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The noise was 'unknown' in the sense that it could not be diagnosed at the time with any great certainty. But after 3 mechanics at 3 seperate shops either inspected or replaced every thing else that it could have been, we (as in the dealer I bought it from, and I) decided that it was most likely the reed valves. The exhaust was reseated with new gaskets, the timing chain tensioned slightly, all the inner and outer body work checked for loose areas etc. They tried replacing the reed valves, which made the noise slightly quieter but was still present.

On hindsight I wished at the time I got the dealer to block the reed valves off as a final definitive test, but when you are wrapped up with final year exams, coursework etc and having to constantly travel back and fourth to the Isle of Wight, for me it wasn't worth the hassle.

Noisey from the second the engine starts. Reed valves will be noisey for as long as the engine is running and producing exhaust gases. No matter what load or rpm they could always be heard, even up to 20 feet or so away. But mine was particularly noisey at around 2.5 krpm, especially low speeds of ~30 mph.

Even cruising at motorway speeds with plenty of natural wind and engine noise I could hear the reed valves chattering away!

In the grand scheme of things its not a 'problem' as such. But it is highly annoying! In the end I felt I couldn't put up with the constant noise, and if I ever wanted to sell it in the future any potential buyers would run a mile! Hence why I forced it back on the dealer and insisted on a full refund.

If it is noisey reed valves like mine was it should be perfectly safe to ride.

Maybe its the same bike?!    Definately take it back to the dealer and don't let them lay on the crap like 'oh yeh they all do that, its totally normal'. My philosophy is if it didn't come out the factory like that then don't accept it now!

The final update .... and not what I was hoping for....


I sent the bike to the dealer I purchased from on Monday and returned today fully expecting to pick it up.  They replaced the reed valves and re-seated the exhaust headers with new gaskets and locking nuts.   No change to the noise.   With a heavy heart I decided to get a full refund - just 6 weeks after my initial purchase.   Reading around the internet there are a lot of 1400GTR's developing the noise between 10k-15k miles.  I must have been unlucky enough to develop the noise in my short ownership - trust me I was looking and listening for problems before I bought it!   So, the problem is still un-resolved and unknown, just like every other similar thread I have read so far.

I am not usually picky and can put up with most things....but considering the noise was NOT there when I bought it and has been progressively getting worse, and is pretty loud at times, I was in a situation where it was not wise to stick with the bike and just grin and bear it.  After all, I would never have been able to sell it with that noise in the future.  I nor anyone else knew what else the problem could have been .... there is one thing for sure there is a 'problem'.  I am no mechanic but I know bikes don't just start making noises like that virtually overnight without reason - something in that bike has come out of alignment, worn etc. And I know they DO NOT all do that - I have checked this, double checked, triple checked and quadruple checked with my own ears stood next to several current 1400GTR's on a variety of mileages.

The saddest fact is I know I will not find the same deal again and will therefore very unlikely to own another 1400GTR.

Quick update!

Bike going back to the dealer I purchased it from on the Isle of Wight sometime next week.   They are going to strip the entire front end off (where the mystery noise is coming from) to get better access to the engine and listen a little more clearly.  If its still not immediately obvious where the noise is coming from - first thing is re-seat headers with new seals and locking nuts.  If that doesn't work, reed valves are getting replaced.  If that doesn't work, timing chain and tensioner inspection and replaced if necessary.  If that doesn't work, hopefully by the time they've done the above they'll figure out what is making the noise!

Put it this way, once I've taken it back to the dealer its not coming home again until the noise has gone and if they haven't figured it out within a week I'm going to insist on a full refund.  Noise is getting worse on a near daily basis and no way can I put up with it every time I take it for a ride, but I'm sure its nothing drastic.

Went to Hampshire Motorcycle Centre the other day (amazing guys there).  They had an 09 1400GTR with 19,000 miles - fired it up for me and sounded sublime.  Mine sounds like a load of rattling nuts and bolts in comparison.

Feel free to comment 

Well nothing conclusive as yet.  They checked and tightened all the headers....no change.  Tightened cam tensioner manually...no change (but might be further explored to rule out completely).  More likely to be reed valves according to mechanic (which I believe you suggested Burchy).

Awaiting dealer on the Isle Of Wight to make up his mind whether he wants it back there to look at the reed valves, or send back to Bournemouth Kawasaki.

Yeh the dealer said they would compare to another 1400GTR while its in for diagnostics 

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.


PLEASE FEEL FREE TO COMMENT OR ADD ANYTHING! 

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!

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

Sent from my Nexus 4 using Tapatalk

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 

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?

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

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?

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?