Motorcycle Repair: Front End Noise, honda vtx 1300, honda vtx 1300 retro

Question
Hi Bill,  I have a 2005 Honda VTX-1300 Retro which has an intermittent groaning in the front end when I hit various bumps.  I sounds like a contra-bass turkey call.  I took it in to my dealer...left it for a week, and they had no luck reproducing the noise.  On the way home, it showed up as usual...but it's on and off.  Sometimes when wet, it will even make the sound nearing lights with just braking.  I can feel some scrubbing in the handlebars when the sound is produced.  I just hate to have to put up with this on again, off again noise.  I'd like the bike to remain PERFECT at least through the warranty.  Thanks in advance for your response.  Best regards, Tom Hammett Chattanooga TN

Answer
Dr. Tom, I really don't know much about this bike and a call to American Honda Customer Service should get some action on this matter.

Bump noises could be something inside the fork, some front fender harmonic, headlight hardware issues, wiring harness rubbing against the chassis inside or who knows what.... If you are feeling it in the bars, I would have the steering head bearings checked, have them dump the fork oil to see if there are metal particles in the oil or if the fork bridge is loose somewhere... if the handlebars are rubber mounted check them for a possible source of noise, too.

Sorry, can't be of much help on this one..

Bill Silver