Detonation, Can we discuss it?

[Desert Skies]

New member with his first ST here. Bought this 2013 with only 13k miles on and am looking forward to putting some miles on the beast. been sorting a few things out and doing some test rides, tweeking some more and test rides and so on. I have noticed some detonation when doing hard acceleration from around 3k RPM. After running to the low fuel warning or the tank the PO had in it, filled her up with premium, problem still exists.

Knowing what detonation is, I am questioning this as being a problem with a weak or dead coil stick. I also am experiencing some idle surge after the motor is up to temp which may or not be related.

Appreciate any feedback on this issue on this "new to me" motor design.

Thanks Amigos!

 

[markjenn]

Been discussed a bunch.... in my book, full-throttle at 3K RPM is lugging the engine and some pinging is to be expected. 4K-6K is the sweet spot for this engine when you can use full throttle and get nice smooth power.

- Mark

 

[Don in Lodi]

If you're not used to these motors, they rattle like a can of rocks, they can sound like pre-ignition or pinging. Those that run regular 87 don't complain of ping, could be normal motor noise you're hearing. Gonna need to find another rider local to you to get a comparison.

 

[blitz11]

I am not sure that it's detonation - the first generation bikes used a steel spring clutch basket damper, and that damper would resonate at ~3k RPM, and it feels like detonation. It causes a vibration, which causes some problems with riders' hands. (I have a 2013, and I know when my engine is passing 3K with the throttle open.) Later bikes (gen 2) use a rubber clutch basket damper which attenuates this problem (i am told - i haven't changed mine). You might be experiencing that instead of detonation. I don't hear the "pinging" when the clutch is rattling.

 

[Checkswrecks]

As the others mentioned, first thing would be to see if you are really listening to the slap of a weak cam chain tensioner or stretched chain. It can sound a lot like pinging and you do want to address it.

I sometimes tow a trailer and have gotten detonation with a heavy load on a hot day, so it is also possible.

In addition to having somebody who knows the chain slap take a listen, I'd suggest:
1. Run it only with super till you know.
2. Try running some Yamalube Ring Free. It ought to be less than $3 per bottle at the parts counter

3. Pull the plugs to look at them and if available use a boroscope in the cylinder.