ticking

[Domindart]

I dont know if its just me or my bike started to tick today.  I heard it at idle and while I was riding.  Coming from the engine Im pretty sure.  It may be just part of the regular engine noise, or It could be a piston slape or something no? I just came back the other day from a long day in the ga mountains riding the twisties.  I was not real hard on the bike but I got on it a bit thru the hills and there was a long ride on the hwy to and from (80 mph or so ).  The bike has 7800 miles on it, a 2001.   What u think?

[frankieG]

did u check the oil level?

[ohgood]

I dont know if its just me or my bike started to tick today.  I heard it at idle and while I was riding.  Coming from the engine Im pretty sure.  It may be just part of the regular engine noise, or It could be a piston slape or something no? I just came back the other day from a long day in the ga mountains riding the twisties.  I was not real hard on the bike but I got on it a bit thru the hills and there was a long ride on the hwy to and from (80 mph or so ).  The bike has 7800 miles on it, a 2001.   What u think?

Oil level, valve noise, loose frame fastener, carbs out of sync, usual GS noises -ahem- 'music', usual GS 'MUSIC' ?

There's allot of 'music' coming out of the gs's I've listened to. Usually the valve train makes some rhythmic music that comes and goes. The valves can sound rough and be fine. A 'tick' at idle can be a little synchronization too. I'd bet on carb sync for something that sounds like a 'tick'.

[Domindart]

did u check the oil level?

I did but Im reading the clymer and it says to leave the oil fill cap unscrewed when checking the dipstick..  This means Im probably low.

What kind of oil u guys suggest? 

I just got this bike, never done a oil change yet (though I think my dad did one right after we got it)  thnx a lot guys

[Domindart]

found this thread, thnx http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=37764.0

I will look to get the valvoline motorcycle blend I guess.

[ohgood]

did u check the oil level?

I did but Im reading the clymer and it says to leave the oil fill cap unscrewed when checking the dipstick..  This means Im probably low.

What kind of oil u guys suggest? 

I just got this bike, never done a oil change yet (though I think my dad did one right after we got it)  thnx a lot guys

You've started a flame war about oil types, grades, why, etc and don't even know it.

On your dipstick, it should be printed "10w40". In your manual, it will give you a better heat guide.

Welcome to the fantastic world of gs-dom.

[Teek]

Mine has a fast "tick" too, or more of a tap, same year, same ride (mountains and I wind it up a bit). I never hear it until  usually on a downhill section after about an hour, and it will come and go with RPM changes. Sounds like it's up front, at first I thought it was my keys vibrating on the dash, but I picked them up and there it still was. Oil's fine. Probably cam chain. I had an old Honda Hawk 400 I sold because of the timing chain making a rattle, I figured sell it before I have to fix it. It went another 15K miles or somesuch just fine with the next owner, just had that rattle.

[Domindart]

Mine has a fast "tick" too, or more of a tap, same year, same ride (mountains and I wind it up a bit). I never hear it until  usually on a downhill section after about an hour, and it will come and go with RPM changes. Sounds like it's up front, at first I thought it was my keys vibrating on the dash, but I picked them up and there it still was. Oil's fine. Probably cam chain. I had an old Honda Hawk 400 I sold because of the timing chain making a rattle, I figured sell it before I have to fix it. It went another 15K miles or somesuch just fine with the next owner, just had that rattle.

ya, I thought it was upfront at the front end , something loose, like a rattling .. 

well see.  If I fill the oil and it continues, I may just consider it a normal engine sound I guess..

[The Buddha]

Well valve clearance being high, or even in spec can create a tick, as can side drift of the cam shafts. Those 2 are harmless unless they get crazy. However tons of sheite starts out like a tick, including the goats version I got. Lower end will start as a tick but fo to banging very very quickly, cam chain too needs to be fixed pronto, all other ticks (even heard of exhaust leaks sounding like a tick - not too dangerous ) should be adressed immediately.
Cool.
Srinath.

[Domindart]

So I went to autozone and checked the oil after I bought a quart of oil.  Clymer says to check it warm right, right.  So its not low.  I guess the tick was my sensitive ears. 

[frankieG]

So I went to autozone and checked the oil after I bought a quart of oil.  Clymer says to check it warm right, right.  So its not low.  I guess the tick was my sensitive ears. 

or your watch

[CndnMax]

i get a decent tick when its cold up to about 3krpm where i assume the engine noise drowns it out but it goes away after its warmed up. I guess it could be the valves haven't checked them since the 600mile dealer service and it have about 5.5k on it now.

[Boston500F]

Most Honda makes are notorious for the "rattling". It's the Cam Chain Tensioner, common problem, not a huge deal to fix from what I've read.

My own personal experience with "ticking" on my 04 gs was resolved by having the valve clearance adjusted.

[Domindart]

Most Honda makes are notorious for the "rattling". It's the Cam Chain Tensioner, common problem, not a huge deal to fix from what I've read.

My own personal experience with "ticking" on my 04 gs was resolved by having the valve clearance adjusted.

At 8000 miles should I be needing to address / check things like this?

[yamahonkawazuki]

found this thread, thnx http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=37764.0

I will look to get the valvoline motorcycle blend I guess.

ive used standard auto oil. no probs whatsoever

[beRto]

At 8000 miles should I be needing to address / check things like this [valve clearance adjustment]?

Yes. Every 4000 miles or 12 months according to this: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39449.0

Off the top of my head I thought it was 6000 miles, but either way, you're due.

[Domindart]

At 8000 miles should I be needing to address / check things like this [valve clearance adjustment]?

Yes. Every 4000 miles or 12 months according to this: http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=39449.0

Off the top of my head I thought it was 6000 miles, but either way, you're due.

okey dokes, looks like I have to get out the tools!

the clymer has a maintnance schedule sheet like that too, I will go by it.