| Author | Message | ||
     Cadzilla |
Hey has anyone had a medium/moderate knocking noise from the engine on their XB? I Have already had the 1K service done at my local HD shop. Bike now has 2,251 miles on it. Basically what it sounds like is crank or possibly front sprocket loose. Engine knock is directly related to engine speed, and loudest at low RPM's whether in gear or not. This noise has appeared fairly quickly within the last 200 - 300 miles. Going from faint to a medium/moderate noise level. I took it by the service department last week and let the mechanic listen to it and he thought it was the primary chain. The service writer said they would cover the adjustment since I had already paid to have that done at the 1K service. Appointment was made. Dropped off my bike this morning, I come back two hours later and it's done. But the service writer say's the mechanic found a very slight amount of play in the primary chain and adjusted but he did not think that was the problem. I was told to take the bike ride it around and let them know if it still persists. If that does'nt fix it then they will have to tear into the primary for a better inspection. So I do a 20 mi ride on way home, and it is exactically the same maybe worse. Now I hear a very slight whirring noise when I blip the throttle while at idle. Any Ideas?  | ||
| Jedwele |
The slight whirring noise is probably from them getting the primary chain too tight. Its hard to say what your main problem is , but they need to take it back and found out. | ||
| Buellshyter |
If the primary chair is too tight it can cause serious damage to your engine. | ||
| Cadzilla |
Jedwele, Buellshyter, I believe you are right. I called My local HD service shop and let the service writer know that I am still having noise/knocking along with a slight whirring. Bike goes in this friday. It's gonna suck going back to my ol'e green F-100. Maybe I'll "borrow the wife's Sportser."  | ||
| Xb9 |
Your "knocking noise" could be the classic "cam tick", which I've been told is normal and nothing to worry about. Tends to be louder when the engine is cold, both my 9 engines exhibited this. The whirring noise is probably too tight of an adjustment on the primary chain. Oh, and there is supposed to be a small amount of play with the primary chain!! The tech probably should have left it alone. Should be 3/8" to 1/2" cold I recall. It will tighten up some at operating temperature. It's easy to check it yourself, just pull off the inspection cover from the primary cover. (Message edited by xb9 on September 07, 2005) | ||
| Fullpower |
the correct tool ( T-27) for checking your primary chain slack is under the seat. I respectfully suggest that you check your primary, and adjust it if necessary. i find that if i ride with earplugs the buell and ducati both sound better. an occasional jaunt across town without earplugs is a bit nerve wracking, as all that clashing, whirring, and mechanical excitement becomes audible. | ||
| Fullpower |
another possible cure for the problem would be a louder exhaust. ( not KIDDING ) | ||
| Xb9 |
I was going to mention the Louder exhaust cure also. A drummer does a real good job in this department  My cam tick is completely cured with earplugs also. The Buell engines' mechanical noises remind me of an old Norton Commando I used to own... just adds to the character of a fine motorcycle  | ||
| Cadzilla |
XB9, Fullpower, thanks for the suggestions. AS you both suggested to check my primary chain. I checked the chain cold and it measures no more than 3/8" Possible less than 3/8th" but not 5/16ths". I think the HD shop may have tightened it a smidge in an attempt to quiten what ever is causing the noise. AS far as cam tick my bike has sounded like most HD V twins up until recently last 2 - 3 hundred miles and this is definitely not that noise. Wife also has an sportser and am also familiar with its cam noise and rocker noise. It's nowhere near what I am hearing from my bike. The noise is heard loudest from the front lower left side of the motor. Also when engine speed exceeds 3,000 RPM the noise becomes less harsh. Earplugs are a good idea but I like to hear any cagers that may sneak into my blind spot. I have an Buell KBC High Octane Full Face Helmet and it has reduced noticable noise while riding compared to my previous HJC full face. | ||
| Kowpow225 |
Mine gives off a "tock tock tock" noise that raises and lowers with the rpms most noticably after start-up. Maybe 3 minutes or so into the ride, then gets quieter. Is this similar to you? | ||
| Cadzilla |
