How's it going! I bought a 2009 Street Bob wich is approaching 18,000 miles. Since I bought it, a noticed a slight rattle when crossing over cracks, speed bumps, etc. After combing through a few threads I've seen that people usually resolve this in by adjusting the fall away / neck bearing. Or, some people even found that thier fuel tank bolt is loose. I checked the torque spec on the tank bolt and I am good to go. So I guess now I'm gonna adjust the neck bearing. The maintenance manual says I need an HD Hub Cap remover.... I'm guessing there is a way to remove this thing without purchasing a HD specialty part. Anyone out there got a trick to remove this sucker? Any other aspects of this problem (rattle) I may be over looking? Any assistance would be appreciated. I'm ready to get this thing back on the road.

 

I use a strap wrench from harbor freight, it was like two bucks

 

My fuel cap is loose ans will rattle on bigger bumps and hard down shifting. Tap the top of you fuel cap and see if it could be the same noise.
Another thing it check is make sure the horn is tight.


And if you are asking about the chrome cap on the neck, it just spins off(it's threaded).

Use a strap wrench or put a rag over the cap and lightly use a channel lock

 

Strap wrench! Gonna pick one up from harbor freight. I didn't realize it was threaded... Manual doesn't say that. Thanks! Want to fix this rattle so I know the bike is safe to ride. Is it likely this bearing would seize or something?

 

my bet would be gas cap , neck bearings or fuel tank tend to clunk or bang

 

Wow.... seriously? Checked my gas cap and it rattles like a motha!!!

 

Was that the rattle yor were hearing?

Easy fix, or just leave it rattle that you know what it is.

 

My rattle was the gas cap. I check everything else first and the gas cap last.

 

Check the headlight. Those rivets tend to loosen up.