainless brake lines
            4/2 aftermarket exhaust(temp until stock is re-chromed )
            V-Max auto cam chain adjuster
            Brake light modulator with reserve brake light bypass
            Vetter Windjammer III faring
            Tkat Fork Brace

            "Americans have the right and advantage of being armed; unlike the citizens of the countries whose governments are afraid to trust the people with arms”
            James Madison, The Federalists Papers

            Comment


            • #7
              Originally posted by je2wheeler View Post
              Me again, this howlin' thing will be put to rest when I change the front tire but I can not bring myself to pay for a tire before it's time - so stay tuned
              Hi je2,
              what you need is a bro with an XS11 (or an XS650/750/850, it's the same front wheel) that will swap front wheels with you for a day or so. If the noise moves to buddy's bike, you'll know for sure.
              Fred Hill, S'toon
              XS11SG with Spirit of America sidecar
              "The Flying Pumpkin"

              Comment

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