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Buzzing from the cowl and gauges?

83K views 184 replies 117 participants last post by  wampuspacker 
#1 · (Edited)
This is just a FAQ reference for this issue.

It appears to be one of the most common Versys problems.

In short, it seems to happen eventually with almost all Versys models. Kawasaki put out a fix in June of 2007 which involved placing some foam dampers on the affected parts. Newer bikes appear to come with this foam, but the problem still seems to crop up again over time.

The quick fix is to install new foam (or 'damping' material) on the affected parts. Some dealers will do this for you under warranty, but it's a pretty easy DIY project.

Previous discussions on this forum:

http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=487
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=553
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=430
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=112
http://www.kawasakiversys.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1625

Discussed on other sites (registration may be needed to see pictures):

http://www.versys.co.uk/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=45&topic=2927.0
http://www.versys.co.uk/index.php?option=com_smf&Itemid=45&topic=1500.0
http://www.subirimagenes.com/imagen-de-recall-1923009.html
 
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#161 ·
It's suppose to be there!

I think the first batches of Versys were Kawasaki green, almost the same color scheme as the famed Disney character 'Buzz Lightyear' ("To Infinity and Beyond"). Kawi techs went through a lot of trouble getting that buzz to work and you guys are messing it all up. :mad:
 
#164 ·
So I decided to follow the advice in this forum and I replaced all the plastic push pins with ss bolts and nuts and used rubber washers to insulate it all. Added more foam strips to the underside of the cowling above the speedo and am happy to report the buzzing issue has gone away. Took my V out for a ride yesterday and was surprised to hear only the sound of the engine and no giant hornet following me around. Thanks to jws3 for his detailed descriptions. Seems to have helped with the bar vibrations a bit too but that is still an issue for me.
 
#165 ·
I'm being driven crazy by buzz and so will use this advice to tackle it soon. As for your bar vibe I highly recommend the Speedy anti vibe riser. Did the trick for me.
Seems to have helped with the bar vibrations a bit too but that is still an issue for me.
 
#166 ·
Buzz is gone!

Today I tore into my Versys and following the advice here I went to Ace and got SS hardware and rubber washers and replaced all the crap plastic push pins. And I used some closed cell foam from a sleeping pad to cushion the front tongue. Took her out and my lord, she was a different machine. No angry hornets! Absolutely solid, and looks factory with the stainless bolt heads visible.

Thank you forum members, and how we are all made "smarter" by using the hive mind of the internet.
 
#168 ·
Sorry, I didn't take them while doing it. I could post a photo of what the dash bolts look like, but nothing fancy. they are just small SS bolts with a neoprene washer under them. I now have about 300 miles of commuting on her now with this new system and I continue to be amazed at how that buzzing is gone. Baffling that Kawasaki didn't make it this way given how basic and easy the fix is.
 
#171 ·
Pictures of my buzz killing

This is my first time trying to post pictures on this site but have done it a million times on sailing sites. I've attached them. They show that I did as was suggested here and replaced all the plastic pins with allen head stainless screws with lock nuts on them and all separated by neoprene washers. The washers deform under the pressure but work fine.

I had everything apart today to replace my spark plugs and so could get in and take pictures.

Loving the sound of pure engine.
 

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#172 ·
My headlight reflector became loose after a low speed pavement drop (hard enough to bend the handlebars) on the right side. Could not find the source of the new buzz until I had to replace a bulb and noticed movement of the reflector (pivoting in the vertical adjustment direction) that had not been there during previous bulb replacement. Fixed it by installing a long screw, through the headlight housing, that touches the reflector. This adds pressure that counters the vertical adjustment to hold the reflector still. Both must now be turned to effect vertical adjustment, but no more V-Buzz! At least for now...
 
#173 · (Edited)
Common Problem: Buzzing from the cowl and gauges?

My Buzzin started at around 400 miles and I found it was coming from the gauge cluster. When I replaced the city light with an LED I went ahead and checked on the gauge cluster while everything was apart. I found there was a lot of play in the cluster attachments which includes three screws. Auto part Bumper Technology Vehicle
Bumper Auto part Automotive exterior Vehicle
Auto part Vehicle Tire Automotive exterior Wire
Auto part Vehicle Car Automotive exterior Engine


When I removed the three screws, I found the posts ( not pictured) on the back of the gauge cluster and put rubber washers on them.

Snout Marsupial Koala Fur Pattern


When I put the screws back in there was no more play in the gauge cluster. And when I took the bike out on the road there was no more buzzing. Hopefully problem solved permanently!




Sent from Motorcycle.com Free App
 

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#175 ·
My 15 LT has really bad buzzing noises coming from the front area. I read this entire thread and proceeded to take things apart and started adding rubber washers and looking for possible rub/vibration points. Haven't been able to ride it yet, we have been getting nailed from tropical storm bill.
Has anybody experienced noise from their 15? If so any solutions?
 
#176 ·
I had the buzz from the windshield when I first got my 15 LT. It went away on it's own after a couple of hundred miles. Check the assembly of your windshield against the parts diagram on Kawasaki. Mine had a gasket misplaced. I have no cowling buzz at all.
 
#179 ·
Happy to report hot my buzzing/vibrations resolved
I added a couple pictures here the middle fairing mates to the front fairing, you can see the wear marks from vibrations. I added some small foam on each side and that has solved all the noises I was still getting. Now we will see how long it lasts!
 

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#180 ·
Good call on spotting the rub mark-spots. It's a gift in away, to have a few more miles on the bike, as these spots are easier to see. No offense intended, but the Versys, like the KLR - is the bike made great by it's owner.

I would rather be able to manipulate it a bit to have it the way I want it, then to have spent thousands more for something that made even simple personalized mods or upgrades a pain (I can think of one German example).

I put in new throttle cables and clutch cable last night, after reinstalling my carbs, and was pleased to be doing it on a rolling stool with a cushion on it, good light, air conditioning and tools vs. the side of a road somewhere. It's nice if one can learn when the mod or repair is on your time, rather than because of a break down someplace.
 
#182 ·
When I bought my 15 650V LT it had a buzz in the front coming from the headlights (mainly noticed at idle with no brakes applied, buzzing goes away when front brakes are applied or pressure is applied to headlight lenses) . When I took the bike back in to get the LT kit installed the dealer fixed it. Now at about 1200 miles the buzzing has returned. Anyone have a similar headlight buzzing?

Any suggestions?

Thanks.
 
#183 ·
#184 ·
I know there are probably tons of threads on this topic. There were several years ago when I was much more active on this forum...

Lots of us have tried lots of different things to address the rattle/buzz that comes from around the instrument panel / front body panels, etc.

I apologize that I don't have pics. I didn't realize the fix until everything was back together...

I noticed that where the headlight adjustment screws attach to the headlight reflector, the little plastic clippy thingys that snap in there were not staying in their proper place, resulting in a headlight assembly that was kind of flopping around inside. I couldn't adjust my headlight vertically or horizontally, so I took a little 5-minute epoxy and epoxied those little buggers back in. I fixed the headlight adjustment problem, and to my surprise, the rattle/buzz is gone! My 2011 Versys that I bought new in 2012, after almost 7 years, no longer buzzes or rattles!
 
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