Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hey everyone,

I recently tuned up an 94 virago 1100 that had been sitting in a garage for 10 years. After new plugs, oil, carb clean, and polish the bike looks and runs amazingly. The problem occurs when I go over a rather large bump or severly accelerate/decelerate. I hear a omnious rattle. It sounds and feels large and it seems to come from the center of the bike. Any experiences of rattles and solutions would be greatly appreciated. Here is what I've done:

1. head bearings seem solid
2. checked random chrome (gauges, headlight, etc)
3. maybe the battery mounting is loose?
4. engine mount?
5. seat loose?
6. I have ruled out suspension issues because bike handles very well over bumps (no bottoming out), it just makes this noise!!

Thanks!

Is your side or center stand loose?

Haha what an easy solution, just like on a bicycle. I will check those tomorrow. The bike, as I said, was stored a LONG time with the side stand down! Maybe it is loose. Thanks! I was ahead of myself with problems.

No, the stands weren't loose. It took me a great deal of force to remove the bolts. Maybe the spring is loose, but that is it. Any other ideas?