Top end rattle ??

[XTZELEE]

I have had many Yamahas, going from the XS to XJs through to the FJR.

My new 2016 XT1200ZE with 1000 miles on it has a fairly loud clattering noise when cold, somewhat reduced when it gets warmed up. Same when you up the revs, background rattling noise there all the time.

Is this a feature of the engine ? - seems crude compared with other, even older Yams.

Thanks

 

[Dogdaze]

The bike will rattle for a few seconds on start up, then quite down as oil gets circulated, there are various threads on this. The engine will also sound like a tool box being thrown down the stairs, that's normal (for this machine anyway)....

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=17435.0

It is unusual for a failure, although it has happened, albeit on higher mileages, two I can think of. But on such a new bike with low miles it will also get smoother ad quieter as your mileage climbs over 5k miles.

 

[scott123007]

The '10 - '13 rattled momentarily on start-up but that was cured from '14 on...
Regardless, like Dogdaze states, this engine sounds like a bucket of bolts on its best day. LOL

 

[Checkswrecks]

Yes, it's normal and I'm pretty convinced t's largely due to the length of the timing chain.


In the Gen1 (pre 2014) bikes if the rattling didn't stop it could indicate a worn cam tensioner or stretched chain. Lots of existing threads about this and folks installing manual cam chain tensioners.

 

[XTZELEE]

Thanks guys for all the info, am reassured that this is 'normal'

 

[sjh]

I'm just past 1k miles on mine - after the break-in service I noticed all sorts of new & interesting noises coming out of the front.

When rolling off the throttle at anywhere between 30 and 50mph there is a metallic rattling/fluttering noise, also all engine noises are a lot more pronounced since adding a givi airflow.

I'm trying to be less paranoid with this bike, it's got a bullet-proof reputation for a reason & i'll trust in that (well, that and the warranty) until I'm more familiar with it's various "bucket of bolts" characteristics.

 

[Checkswrecks]

If you have a skid plate, it will reflect a lot of noise up at the rider.


Non-engine noises in the front have been found to be brakes and loose steering bearings.


The break in on these bikes lasts for much longer than we typically think of. Rather than hundreds of miles, the Tenere won't have that broken in smooth feeling till several thousand miles have passed.

 

[2112]

Mine has sounded like someone tipping a metal toolbox of tools down a metal staircase from day one. Still going strong !

 

[itlives]

If you have a skid plate, it will reflect a lot of noise up at the rider.




.

Oh great.....i have one on the way. I have a manual cam chain tensioner in my top box. I may install it before my trip back home. I have 24,000 + miles on mine and the cam chain is making more noise for longer.
If it weren't for ear plugs, I couldn't own the Tenere. BUT, it does just keep on going!

 

[Big Blu]

Oh great.....i have one on the way. I have a manual cam chain tensioner in my top box. I may install it before my trip back home. I have 24,000 + miles on mine and the cam chain is making more noise for longer.
If it weren't for ear plugs, I couldn't own the Tenere. BUT, it does just keep on going!

If you spray bed liner on the top side of the skid plate it helps to reduce the noise quit a bit.

Paul

 

[stomp347]

Hmmmmmm, that explains why people are selling matting/foam for the skid plates. Thanks Blu.

 

[ace50]

This reminds me of discussions of my last bike. Yam Royal Star. Some bikes had a loud whine coming from the clutch basket gear, but mine never did.
My Tenere doesn't sound any louder than any other bike I've had, and I hope it stays that way. ::014::

 

[WJBertrand]

Yeah, these engines are just inherently noisy. I think in part this is due to the 270 degree crank that accelerates and decelerates the crankshaft somewhat unevenly, rattling all the various clearances and lashes inside. Mine actually seems better now at 13,000+ miles (or I've grown used to it). I use a bit heavier oil 10w-50 as opposed to 10w-40 and maybe that helps with the noise a bit too.

if Yamaha were to make some improvements to the bike, it would be nice if they could reduce the mechanical clatter, and open up the exhaust sound a bit more. I've heard an Africa Twin running and they seem mechanically quieter. It also has a 270 degree crank and the exhaust sound seems to come through clearer (not really louder).

 

[ace50]

Yeah, these engines are just inherently noisy. I think in part this is due to the 270 degree crank that accelerates and decelerates the crankshaft somewhat unevenly, rattling all the various clearances and lashes inside. Mine actually seems better now at 13,000+ miles (or I've grown used to it). I use a bit heavier oil 10w-50 as opposed to 10w-40 and maybe that helps with the noise a bit too.

if Yamaha were to make some improvements to the bike, it would be nice if they could reduce the mechanical clatter, and open up the exhaust sound a bit more. I've heard an Africa Twin running and they seem mechanically quieter. It also has a 270 degree crank and the exhaust sound seems to come through clearer (not really louder).

I've heard many people do this, and you can prob get by doing it, but......................
engines are designed to have so much oil FLOW through them, not necessarily pressure. Higher weight oil may get you a higher pressure, but actually slows down flow, which is what the engine needs and is designed for.

 

[WJBertrand]

I've heard many people do this, and you can prob get by doing it, but......................
engines are designed to have so much oil FLOW through them, not necessarily pressure. Higher weight oil may get you a higher pressure, but actually slows down flow, which is what the engine needs and is designed for.

Understood, but it should be noted that 10w-50, even 20w-50 is not outside Yamaha's owner's manual recommendations.

 

[ace50]

Understood, but it should be noted that 10w-50, even 20w-50 is not outside Yamaha's owner's manual recommendations.

True. Start-up is the most detrimental to an engine and should be the first indicator to choose from.
I do start my engine sometimes in the 30's and never ride over 100° F. I use 15w-40.
From what I've seen on engine design, you should try to pick higher flow over higher pressure.
That usually means thinner vis. not higher like many do, just to quiet an engine down.

 

[trainman]

I think another factor is the open engine front with no radiator to absorb the sound, if you have a good screen the sound will be more noticeable as it comes straight up the gap where the forks are

as has been noted ear plugs solve the problem, or maybe a louder exhaust! if that doesn't work buy an electric bike

 

[WJBertrand]

True. Start-up is the most detrimental to an engine and should be the first indicator to choose from.
I do start my engine sometimes in the 30's and never ride over 100° F. I use 15w-40.
From what I've seen on engine design, you should try to pick higher flow over higher pressure.
That usually means thinner vis. not higher like many do, just to quiet an engine down.

So with respect to cold starting 10w-50 should perform just as well as the lighter choices. When I have to park outside somewhere temps down into the 40s is common in winter and if I ride inland temps over 100F at also common, sometimes In the same day!


-Jeff

 

[XTZELEE]

Yes, I think it has a lot to do with the big gap between the edge of the tank and the front forks.

Nevertheless the rattle at startup, throttle on and throttle off, is unacceptable in any modern design engine, and demeans Yamaha's engineering tradition and reputation.

 

[silvergoose]

If I could find a motorcycle oil in the 0W-40 or 5W-40 I would use it. Reason, faster oil flow and also easier on the starter. After all at at temp both oils will be running at 40 weight.


Good Luck