Hello and welcome to the Cafe from Washington State. Your best bet would be to start a thread in the 1800 Forum http://www.vtxcafe.com/forumdisplay.php/12-Honda-VTX-1800-Forums Now about that rattle, there is washers under the screws under the dash. Sounds like you are missing them? Also it could be the big black rubber nob on the front of the gas tank that holds the dash to the tank. I have the R also. It could even be in the gauges.

Here, these are your numbers. Also, you could put a tank bib under your dash as a cushion as well. I like mine for looks.
http://www.hdlparts.com/fiche_secti...etail.asp?section=2520166&category=Motorcycles&make=Honda&year=2003&fveh=132256

 

Common fix is to remove the dash and then put small rubber washers between the dash and mounting points. You should only need 3 of them. Or a couple of strips of electrical tape over the tabs, then cut open the screw hole with a knife. Be sure to keep the gas cap on when handling the screws and washers. You don't want to have to remove the tank and pull out the fuel pump to find a lost screw.

 

:mosh:That was one of my first mods....

 

Welcome to the cafe

 

I took an old bicycle inner tube and cut little pads out of it. A small drop of super glue to hold them on the tabs on the tank. Cut a little hole out for the screw before you glue. I also packed some very dense foam in between the chrome housing and the speedo. Foam like what comes in a Dremel kit to separate the different bits and wheels. I cut it into wedges and pushed them in tightly wherever I could squeeze them in at. Sometimes that's where the rattle is, rather than the housing and the tank.


Ray

 

Welcome to the Cafe from Spring, TeXas. :cheers:

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Thank you for all your replies. I've done a combination of fixes from the replies. Rubber washers at the mounting points, a foam support behind the instrumentation panel and some additional foam pieces carefully placed. My first test ride had great results, no vib noise at all. We'll see how the long term plays out, I am optimistic as it worked so well first run. Thanks again. Good riding.

 

Cool. Glad you are rattle free.

Just have to be mindful of the type of foam you use. I chose the dense type because it really doesn't absorb any moisture. If your foam is porous, you may want to keep an eye on it. Could cause some problems in the long run.


Ray

 

Welcome to the Cafe from North Idaho

 

Welcome to the Cafe from Sunny South Florida!

The 1300 experiences the same issue, many of us add small rubber washers, that you can buy at home depot or Lowes.

 

I've got a VTX1800 R with a Corbin Dual Tour seat and Beetle Bags. I need a more comfortable seat . Can't ride more than 1 - 1/2 hrs without breaking. What's your opinion about Gel inserts and Ultimate Bigboy Seats?