Strange noise?

[Asphaltmaniac]

This has never happened before and I have owned my 06 since new. Turning the key to the center position and waiting a few seconds for my beloved ride too wake up, a thunking/clicking noise that seemed to come from down low around the front of the engine started. Before I could get my cell phone to record it, it stopped. I suspect the purge control valve or maybe the air injector valve? This was about two weeks ago and has not reoccurred. The bike before and after this runs flawless.

Anybody else ever experience this?
Thank you.

[GoldWingrGreg]

If it had been running shortly before and also on a hot day, when the key is turned to the on position, and prior to starting, the fuel pump turns on for about 2 secs. It does this to purge air out of the system. Sometimes a gurgling noise will occur. It will only last for 2 seconds, and it is normal.

Could that be what you hurd. The noise would come from under the seat. To make it not do it, don't ride on nice, hot days.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Yes I've heard that many many times. But no, it was stone cold, first fire of the day. And definitely a thump/click from the Fr of the engine. The purge solenoid is sort of up high behind the lower cowl while the air valve is, as you know, top of the engine and farther back in. My impression the noise came from was top of engine. But I admit with the upper and lower cowl installed noise could bounce around. Hasn't happened since, and I live on the bike this time of year. Probably started and ridden it 30 times since it first happened.

[GoldWingrGreg]

In the world of noises, thumps and clicks are totally different. Thumps are gonna be cause by something heavy, while a click something light. Until it re-occurs, and I'm only recommending this as PM, be sure your front calipers, fenders, and rotor covers are installed correctly and tight, and the same for the front tire.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Too be sure they are. But engine off, stone cold and in the garage. It would of been nice to record it. Maybe I will get a second chance.

[GoldWingrGreg]

Sometimes getting on/off, and sitting on the m/c can shift weight ... thus the thought of verifying front wheel and caliper torque.

[tamathumper]

If you have a headlight adjuster motor going bad, it can overdrive and "ratchet" the gear teeth, which make a rhythmic "thunk" "thunk" noise up inside the fork tunnel.

[GoldWingrGreg]

If you have a headlight adjuster motor going bad, it can overdrive and "ratchet" the gear teeth, which make a rhythmic "thunk" "thunk" noise up inside the fork tunnel.

I forgot about that one. To the OP, to test:
- once started and running, and it is best to do this once the engine is at idle, move the headlamp adjustment knob fully to the right and listen and put your hands on the headlamps to hear/feel thumping. Then move the adjustment knob to the left and do the same.

[tamathumper]

If it is the headlight adjuster motor and it doesn't do it during the test it may still do it randomly while riding. You'll probably only hear it if it decides to do it just when you pull up to a stop sign or are otherwise idling.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Sometimes getting on/off, and sitting on the m/c can shift weight ... thus the thought of verifying front wheel and caliper torque.

Sorry Greg...Was just standing minding my own business waiting, as I said, for the electronics too wake up.
Had my cell phone ready to record several times over the last few weeks since. But sadly no cooperation from her.
Ive no doubt one of two things will occour. Never happen again or happen when there is no way to record the noise. ha!

[Asphaltmaniac]

If you have a headlight adjuster motor going bad, it can overdrive and "ratchet" the gear teeth, which make a rhythmic "thunk" "thunk" noise up inside the fork tunnel.

That is not a bad suggestion, but the adjuster only works with the engine running.
But thank you!

[Terry D]

How many times do people adjust their headlights to wear out the gear. I've never adjusted mine. Only at night would I think you need lighting to be higher and that is what the high beams do.

[Asphaltmaniac]

Well personally sometimes in certain areas around here in the high desert I like to keep the highs on despite occasional oncoming vehicles so just dip them and that appeases oncoming traffic. I commuted many years at night. Then there are the times when I have removed the top shelter or the complete fairing for maintenance and it pays to test everything that's been unplugged before buttoning every thing up for good...ha! So over the years my headlight motors had gotten a little bit of a work out.