Whats wrong with my bike ... if anything?

[jonkawasaki]

After a close inspection today, I THINK the noise could be coming from this part of the exhaust.  If it is, what could it be?

[jonkawasaki]

After a close inspection today, I THINK the noise could be coming from this part of the exhaust.  If it is, what could it be?

[jonkawasaki]

Another audio file but this time near the exhaust area where I think the noise is coming from.  I move the microphone around different areas of the exhaust and give it a little rev to help hear the noise.

http://youtu.be/lxuSI2W0m7Y

[keith]

 yes i can here a metallic sound ,more like a rattle .like i said dont get stressed take it back under the warranty while you still can may be nothing but best to get it checked in a  motorcycle workshop good luck

[2kwacks]

Mr jonkawasaki... that sounds alright to me certainly nothing to worry about engines have moving parts that make different noises which may not effect another bike, and if you listen hard enough you soon find a different sounding noise just ride and enjoy your bike and forget the noise, after a few days you will stop hearing it it is only annoying you because you Subconsciously know it's there

[jonkawasaki]

Mr jonkawasaki... that sounds alright to me certainly nothing to worry about engines have moving parts that make different noises which may not effect another bike, and if you listen hard enough you soon find a different sounding noise just ride and enjoy your bike and forget the noise, after a few days you will stop hearing it it is only annoying you because you Subconsciously know it's there

Thing is I know it probably isn't a major problem but I know something isn't quite right, and its very hard for me to accept the problem and live with it.  It is the only thing from making it a perfect bike and am not content with just putting up with it, especially considering a spent a lot of money buying it (well a lot for me at least).  To be honest it would bother me to the point I would have to consider selling it if I can't diagnose the problem or get it fixed, which is a really big shame because its such a lovely machine.

I noticed there are two 'things' (maybe sensors?) in the exhaust near where I think the rattle is coming from ... what are they? Exhaust gas sensor? or maybe some kind of butterfly valve?

This may sound completely idiotic - but could a stone have fallen down through the exhaust from the silencer end?

[Barry7]

They are oxygen sensors for the catalyst, and on that subject it could be a catalytic converter making the noise.

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[jonkawasaki]

They are oxygen sensors for the catalyst, and on that subject it could be a catalytic converter making the noise.

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The thought did cross my mind but I wasn't sure if the cat con was in the silencer or where I think the noise is coming from.  I have checked the sensors themselves and they feel firm.  Can a catalytic converter make a rattling sound though?  Benefit of having that changed or checked is I can have the dealer do the headers at the same time 

[Barry7]

Yes the cats are in the down pipes near the O2 sensors and can melt down and fail, I have seen this on cars a lot but never on a bike yet, so you may be the first.

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[Kwikasfuki]

Is the bike under warranty? If so, for peace of mind, get it seen by the dealer

[pistole]

honestly : if you're worried about the sounds in those two videos of yours , you would hesitate to ride my R1200GS on account of you thinking that the engine was about to fall apart.

your engine sounds pretty good. Oil change , wring the heck out of it and report back.

one thing that you might want to verify are the tightness of your exhaust manifold to cylinder head bolts. Thats it.

.

[jonkawasaki]

Oil change , wring the heck out of it and report back.

Already done!  Engine sounds sweeter for it, but hasn't helped my damned rattle!

[Mark B]

I have exactly the same rattle and have yet to pinpoint the cause

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[MGvalerio]

his noise (((rattle))) comes from the exhaust manifolds, not assembled properly, disassemble and reassemble the exhaust manifolds.

MGvalerio.

[jonkawasaki]

Quick interim update folks!

I'm virtually certain I've figured out the problem!  I did the ol' screwdriver behind the ear trick in lots of places, got a few mechanic friends to listen to the bike and have collectively come up with the following:

1) Not the catalytic converter as previously thought

2) When cold the bike makes a rattling sound for a second or so as the auto tensioner gets going

3) Metallic ticking noise is always present, any rpm, whilst moving and stationary, hot or cold

4) However the noise gets worse as the bike warms up

5) Considering the bike is on 12,000 miles and 60 plate its pretty unlikely the valve clearances and other common suggestions are causing the problem

SO, bearing in mind all of the above, it can only really be one thing left -- timing chain and pre-tensioner.  Think about it....I get the rattle on start-up (yes, I know this is considered 'normal', but it is not as the manufacturer intended), and as the bike heats up the rattle gets louder because the timing chain gets warm and expands but the slack is not taken up by the tensioner.

Been reading lots of internet material and there a lots of examples of 1400GTR's with tensioners that get a bit mucky causing problems anytime including from as little as 10,000 miles.  However, if you have a rattle whilst idling and/or when warm this is not ideal and tensioner and chain should be checked and adjusted.  Leaving this for an excessive amount of time can damage the chain and guide rails potentially causing some more serious damage (to you and/or the bike) at some point in the future.

My dad offered a ear to the bike and said my noise was very similar to his old car when it needed the timing chain replaced.

Booked into the Kawasaki dealer on Tuesday!

NB: also going to get them to re-seal exhaust headers and manifold behind the catalytic converter.  I have already tightened the headers but want to future proof the bike while I have the opportunity.


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