Engine noise after break in

[Buelligan]

So I've got about 2000 miles on my ST now, it seems to be pretty much broken in.
It also seems to make alot more noise than it did when new. Sounds like some pebbles rattling around in the bottom end, much like my Buell 1125.
And the top end is ticking, kind of like loose valves. Is this normal? What does everyone elses motor sound like out there?

 

[~TABASCO~]

Mine is the same way. Stick your ear plugs in and enjoy! It is a rattlely little bugger. Lol
Once out on the road my engine rips, lol
Anyone know what standard valve lash is on the valve train? Hope it's not .020 - .030. Lol

 

[colorider]

Mine is the same way. Stick your ear plugs in and enjoy!

::026:: ::026:: ::026::

 

[tomatocity]

I don't know much about a Sump or Injected engine. Consider this with the following.

I have had my concerns with the engine noise since day one. 10,000+ miles later I still have the same concerns. Been waiting for a rider, that has a GOOD Service Department, that is able to have the valve adjustment physically checked. My concern is not with the noisy (happy) valve though with the tight valve. A tight valve could cause stumble during taking off or shifting (sound familiar). If the valves are out of adjustment they need to be adjusted to within spec. If the valves are not out of spec then what causes the noise? Clutch? Sump? Fuel Injection? I believe others have said the ticking is from the injectors. What causes the rattling?

I don't want to see the Ride More Worry Less fella. I begin my motorcycle concerns with "its a cold dark rainy night and you are 100 miles away from anywhere".

 

[jajpko]

Valve intake==0.10 -0.16 mm
Valve exhaust== 0.22-0.28 mm

 

[tomatocity]

For Valve Adjustment procedure, Periodic Maintenance Page 3-5

For us who use inch measurements
Intake
0.0039" - 0.0063"

Exhaust
0.0087" - 0.0110"

 

[Kevhunts]

I've got around 2500 miles on mine and it has a classic clack, clack, clack of overhead cams, valves, & chain.
Does sound like the valve lash is a bit on the loose side.
But no rattles from the pistons and no clunks from the bottom end.

 

[Buelligan]

Thanks guys, I was starting to wonder.

::021::

 

[Tolong]

The bike has personality and sets it apart from the rest,, I find the noises soothing to the ear.

 

[Koinz]

I've got around 2500 miles on mine and it has a classic clack, clack, clack of overhead cams, valves, & chain.
Does sound like the valve lash is a bit on the loose side.
But no rattles from the pistons and no clunks from the bottom end.

I'm going to bet that the noise we're hearing is probably due to the Decompression mechanism that built-in to the Exhaust Cam.
My son's Honda trx450R rattled like a B#$%$ and it also had a slow crank with the starter. (sound familiar)
Here's a pic from denoting the decompression levers. It's parts #9 and #10.
Found a picture of the centrifugal weights that I believe are the source of the rattle.

 

[20valves]

Mine sounds like two skeletons screwing in a trash can sometimes but runs like a honey and with my helmet on and ear plugs in it's very quiet. Mine is 100% stock with about 7K miles and is running great: uses no oil, gets great mileage and runs smooth in the cruising range. And with a mild state of tune and 7,750 rpm redline, I bet the valves on this engine stay in spec for a long time. YMMV 8)

 

[Koinz]

Mine sounds like two skeletons screwing in a trash can

That's the best description yet. I can actually picture it ::015::

 

[Leftlane]

After thirty five years as a machinist you become a custom to the sounds of machinery and mechanical equipment. Every unusual sound stirs the imagination and needs to be justify for me.

This engine is complex at 5000KM my confidence is growing in its long term reliably. The 3000rpm vibration on acceleration is still unnerving.

So far no problems, winter is here and it has been months sense I have ridden.

I start the engine every two weeks only once I had an odd sound, I believe a valve stuck for a second on start up.

Twins are all unique and this one is no exception, so far I love the low end torque and how predictable the engine and drive perform.

For now lets twist the throttle see what happens.

 

[Firefight911]

After thirty five years as a machinist you become a custom to the sounds of machinery and mechanical equipment. Every unusual sound stirs the imagination and needs to be justify for me.

This engine is complex at 5000KM my confidence is growing in its long term reliably. The 3000rpm vibration on acceleration is still unnerving.

So far no problems, winter is here and it has been months sense I have ridden.

I start the engine every two weeks only once I had an odd sound, I believe a valve stuck for a second on start up.

Twins are all unique and this one is no exception, so far I love the low end torque and how predictable the engine and drive perform.

For now lets twist the throttle see what happens.

After 35 years as a machinist and you would think you would know better than to start your winter stored motorcycle every two weeks. You are going to ruin it that way. ::024:: Service it, store it, don't mess with it until Spring. You are never going to get all the moisture and contaminants out without a good solid, long ride. All you are doing is adding moisture and acids, unburned fuel, etc. to your oil and circulating it around where it can damage all that beautiful machined work in there.

 

[Tallgears]

After 35 years as a machinist and you would think you would know better than to start your winter stored motorcycle every two weeks. You are going to ruin it that way. ::024:: Service it, store it, don't mess with it until Spring. You are never going to get all the moisture and contaminants out without a good solid, long ride. All you are doing is adding moisture and acids, unburned fuel, etc. to your oil and circulating it around where it can damage all that beautiful machined work in there.

Or... Y'all should just move to Texas and ride all Winter long like I do!

 

[Buelligan]

Thanks for all the input, especially the two skeletons screwing in a trash can! LOL
You guys have reassured me that all is well inside, and to just ride more, and worry less...