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A MUST READ!!!! UNCLUNKED
Wed, 2008-09-17 10:25 — PHACUE
For sometime now myself and another member, paulinokc, have been trying to keep everyone informed with our trials and tribulations in getting Yamaha to take notice of the clunk issue. Today I succeeded!!!! Met with the regional service rep, listened to him state that he has not heard of any such problems, told him thats BS, heres my key, you ride it then we will talk. After a very short ride his first commit was "OH S**T, THIS AIN'T RIGHT". I told him everything I wanted & expected to be checked, spring tension/load, spacer length, torque of all front end bolts/nuts and (THANKS TO PAULINOKC) the head nut for cross threading.
The head/steering nut was found cross threaded creating approx. a 3/16 inch gap at the upper bracket. This little nut is kinda important since it holds the forks to the frame, whudathunkit. Yamaha is going to replace both upper and lower brackets (trees), all bearing, races & seals, ect. Just over $900.00 in parts alone. I strongly urge everyone who has or have had this TYPE of clunking noise to get their bikes checked asap!!! Oh by the way, ain't no way in hell progressive springs will correct a cross threaded nut!!!
If ya'll go back and look at the "famous clunk poll" you will find that out of 88 votes only 27%, 24 folks, thought this was a serious safty issue & should be fixed by Yamaha. I wonder why. I also got many personal e-mails telling me that I was holding my breath for nothing, did not know what I was talking about and that progressive springs was the one and only fix.
NOTE: I honestly feel that there is several different causes for this clunking noise and in some cases the progressive springs is the correct fix. My case was different. We all need to be careful with the info shared on this forum. Lets make sure we have all our ducks in a row & properly spaced so we don't get duck do on their bills.
The Yamaha rep will write a report of his findings & submit it to his boss,who inturn will pass it on up the line. At some future time there will at least be a service bulletin issued.
Just in case I've p***ed someone off I take full responsibility for all the above.
Still clunking
I installed the progressive springs this week-end and still have the clunk. Maybe not as bad but it's still there. I went by the dealer today and they put it on the rack and checked it over real good and did not see anything wrong. They did not tear it down but they did not see anything to indicate there was anything wrong with the bearings or the stem nut. So I'm still clunking and don't know why.
Sonny
Fender?
Well, according to the dealer and Yamaha rep here in OKC, as posted by Paul, it's the front fender. In-laws have been in town this week so I haven't gotten to work on my bike. I received the progressive springs yesterday. When I replace, I also intend to do some monkeying around with the fender to try and test that theory. Not sure exactly how they came to that conclusion, but I'm game to try and figure it out.
Fair winds~
David
Front fender
Yamaha says that the clunk isn't there if the front fender is removed. That is not to say that the front fender is the SOURCE of the clunk. They believe it is the springs. The front fender simply amplies the sound... sort of like a speaker. It is a harmonic thing associated with the fender. The fender isn't the source. This according to my service rep who discussed it at length with Yamaha.
-Dave
Fender they say?
As ya'll know I fought with Yamaha for months before getting the clunk fixed, cross threaded stem nut. I too heard all the crap about the "high quality steel" front fender acting as a sounding board. They even went as far as putting rubber washers between the fenders and forks trying to deaden the clunk, did not help. When I met with the yamma rep I was again told the same thing. Made them remove the fender and had the rep ride, still no help. Then it became the windshield, removed it, no help. That was when I told the rep I wanted the complete front end torn down and inspected. The only correct way to check the stem nut is to disassemble the front end. Guess what they found?
I do feel that there are 2 main causes for this clunk, springs and the stem nut. The fender/windshield acting as a sounding board is BS, Yamaha's way of passing this defect off as non-critical. Say no to the BS and get it checked.
Has anyone heard if this clunk on another Yamaha product? Is the 1300 unique? Any thoughts?
