2 Questions about my 2014 Vaquero

abray1978 · 05-01-2024, 06:15 PM

Had the bike a year now and have a few questions

1. Engine knock is normal I hear, but it’s definitely louder this season after an oil change. Checked oil using the service manual method and its dead center between H and L. Should I add more?

2. Anyone figure out how to stop the driving light rattle?

redjay · 05-02-2024, 09:10 AM

If the oil is at the correct level then no need to add more. How many oil changes have you done since you bought the bike last year ? How many miles have you done since the last oil change ? The lifters can be noisy for a little while if the bike has been stored all winter.
Are you sure the rattle is coming from the driving light ? The 1700's can have a rattle from the ignition switch surround. Put your hand on that piece next time you are out for a ride.
Are you describing a headlight rattle or are you talking about aftermarket lights in the fairing ?

abray1978 · 05-02-2024, 06:16 PM

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andyvh1959 · 05-04-2024, 10:36 AM

If you mean engine knock is actually engine "pinging" you need to do something to limit that. Pinging can damage the engine. One method to reduce pinging is adjust the timing, or adjusting the fuel/air ratio. Certainly engine rpm reduces pinging under load, so don't "lug" the engine with a load at low rpm (like climbing a grade in too high a gear).

The Black Knight · 05-18-2024, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

If the oil is at the correct level then no need to add more. How many oil changes have you done since you bought the bike last year ? How many miles have you done since the last oil change ? The lifters can be noisy for a little while if the bike has been stored all winter.
Are you sure the rattle is coming from the driving light ? The 1700's can have a rattle from the ignition switch surround. Put your hand on that piece next time you are out for a ride.
Are you describing a headlight rattle or are you talking about aftermarket lights in the fairing ?

emtech · 05-25-2024, 05:53 PM

Engine knock/pinging isn't normal. It has to b stopped It's caused by fuel igniting before it should. Damage can be bad. Like a hole in the top of a piston. Low octane gas can cause that among other things. A higher octane gas can stop that. Mak sure you're not shifting at to low an rpm. Otherwise go to a mechanic.

05-01-2024, 06:15 PM	#1
abray1978 Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 2	2 Questions about my 2014 Vaquero Had the bike a year now and have a few questions 1. Engine knock is normal I hear, but it’s definitely louder this season after an oil change. Checked oil using the service manual method and its dead center between H and L. Should I add more? 2. Anyone figure out how to stop the driving light rattle? Login or Register to Remove Ads
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05-02-2024, 09:10 AM	#2
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,982	If the oil is at the correct level then no need to add more. How many oil changes have you done since you bought the bike last year ? How many miles have you done since the last oil change ? The lifters can be noisy for a little while if the bike has been stored all winter. Are you sure the rattle is coming from the driving light ? The 1700's can have a rattle from the ignition switch surround. Put your hand on that piece next time you are out for a ride. Are you describing a headlight rattle or are you talking about aftermarket lights in the fairing ? Last edited by redjay; 05-02-2024 at 08:17 PM.
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05-04-2024, 10:36 AM	#4
andyvh1959 Advanced Member Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Green Bay WI Posts: 768	If you mean engine knock is actually engine "pinging" you need to do something to limit that. Pinging can damage the engine. One method to reduce pinging is adjust the timing, or adjusting the fuel/air ratio. Certainly engine rpm reduces pinging under load, so don't "lug" the engine with a load at low rpm (like climbing a grade in too high a gear). __________________ My $1200 Vulcan, to start from.
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05-02-2024, 06:16 PM	#3
abray1978 Jr. Member Join Date: Apr 2023 Posts: 2	I
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05-25-2024, 05:53 PM	#6
emtech Jr. Member Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: yaphank, ny Posts: 7	Engine knock/pinging isn't normal. It has to b stopped It's caused by fuel igniting before it should. Damage can be bad. Like a hole in the top of a piston. Low octane gas can cause that among other things. A higher octane gas can stop that. Mak sure you're not shifting at to low an rpm. Otherwise go to a mechanic.
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