I have a 2004 honda goldwing 1800 i don't ride it much at all but i start it once a week and let it run. I went to start it to go for a ride today and it had a knocking noise and it stoped so i rode it to the sevice station to fill it with gas since it was low and the light was on. After i got the gas i went back home and it started knocking again but the knock is minor now its more like a ticking noise i was told that it all started from bad gas and im just trying to get some info on what the problem may be and how would i go about getting it repaired. Thanks Gabe

Hello Gabe,

If the "knocking" noise sounds like it's coming from the lower end, listen to see if it's around the clutch area. My was making a "knocking" noise, only on cold starts, which sounded like the bike was trying to engage into gear. I drained the fluid from the clutch system and refilled with clean DOT 4 brake fluid. This stopped the problem.

Ironically enough, I was having the "ticking" problem too. When I would start my bike, about 30 seconds into warming it up, I heard a ticking noise for 2 -3 seconds of the right side of the bike. The Wing uses a hydraulic Valve and Tappet system which will, eventually, make noise if you run "low grade" fuel in the Wing. Go to your local Wal-Mart, or parts store, and buy a can of Sea Foam. Follow the directions on the bottle for the amount to use with a full tank of fuel (add it to your gas tank, not your crankcase). Fill your tank with Premium fuel and add the Sea Foam. Do this for two fill-ups and this should clean your valves and clear up your noise(s).

NOTE: any fuel with Ethanol in it is NOT good for bikes or cars and will cause buildup on your Valves. Sea Foam ALWAYS works. This is a cheap way to find out if it is just deposits or if you are going to need a mechanic.

Oz