Whats wrong with my bike ... if anything?

[jonkawasaki]

Evening all,

I have what I would call a rattle/clattering/metallic noise that is beginning to get me down.  I accept all machines have their little quirks and noises but something doesn't feel right.  I believe for a 1400cc engine it doesn't sound quite as smooth and refined as it should.

My observations:
- rattle/clattering/metallic knocking/vibration induced noise from the engine area (sorry difficult to be any more specific)
- Particularly noticeable when accelerating, at 2600 rpm, and 4000rpm+
- Start up noise (covered on my previous thread but don't know if it related to this?)
- No significant vibration through the handlebars
- The 'noise' is quite subtle, often difficult to hear (more due to wind noise etc I suspect) but it sound too harsh to be normal.

My attempts to combat the problem so far:
- tighten exhaust header nuts by 1/2 turn (made no noticeable difference)
- tighten all fairing related nuts
- check radiator is firmly in place
- tighten exhaust bracket on the underside of the bike

My thoughts on what the noise could be/need to do to stop noise (bearing in mind I have minimal mechanic knowledge):
- exhaust headers to be re-seated with new copper seals?
- valve clearances?
- cam shaft pre tensioner?
- head gasket?
- timing chain?


The bike has only done 12000 miles and appreciate none of the about is due according to the service schedule, but I'm struggling to think of anything else that may be causing the problem.  I am still well within my 6 month warranty with the dealer I purchased the bike from but want to get your opinions/experiences so I have things to suggest.

I know the dealers first remark will be 'its normal, they all do that".  I've heard it all before.  The dealer that sold me my old bike tried that once but persisted and ended up replacing throttle body assembly (£700 of parts and labour), problem resolved and felt like a new bike!


Let me know your thoughts and comments.  Feel free to turn round and say 'stop being a stupid  and just ride it, you've got nothing to worry about' if applicable!


Jon

[Kwikasfuki]

Could be anything. Can you describe the sound in a bit more detail?

[Winston Smith]

Ear plugs.

[jonkawasaki]

Its really hard to describe, but its definitely sounds metallic and is like a clatter or knocking that increases and decreases in frequency with the revs.  . Its also difficult to pinpoint and depending on the number of revs sometimes difficult to hear, which makes me think it might be internal? Other times, like at 2600rpm its very noticeable (particularly under load i.e. travelling down the road maintaining the revs).

[nightrider]

I would see if you can have a test ride on another gtr , if not at a dealer then at a bike meet and get somebody else who has a gtr to have a go and see what they think , if there is a noise  then hopefully they will hear it  so if you go back to the place you got it from  , at least you will be sure that you are right,  if not then wait and go to the gtr meet  and there will be lots to compare to ,   

[davetherave]

Do you have lots of keys hanging hanging from your keyring ? mysterious noises have been causes by this before and as you describe the noise increasing and decreasing with the revs its worth taking any spare keys off.

dtr

[keith]

i wouldn't get myself stressed about it , it could be anything making the noise, maybe the cam chain ratteling , take it back to the dealer whilst you still have the warranty cover . tell him  you are not happy and get it sorted .

[jonkawasaki]

My keys and FOB live in my jacket pocket when I'm using the bike, I just rely on the remote ignition.  I have taken the top box and base plate off to verify this isn't the source.

[Kwikasfuki]

Something under the seat?

[jonkawasaki]

Nope. Checked under seat last week.  Sound is too prominent for that. Although the noise is subtle it does sound 'heavy duty'.

[Kwikasfuki]

Front mudgard? Only time I can remember an annoying sound was when that was on properly.

Otherwise, get a louder exhaust and enjoy that noise instead 

[Ant]

Front engine mounting bolts loose ?

[jonkawasaki]

Front engine mounting bolts loose ?

Good suggestion. Whereabouts am I looking so I can check/adjust?

[Charlie747]

i wouldn't get myself stressed about it , it could be anything making the noise, maybe the cam chain ratteling , take it back to the dealer whilst you still have the warranty cover . tell him  you are not happy and get it sorted .

[viper]

Do you have lots of keys hanging hanging from your keyring ? mysterious noises have been causes by this before and as you describe the noise increasing and decreasing with the revs its worth taking any spare keys off.

dtr

how do you attach keys to the cooker knob in the ignition?