Hi Everyone,

I am a new owner of a 89 GS500!!  This is my first motorcycle and it needs a little work, but its going to be a great starter bike, and I'm looking forward to fixing it up, so I'll have tons of questions along the way.

First off, there is a loud clanging noise coming from the top end of the motor, it seems to keep consistant with engine RPM.  The bike is not using any oil, either burrning it or dripping it.  The noise does not seem to affect horsepower either.  The guy said he's owned it and ridden it for 1.5 years with it making that noise.  Its pretty annoying so I'd like to figure it out and fix it.  I'm not sure what the problem is, wonding if y'all can offer suggestions.  The bike only has 7,000 miles on it.

Thanks in advance for the help.
-Kris

If it's a tapping noise, it's probably your valves.  The clearance needs to be checked.  If you check it and it's okay, it's not a big deal.  Search for Kerry's valve adjustment video if you don't know how.

However, clanging seems like it could be cam play.  The GS has a problem with it.  Not a big deal, just annoying. 

I'd check the valves and make sure the cam chain is reasonably tight (it has an automatic adjuster that may malfunction) but you probably just have a GS.

If its cam play is there a way to fix it so it doesnt rattle?

Yes, you can buy a super special washer from Suzuki.  I don't know the part number.  Try searching cam play recall or something like that.

does the noise get better when it warms up?
the first of the gs' had alot of camshaft end play, which they sorted in 91. its completly normal with air cooled bikes.
at 7k its about time the clearances were checked, its a very easy thing to do, search for valve clearances or valve check, there is plenty of write ups on the site.
good luck and welcome

Quote from: hmmmnz on November 13, 2006, 03:02:58 PM
does the noise get better when it warms up?

No, the noise is constant when its cold and shen it warms up.  The noise increases its rate as RPM's increase.

Thanks for the help!

Quote from: 68gtcs on November 13, 2006, 03:06:53 PM

No, the noise is constant when its cold and shen it warms up.  The noise increases its rate as RPM's increase.

Thanks for the help!

That doesn't sound like cam play.  Sounds like the valves. 

did u check to make sure your exhaust header bolts are tight?? i had this problem as well and mine came loose right around 6500 miles.. check that but make sure the engine is cooled overnight to prevent warping.. if this is the problem retorque the header bolts and enjoy!! i dont know the torque settings, but im sure someone can post them

Quote from: Egaeus on November 13, 2006, 02:38:27 PM
Yes, you can buy a super special washer from Suzuki.  I don't know the part number.  Try searching cam play recall or something like that.

I have the Suzuki release on this.  PM me with your addy if you want it.