Hi there. I picked up a 1992-1993 gs500. It has a rattle.seems to be from the bottom end.

Iv done:
Thicker oil.
Cam shaft end play (them washers)
When I bought it had a new clutch.
The valves are within tolerance.


Any help will be nice.
I am somewhat mechanically minded. (Mechanical engineer + studied MC maintenance)

I'd suggest using a stethoscope to try and pinpoint where the sound is coming from.  Could be simple clutch plate rattle or could be rod knock or crank bearings.

When do you hear it the most?
Accelerating/decelerating
Idle/specific RPM
More when bike is moving or sitting still clutch pulled in revving the engine.

thanks for the reply,

at the mo its not mot'd,

it starts at idle, but when rev'ed in N, is just carries on and gets louder. not too load but more noticeable.

iv used a screwdriver and it seems to be bottom end on the right, (if sat on bike) but not sure if its middle or side.

i will try to upload a video/recording of it tomorrow, if the English weather will allow me.....

pulling the clutch makes little to no difference to the sound.

My money's on the Starter Clutch.

I will rip it apart tomorrow (the clutch) . It's been doing my head in for almost 3 weeks.

I'm thinking.
Clutch
Oil pump.
Crank.

It's annoying as each "repair" is slowly getting closer.

But I will not be beaten by it!

Yeah check the starter clutch a had a knocking noise on mine and the starter clutch was the issue

Quote from: Wychwoods on February 21, 2016, 02:28:18 PM
I am somewhat mechanically minded. (Mechanical engineer + studied MC maintenance)

If you suspect bearings have you checked the oil pressure?

Although it will probably be clutch/starter related 

I think I found the rattle. I think it's from the counter balance shaft.

Thanks all for the advise!! Much appreciated

Will continue to update as I go if ok...