My GS has been making the identical noise since I got it. It had 7600 miles when purchased, now it has 9200, I've had it a month. I makes it generally under acceleration at 6500 rpm on up. Under 6500 rpm it doesn't do it. At first I thought it was the breather, but now I realize it's coming from the engine, it seems specifically from the head. I'm assuming it has to do with the valves, do they need adjusting perhaps? The bike runs fine, and runs the same since I got it.

Wish I had a wav of the sound, the best I can so is say it sounds like
braaaappppppppp, or whhhooooommmm, or something in between.  

I didn't worry at first because people said the GS engine makes lots of sounds, but lately I am worrying because I can't afford for this bike to go down as it's my main transportation.

valves tap, tank vibrates, exhaust goes whooom.

At around 7000 my gs vibrates more than at lower, it goes away at 8500 or so... but, i usually stay under 4500 around town.

is it more of a ticking sound?  is it constant or intermittent?  Main things to check would be valve clearance, which would come from the head or piston bearings.  if you change your oil soon, take your oil pan off and check for any metallic debris.

Quote from: nisus1is it more of a ticking sound?  is it constant or intermittent?  Main things to check would be valve clearance, which would come from the head or piston bearings.  if you change your oil soon, take your oil pan off and check for any metallic debris.

It's more like a clattering, it doesn't happen before 6500 rpm, then it's constant, like I said, a very fast clattering. I had a car once where the timing belt would vibrate against the plastic cover, that is what it reminds me of.

I will take your advice and change the oil and look for derbis.

If it is valve clearance making this noise, is it real dangerous for the engine?

Yes, because either you will spit a shim that is too loose and make a hole in the head, or it will get so tight that eventually the valve will meet with the piston with equally disasterous effects; such as what happened to GSJack.

Valve adjustments need to be done every 4000 miles, you're over by 1200 miles.

Quote from: scratchYes, because either you will spit a shim that is too loose and make a hole in the head, or it will get so tight that eventually the valve will meet with the piston with equally disasterous effects; such as what happened to GSJack.

Valve adjustments need to be done every 4000 miles, you're over by 1200 miles.

you have to be under by a LOT for the valve to actually HIT the piston.. I think gsjack SPIT a shim, from being too loose.  valves would have to be really loose for that to happen as well (from loose valves anyway...)

To ensure longevity in a motor, and in the valves and valve seats, have valve adjustments done at the recommended intervals; i.e.: every 4000 miles, or sooner! Even with oil changes every 2000 miles. Or 1000 miles!

I was thinking GSJack had a follower to seize up. But my memory is very poor so don't listen to me.  :mrgreen:

Derek

Quote from: scratchTo ensure longevity in a motor, and in the valves and valve seats, have valve adjustments done at the recommended intervals; i.e.: every 4000 miles, or sooner! Even with oil changes every 2000 miles. Or 1000 miles!

very true!

Thats similar to my gs. between 5 to 6ks through the gas tank i feel a vibration..like veveveve....

This isn't there below 5k or after 6k. My GS has 11k on it with no maintanence history:(

Any ideas?



How much does a valve job cost at a mechanic shop anyhow...just curious.

Quote from: bannerThats similar to my gs. between 5 to 6ks through the gas tank i feel a vibration..like veveveve....

This isn't there below 5k or after 6k. My GS has 11k on it with no maintanence history:(

Any ideas?



How much does a valve job cost at a mechanic shop anyhow...just curious.

other people have this.  Try leaning on the tank and see if it goes away. it's normally just the gs's 'harmonic vibration' or WTFever it's called

Hey Cheesy,
So this is normal? I got scared by this post and thought i needed a valve job done.

I'll try the leaning thing tommorow. If it doesn't go away when i'm leaning...is it a bad sign??

Thanks,

Quote from: bannerHey Cheesy,
So this is normal? I got scared by this post and thought i needed a valve job done.

I'll try the leaning thing tommorow. If it doesn't go away when i'm leaning...is it a bad sign??

Thanks,

IMO you should do a valve adjustment.  I was referring to the ~5-6k hummingish noise


Also, if it's gone 1500 miles without getting worse... I'd not worry TOO much about it