2004 Silverado
My 2004 650 Silverado made the same noise. But it didn't make the sound as loud as what it is on the Vstar 1300. I put 13,000 miles on the Silverado before trading it on the Vstar 1300. For me the Silverado was more surefooted than the 1300 and quicker responding being the wheelbase was shorter, the machine more compact and running a smaller wheel and tire on the front and rear. But when I hit a pothole the noise was similar to what I hear on the 1300. I will have the inspection done, and will pay to have it done. If the nut is cross threaded then Yamaha will take care of it. If there is nothing wrong with the nut then I will gladly pay. Progressive springs will be done when I can. ~ Butch
Hello, I just got my 07 back
Hello, I just got my 07 back from the shop. I had them completely inspect the front spring area at a cost of $120. They found no stripped thread problem but I can ride easier now knowing my clunk is not going to kill me or my wife. I'm not happy to have to spend the extra cash to inspect something that I believe Yamaha should have recalled and inspected but now it's on to other issues like getting progressive springs. Honestly, my clunk has decreased since new and now at about 7000 miles, it is not as noticeable. But it's still there. I think I'll install the springs myself since seeing the post with the instruction. BTW, excellent post on the progressive spring "how to". I also wish to thank all here. The info is priceless! As is my life and my wife's! Keep 'em rolling right!
motodan (motostan) :)
Horse pucky!
OK, I have to set off the BS alarm now! Whoop, whoop, whoop! Wait a minute, let me turn down the volume of the radio signal playing in my head through my fillings so I can concentrate on this one... Hey, that's better...
So, Yamaha, let me make sure I have this right... So swamp gas is refracting the light from Venus into the forks of the bike, super-heating the lubricating oil causing it to spontaneously combust, making a popping sound, which is being amplified to ridiculous levels by the attached fender?
I would have never thunk it! Go figure.
Fair winds~
David
Well...
No... they said that you won't hear it if you remove the fender.... but they still say it is the springs. Here's my problem: although they say it is the springs, they aren't willing to fix it. The cross threaded nut is another issue and one that they'll fix. Why won't they spring for the springs (pun intended), as well?
-Dave
I get it.
I get it Dave. I'm just being a smart-ass. I just think the "fender amplifier" concept is a hoot. Just planning to fix mine myself. Why should Yamaha be any different than any other company out there? Very few of them will take responsibility for their products these days. Hell, just look at Wall Street...
Fair winds~
David
Took in bike
I just took my bike to get appointment to check glunk out.The service mang said he has had two bikes come in for the noise and niether was found to have the nut problem going to leave mine tuesday for inspection.He stated that to his understanding that its is the 08 model with the nut problem and mine is the 07.Still needs to be done..to his knowledge there is still now bulliton out for this problem yeat,I took him the comments from this site to read..So far i have had nothing but good service from my dealer Barneys in brandon.See what happens i guess if nothing is found i will go to the progressive springs,nothing to lose.
David
Brandon,Fl
07's, too
Mine is an '07 and it had the cross threaded nut.
-Dave
HAD MINE CHECKED
i HAD MY NUTS CHECKED THE DOC SAID THEYY WERE OK..OOOPS WRONG FORUMM MY BAD
David
Brandon,Fl
Ha!
Those dental check ups are getting really personal now.
Brajande
abundans cautela non nocet
Ride or Not to Ride?
Has any V Star 1300 riders that are having the "clunk" decided not to ride there bike until they have gotten it fixed or had this nut checked? I am going on a 250 mile ride tomorrow and am now wondering if I should be riding this bike or not. I do have the front end clunk. My Yamaha dealer went out of business a few weeks ago so I now have to find another dealer to have this clunk checked out.
