Total Motorcycle Community Forums

I bought a 2005 Yamaha V-Star Classic in March, and from the beginning I noticed a rattling noise - sounds like ball bearings rattling in a can - from about 50 mph on up. I have 3,000 miles on the bike, and the more miles, the louder the noise seems to get. We've been told by dealership and factory that this sound is normal for the 1100's. I did not believe that Yamaha would make an engine that sounds like the rods are bad. They will not even check out the problem, because they say there is no problem. I have had half a dozen other bikers ride my bike, and 2 of them who were going to buy a Yamaha 1100, said they would not buy one - they could not live with the noise either. I have had some who said that is "normal" for a Yamaha. I am not willing to live with the noise, and because neither the dealership or Yamaha will do anything for me, I am forced to sell my bike, at 3,000, and take at least a $3,000 loss, or live with a noise that keeps me from enjoying my bike. Has anyone else had this problem? I have talked to a couple of others who have, one guy traded his bike in after 1,000 because he couldn't stand it. One Yamaha salesman traded his in after 500 miles for the same reason. I just can't believe I'm the only one who thinks this is a problem and would appreciate any feedback.

My brother-in-law has an '03, and it doesn't make any noises such as the one you described. Have you tried a higher octane gasoline to see if it's pinging? Have you checked the exhaust system for leaks or loose components? If it is normal, have you considered aftermarket pipes to simply cover up the noise?

I have a 2005 v-star also, Mine does not make the noise you describe and now I wouldnt hear anything now I installed vance and hines pipes nice and loud, just like the other person said put an exhaust on.