Plastic bubble

[Rockdog]

Good day to everyone. I've got a question about the 2002 Goldwing I recently bought...I've noticed that while riding it.....it sounds like a hard plastic bubble around me....nothing rattles or anything....just the wind makes a sound like a plastic bucket in the wind.......I realize the whole bike is plastic just wondering if there is something out of place...... or if this is just normal for the bike to have the sound at speeds above like 30 mph..........curiously waiting for an answer.......

[alwrmcusn]

Just curious.....I have no reference for anything that sounds like you have described. Not sure what it sounds like or feels like. My 2008 (trike) is very quiet and has no rattles, just the engine sounds and the wind flowing past.

[Rockdog]

Well... who knows....may just be my bad ear playing tricks on me again.........

[bstig60]

I have never noticed a sound like that on my 2003 either. If you think there may be a problem, give us a little more detailed info.

[AZgl1800]

Can't say that I have ever heard a sound like you describe on any of my bikes,
'84, 86, 94, 98, 2002.

[Viking]

It may be either something in your rear storage pockets, or the trunk lid or hinges. These make noise on just about every GL1800 I have seen. The trunk lid can be fixed with either baby buggy bumpers, or a strip of tubing forced into the trim rubber; the hinges can be quieted with some foam wrapped around them and the storage pockets can be emptied. If you try any of these noise fixes, do them one at a time to see which if any eliminates your plastic bucket sound. Let us know. We like to hear when solutions are found.

[Rockdog]

To me it sounds like a combination of wind noise ....the front fairing and fender.....and road harmonics of the tire rotating on the road.....maybe the vibrations of the road and wind going up into the plastics and making its own vibration frequency that I can hear.....my bad ear causes me to hear different tones of sound that the wife and son don't hear but I will ......like doves.....the coooooooo sound they make don't bother them....but I hear those birds a miles away..... and it bothers my ear ....freaks me out...grab the shotgun freak me out kind of sound......fun stuff

[Asphaltmaniac]

Good day to everyone. I've got a question about the 2002 Goldwing I recently bought...I've noticed that while riding it.....it sounds like a hard plastic bubble around me....nothing rattles or anything....just the wind makes a sound like a plastic bucket in the wind.......I realize the whole bike is plastic just wondering if there is something out of place...... or if this is just normal for the bike to have the sound at speeds above like 30 mph..........curiously waiting for an answer.......

Aftermarket windshield making that sound maybe?

[Rockdog]

Completely stock base model

[PastoT]

Try a set of tunnel filters. These Foam pieces work to block the wind and road noise from the front tire and fender area that travels up the fork tunnel. My 02 was noisier than I anticipated and my hearing also has some issues. I bought mine through a sponsor but there are patterns available on the forums to cut your own if you have a source for 3" thick foam. I pull them out, wash and dry them periodically but they made a wonderful difference and blocked some cold draft during winter rides.

[Viking]

I agree with the tunnel filters. So much so that I did not even think of them, as I have had them in since about year two of owning this bike. They definitely cut down the noise from the front end. Also, wind and bugs that might come up through the tunnel, which reminds me... I need a new set before riding season.

[Wingsconsin]

Turn the radio UP ..
Ride it like ya stole it !
Enjoy

[Asphaltmaniac]

Completely stock base model

The guy with the tunnel filters gave me an idea. So there are inner faring pieces right in front of the radiators and they are held in with those plastic push pins. so if a couple of them babies are broken/missing maybe one or both of those inner pieces are flapping about??

[Rockdog]

Hummmm....could be.....I'll have to check that out next time I'm in the shop..thanks

[Asphaltmaniac]

Hummmm....could be.....I'll have to check that out next time I'm in the shop..thanks

Let us know when you figure it out. That way we all learn.

[Rockdog]

Ok...... I will.....