Hey everyone,

I'm trying to figure out where a small knock is coming from.
It only occurs when my RPM is pretty low...around 1800 and under. So basically when idling.
When revving the engine the knock goes away.

Checked the fuel & spark plugs and they are fine.
It sounded like the knock was coming from the generator cap, so I took it off and everything looks good in there.

I don't have a video camera but I made a voice recording with my phone -- its a .m4a file, I think you might need itunes to listen to it.

Any input would be appreciated.
Just hoping its nothing serious.

http://www.supload.com/sound_confirm.php?get=1199560080.m4a


Bike Info:
2004 Suzuki GS500F
8,252 Miles

Only "mechanical" upgrades are
NGK Iridium Spark Plugs
Everstart ES12-BS Sealed Battery

The knock started out of the blue, no dropping or anything.
Is there a way to measure the oil pressure?

Thanks again,

Sounds like the camshaft sideplay knock common to GS500.  Only happens when hot and at idle.  Speed it up to 2k and it goes away so it's rarely heard except when stopping.  If you have  bike on warranty they will fix it for you, it's been corrected now on latest GS500 models.  It's harmless, I had it some on both my GSs but haven't heard it for a long time now.  I never worried about it after I figured out what it was, wouldn't bother fixing it.

Thanks for the quick reply jack.

I'm just relieved its not the crankshaft.
You mention there is a way to fix the issue.
The bike isn't under warranty but I do have quite a bit of free time so if there is some sort of guide/diagram/outline of how to correct this issue please let me know.

Thanks again,

I saw article on the warranty work and redesign either here or on wiki.gstwin.com. I think I remember talk of shimming the end play away.  Could have been in a review, actually.

google it and you will find it.  I think it was non-destructive noise, if thats right then its just a nuisance.  Might then wait for valve adjustment and head nut torque time.

Read this thread, it links the US and UK Suzuki factory fixes which require new camshafts.  I seem to have fixed mine with an oil change to 15W-40 heavy duty oils like Mobil Delvac 1300, Shell Rotella T, and/or Chevron Delo type oils.   I just keep on trucking along silently now.   

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=46460.msg521774#msg521774