Yes Kowpow225, only mine does'nt get any quiter when warm but has slightly increased in loudness each day. Tonight after getting home from work it has gotten louder and I will not drive it any more except to get it to my local dealer on friday.  | ||
| Reducati |
i also had a metalic noise comming from mine. i asked fellow bbw and they suggested the primary chain...it was at specks...i brought into my hd dealer, and they took apart the engine...i have almost 12k on an 04 r. they found a loose piston rod. as i speak they are putting it back together with new cylinders, and pistons...all covered under warranty..whew... | ||
| Cadzilla |
Reducati good to hear that your HD dealer is taken care of you. Plus you will have a brand new top end  On a positive note I have been contacted by a HD service rep who has already talked to my local dealer with a suggestion as to what to look for. I am impressed, these guys care.  | ||
| Sped214 |
Please keep us posted as to what was making the noise. I've got an '03 XB9S that is making a knocking noise that is uncomfortably similar to the one you're describing... | ||
| Cadzilla |
I will indeed... | ||
| Natexlh1000 |
If it quets down with an increase of RPM, it might be a motor mount. My X1 started to clunk a bit and it turned out to be the rubber isolator in the front. Hell! it might even be normal! I would suggest taking a demo bike out and comparing the two. | ||
| Cadzilla |
I've given all motor mounts front and rear along with the stabilizer mounts a visual inspection and all appear fine. No loose bolts, squished rubber, cracked rubber, or otherwise. Nice bike swing Nate  | ||
| Cadzilla |
Hey you all I just got my bike back form the dealer and I am all smiles again!! Damn that's a torque monster!! whoo hooo!! Motor is all quite again except for the sweet exhaust note.  Any ways here is the scoop... I spoke with the mechanic and he said the front compensator sprocket nut was loose but not bad. And as per instructions form HD's A new nut was used in the re- install of the compensator sprocket after it was removed for an inspection. Also he noted that from factory these are supposed to have at least 160 or 165lbs torque, but mine was re-assembeled with 260lbs per instructions from HD's Tech from above.  | ||
| Sped214 |
Thanks for the update. I have no idea what a compensator sprocket is, or where I would find it, haha. I guess this is the point where I'm forced into finally buying a service manual. Glad to hear everything's good again, Cad! | ||
| Cadzilla |
Thanks, 214! | ||
| Bombardier888 |
A suggestion for isolating the noise is to purchase beg borrow or steal a stethoscope. Use it as a medico would and you will be able to pinpoint the problem far more accurately than sticking your head to one side while riding your bike with the wind rushing past your ears. | ||
| Firemanjim |
Fullpower,I always ride with earplugs and rode my S-2 the other day for a short ride from the gas station.The engine noises and other assorted sounds were nerve racking.This is a real new motor and has so many non stock parts that are all WAY noisier than their stock counterparts it was scary. I stopped and checked everything out I was so worried.Found the headlight was squeeking in its mount at about 2000-2500 rpm and the front discs(yes I have 2) were rattling at idle and just off idle.The rest was cured when I put my earplugs back in.Really freaked me out as I was the engine assembler and was worried I screwed up. The compensator nut seems to be the culprit in alot of engine noise complaints I have seen.Glad it was caught before any damage. | ||
| Sped214 |
Where exactly is the front compensator nut? Is it easy to get to? Just ordered my service manual today, but curiosity is killing me... | ||
| 2hogs |
Sped214, If the Buells are like Harleys, the frt compensator nut holds the compensator sprocket on. It's on the engine output shaft and the primary chain connects it to the trans. I could be wrong, as I'm relying on my memory as I don't have my Harley manual in front of me. Cheers | ||
| Sped214 |
2hogs Thanks, that ummm... clears it up.  Just kidding. I think I understand now. If I'm picturing it right, access to it would require the removal of the primary cover, right? I'm wondering if this is even my issue, as mine doesn't make the noise until it's good and hot. Maybe I'm just being too sensitive to the "normal" noises our engines make. (Message edited by sped214 on September 12, 2005) | ||
| Cadzilla |
214, Here is an image I found not exactly a buell but this is where it's at..  | ||
| Sped214 |
Cad, awesome! Thanks a ton. That's what I was picturing, so I'm thinking the right thing. |