test then ride
IMO we should be able to test for slack if the clunk if it is the stem nut crossthread problem. If you have (or can get) a lift, lift the front tire clear of the ground. If the stem nut is crossthreaded causing slack (our clunk when we ride ) in the assembly, you should see a gap appear between the bottom of the stem and the frame tube just before the front tire clears the ground. I haven't checked mine yet, but I will before I ride again. I personally don't think the bike is going to fall apart as a result of the crossthread or the front fork springs .... at least not yet. My concern was that, eventually, metal fatique would occur from the repeated impacts of two components that keep our noses off the road. Cudos to paulinokc and PHACUE for their dilligent efforts to make us all safer. I think things are moving in the right direction and maybe it's time to see if Will R. can throw the results of our poll at them. Opinions??? keith
Clunk
After reading all of this, I decided to take a ride to my local dealer today. I have had the "clunk" from day 1 and frankly, haven't ever really worried about it. I've had bikes before that had the "clunk" as far back as my motorcross days... Anyway, I talked to our local service manager and he told me that they'd be happy to do a thorough safety examination including pulling the crown nut and inspecting it for cross threading at no charge. (By the way, I bought the bike from another dealer). He also called Yamaha and gave them my VIN number and told them about my "clunk" concern. He called me back 30 minutes later at home and told me that the Yamaha guy had heard of the complaint and that they had seen "three or four" bikes where the crown nut was cross threaded. The Yamaha guy told him to go ahead and check out my bike (under warranty) and if it was NOT the "cross thread" problem and I simply wanted to install the progressive springs, I would be responsible for the cost of the springs. Obviously, if the problem WAS the cross threaded crown nut, they'd cover it all. As a sidenote, while I was there, I made a deal with the service manager to go ahead and replace my stock handlebars with a set of RSTD bars for $150.00. I figured they'd have the stock bars off anyway for the inspection... why not go ahead and swap them out? So he has ordered the bars and my bike will go in as soon as they arrive. I'll let you all know how this turns out.
Thanks for the heads-up!
-Dave
Mine was cross threaded...
I took my bike in this morning to get the front end checked out. Long story short... the crown nut was cross threaded. Yamaha is replacing the steering stem, the steering stem nut, all related bearings, etc. Again, thanks for the heads up!
-Dave
Is anyone with the cross
Is anyone with the cross threads riding an 07?
Sonny
Yes
Yes... mine is an '07.
Get it checked.
-Dave
Clunk is gone
As everyone should know by now the stem nut was crossed threaded on my 08 Tourer. It was repaired under warranty (almost $900.00 in parts) and rides and handles great without a clunk. I made quite a number of phone calls to YCS speaking with a number of people. I finally settled on one guy, Jake Singh, !-800-962-7926 ext 7862. After almost 6 weeks Jake arranged my meeting with the Yamaha rep, guess he got tired of me taking up all of his time. I think we have finally gotten Yamaha's attention and also many of the folks on this and other forums who thought I was wasting my time and told me to just fix it myself with the progressive springs.
Do not take this clunking lightly. If its caused by the stem nut being crossed threaded its a very serious safty issue. Hopefully there will be a safty bulletin/recall issued soon.
Part Numbers Please
Would you mind posting the part numbers that was repaired under warranty to fix your clunk issue? It should be on your repair order invoice.
Thank you,
Tony
"Clunk"
Oops, wrong number! Unless you want to talk to the VA/Tri-Care. The correct number for Yamaha Service Rep is 1 (800) 627-9261.
Top
"Esse Quam Videri"
Clunk
I just got off the phone with the Yamaha customer service representative, who said she personally had not heard of the "clunk" problem. I explained that I had spoken to Randy a few months ago about the problem and had decided to wait until the season slowed before having him address the problem. I told her that I had also spoken with the Yamaha service rep at STAR Days in Rogers, AR and he had said he would investigate the complaint. Anyway, the bottom line of the conversation was; Yamaha needs to address the issue before someone gets hurt if it's a safety issue, and needs to acknowledge it if the issue is just an irritant. As I've said before, we're either part of the solution or part of the problem. Just discussing issues such as these amongst ourselves doesn't get the problem solved. I suggest that all of you who are experiencing this problem to call yamaha motors, 1(800) 444-5445. They need to hear our voices. BTW the customer service rep said they don't monitor the Yamaha sites; therefore, one must call to be heard.
Top
"Esse Quam Videri"
Clunk
Top - did you get the name of the person you talked to? I am curious if it was "my girl".....paul
Clunk
Paul, please keep us updated on the Baker Boys situation. I too use them and find this unusal. They are normally very responsive. Did they also look to see if the nut was cross threaded? This situation is totally unexceptable.
