strange engine clanking randomly

zshawkey · June 18, 2015, 07:33:56 PM

so i bought a 2001 gs500 two days ago it runs great nothing wrong except today it developed a strange sound in the engine and it happens randomly and does not seem to effect the bike at all does anyone know what it is? its the same sound as this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fJuEA90rB5g if some one could please reply thanks!

ciupi93 · June 19, 2015, 01:24:54 AM

Hello,
I have some sort of clanking myself, but the sympthoms are different. Mine is doing it only when the torque is applied on the wheel, 1st 2nd and 3rd gear as I cannot hear is afterwards. The sound comes from the lower part of the left side of the engine. I can hear it is something that rotates. The sound is louder when I start with low rpm rather than high rpm. I have heard in other posts that is might be the cluch, starter or valve shims. I have bought the bike two weeks ago and it was not making any noise. I was riding it for the last two weeks without any problems. This weekend I am planning to take the covers out to see what is inside. Any tips what to look for? Thank you.

Big Rich · June 19, 2015, 02:02:14 AM

Z: I can't hear YouTube videos while I'm at work, sorry.

Ciupi : Check the easy stuff first - drive chain tension, sprocket condition (front and rear), output shafts splines, and the rear wheel cush drive rubbers. I wouldn't think it would be the clutch (since it's on the right side of the engine), the starter (which shouldn't make any noise after starting g the bike), or valve shims. Camshaft play is more of a rattle than a clanking aound.

ciupi93 · June 19, 2015, 03:47:38 AM

Thank you Big Rich. As I just bought it, I am starting to buy tools for it as well. To be honest in 2 weeks I just enjoyed it without openning the case. Very fast reaponse from members as I just joined gstwin. Tomorrow I will start checking those items. What is the difference between a rattle and a clank? Cheers.

Big Rich · June 19, 2015, 04:39:13 AM

A normal clank (to me anyway) is more like when you are stopped and the bike is in neutral, and you drop it into first. Maybe that's more of a clunk than a clank.... but I think you get the idea. The rattle from the top end is a pretty normal sound for old Suzuki engines - sounds more like an old sewing machine.

zshawkey · June 19, 2015, 11:06:49 AM

thanks for everyone's replys .. i noticed today my bike burns alittle bit of oil the exhaust does not smoke or anything and it runs good plenty of power just a little burned oil .. also does anyone know what the idle is suposed to be set at for the gs500?

ShowBizWolf · June 19, 2015, 03:26:24 PM

Warm idle should be between 1200 and 1500... and don't worry too much about the oil, if ya search around the site you will find lots of threads about how the GS burns oil. Check it often and keep some around for top-offs

ciupi93 · June 20, 2015, 04:58:14 AM

Yesterday I have cleaned the chain and lubed it. I had a big surprise when I opened and saw the front sprocket. It was incredibly dirty as shown in the pictures. What I have found out and I am not sure if it is normal or not, I have a play in the front sprocket. A big play and it sounds like the sound I have described above. Anyone knows if the sprocket is normal to have this play or not? I have made a video to show you the play.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4kb-isHXi0&feature=youtu.be

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strange engine clanking randomly