Top - Baker has done
Top - Baker has done everything they know how to do. Randy (Serv. Mgr) has to be praised for his efforts in this whole deal. Baker has gone above and beyond and I will continue to say good things about them. The problem has been Yamaha since the gitgo. Yamaha continued to deny the problems we are having and never would assist Randy and Chan with tech advice or information. Randy finally got a fire lit under somebody yesterday (Thursday)and the Yamaha tech rep is supposed to be here Tuesday. He will look at my bike plus the 2 that Chan has sitting out front with the same noise.
I left a message for my customer relations contact yesterday and she called me this morning. She was quite chatty. she was aware of the tech rep coming and said that they were being bombed with calls and complaints and that mgmt was awre of the websites and the postings. I told her I was the SOB that posted the info to the web. I told her I was through with Yamaha. My bike will be traded as soon as I get my hands on it. At this point I am scared to get on it.
paul
Thank you
Thank you for sharing your story with us and for all you have done to get the attention of Yamaha. I called my dealer and explained the issue. Then I called Yamaha and reported my VIN number to them and explained the problem to them. This has no longer become an annoyance issue, but a major safety issue. Yamaha told me they were no reported problems of this nature and I told them they better start checking more into it. So everyone who has this problem should call Yamaha and report it, and also to their dealer where they bought the bike as well. Get your name and VIN number recorded just in case there is a recall, which there should be with a safety issue. Maybe not all problems are related to a cross threaded head bolt, but it isn't worth a life to find out!!!I can live with the progressive spring fix, but I may not live if an accident would occur if it is this cross threaded head nut. It's time for Yamaha to step up and fix their mistakes, or at least have owners take their bikes in for a thorough inspection of the front forks. This is a serious issue that needs immediate attention. Using this site would get their attention. As a group we may get this safety issue resolved before someone gets seriously hurt or killed. There is safety in numbers. I like this bike, but am not willing to ignore a safety issue. Especially one that could be fatal to anyone who enjoys riding. We need each other to force Yamaha to fix this potential safety hazard, before it is to late. So I urge everyone who owns a 1300 to at least report this problem if they are experiencing the clunk. Thank you guys for being persistent and getting this issue the attention it deserves. You are true gentlemen.
Dave
We got someone's attention!
I just got off the phone with my dealer service manager on my problem. My bike is still not fixed. He had just gotten off the phone with Yamaha tech service. I wanted my bike buttoned up because I was headed to get it. Hell, I will fix it myself. He will not release the bike because Yamaha had just informed him they were having a problem with the cross threaded stem nut and not to release the bike until it had been rechecked. So here I sit, still walking, day 11 now and still no ride...................paul
WARNING - HEAD NUT CROSS THREADED
Guys
The first time I went to the garage to have the clunk issue checked, no problem was found.
CONVERSATION between garage and me.
This is not to embarrass the garage because they did listen and found the problem.
It is only to show that it is difficult for them to believe that YAMAHA has not issue a bullettin yet.
**************************************************************
ME:
I am a member of the www.1300tourer.com group and there is a lot of
discussion on this clunk issue. One forum of interest is the
following: http://www.1300tourer.com/node/2570
#1 Apparently, YAMAHA SHIPPED A BATCH OF BIKES WITH A CROSS THREADED
LOCKNUT ON THE STEERING STEM. THE STEM DOES NOT TIGHTEN PROPERLY (IT
APPEARS TIGHT AND TORQUES TO SPEC) AND IT IS THE TRIPLE TREE CLUNKING
EVERY TIME YOU HIT A BUMP. SCARY - CHECK YOUR BIKE IF YOU HAVE A
CLUNK. THIS WILL BE A CATOSTROPHIC FAILURE - IF THE STEM/TRIPLE
TREE/LOCKNUT TURNS LOOSE.
Would it be possible to have this stem/triple tree/locknut checked for cross thread?
GARAGE:
As per our inspection of your bike,we went over the entire front end,rechecked and retorqued
every bolt on your front end and found no problem with your bike.
There is no way to cross thread a steering head bolt and then be able
to adjust or check your steering head bearings.
So,if you want to bring your bike back to ease your mind,feel free,but be aware that
there have been no bulletins from Yamaha Canada and they would be the
first to alert us of a safety issue.
ME:
Thanks,
I still have this clunk when hitting some bumps and I would like to resolve
this problem, even if you have confirmed there is no safety issue.
GARAGE:
Ok, so bring your bike back in,and we will go over your front end
again,tomorrow would be a good day.
*************************************************************
Today they found the CROSS THREAD NUT on my bike.
They will have to order immediately the required parts.
They told me it is not safe to put it back and ride. So the bike stayed in the garage.
SO GUYS, PLEASE LISTEN
I AM CHANGING MY VOTE FOR THE CLUNK POLL TO BE A SAFETY ISSUE.
I WORRY FOR ALL OF YOU GUYS THAT THE PROGRESSIVE SPRING MAY HIDE THE CLUNKING NOISE CAUSED BY THE THREADED NUT.
I ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO HAVE THE NUT CHECKED BY HAVING IT REMOVED AND NOT SIMPLY CHECKING THE TORQUE.
Thank for this site and dedicated members such as Phacue and Paulinokc.
Thanks to my garagist for listening.
Jean-Mau
FIXED
Just got my bike back from garage. I am so happy to get my bike back.
Guys, NO MORE clunking noise.
Dear fellow Canadian, in accordance with my dealer, my bike was the first one in Canada to have this problem reported to Yamaha Canada of a cross-threaded stem nut.
Yamaha Canada and Yamaha US seems not to talk to each other.
Any other first with this problem in Canada? Raise your hand....
Thanks again for this site and all the info.
Now I will be concentrating on sharing news on mods and trips. So much more interesting.
Jean-Mau
clunk
does this issue exist in the '09 as well?
thanks
Many thanks for your support. I too am worred for everyone who may have mis-diagnosed the cause of the clunk. I also urge all to GET it checked. We may all be susprised at how many folks have this serious problem. This stem nut cannot be checked just by checking the torque. It has to be removed in order to see the threads on the stem.
Your dealer probably will not give you the phone number to the regional service tech so you should strongly suggest he call & explain the problem in your presence. CYA!!!!
Today was the first chance I've had to put a few miles on my bike since the repair. After almost 600 miles I find a much improved ride and absolutly no clunk.
A little help please
Can you give me the part number and nomenclature for the stem nut. I looked online at the STAR web site for the V Star 1300. I looked in the steering section, but I think I need more help. Your assistance is greatly appreciated.
Crown Nut
I believe it's called a crown nut. Part #90176-22081-00
Boomer Sooner
Potestatem obscuri lateris nescis
Thanks
Thanks Boomer, I thought that was the part.
Tony
Declunked
Phacue - we all owe thanks to Shane at S&S for that little jewel about the stem locknut. The man knows his stuff. Stay on top of those guys and get your bike fixed properly.
I met with my dealer's service manager on Saturday and we discuused my problem at length. When I left, I felt good knowing we were in agreement about the spring situation (my stem nut was ok) and he was to order springs Tuesday morning (apparently they are available locally). Yesterday afternoon when I talked to him, something had changed and he was backing up on me. He is now on notice to fix it right, fix it on Wed, or I am going to escalate the situation right after I pull my bike out of his shop. 9 days is long enough. Wed is D-DAY for me.
paul
Which dealer in OKC?
Paul,
Which dealer has your bike? Maxey's or Baker Boys?
Fair winds~
David
Baker - and this is very
Baker - and this is very unlike them
For what it's worth...
I'll call today and let them know I have the same problem. Maybe that will reinforce with them that it is not a situation unique to your bike.
Fair winds~
David
they have 2 other 1300's on
they have 2 other 1300's on the lot with the same problem.
How did this turn out for you?
Paul,
What's the report on this? Did they do something with it?
Fair winds~
David
update
Still nothing. They are supposed to be picking up a set of progressive springs this morning and try those. The Yamaha RTA (tech guy) is supposed to be here on Tuesday. I am completely disgusted with the whole situation. I told the dealer yesterday to put it back together that I was coming to get the bike. Chan got involved yesterday when he figured out how pissed off I am. I am ready to go trade for another bike. If I wanted a garage queen I would have bought a Harley!! I have found a 06 BMW K1200LT (2800 miles) that I may trade for if something doesn't happen today. .....paul