Hey all
Question about how much engine noise your bikes make
Ive always done scheduled oil changes if not more often. ive only used castrol gtx for oil and puralator filters. but...
to put it plain and simple, my bike sounds like shit. it sounds rattley when the engine runs, not smooth like a new bike. bike only has +/- 5000 miles and I followed factory break in procedures. SSIIGGHHH...
thought it might be a piston slapping around? or some bad bearings? i think i recall an issue with some about the main crankshaft bearings spinning or being toast or something?

No noises here.Sounds like the day I brought er home.Smooth and strong.Only thing I've noticed is when I've ridden all day-at times she'll "feel" and "sound" "not as crisp" as at the beginning.It's me,not the bike.I realized that not long ago.22,000+ miles-broken in per the sticker on the speedo.Started using "occasionally" techron in my tank.Seems to be doing "something"-nothing extremely noticeable,but "helping" a bit?(not that she needs any help with noises)She's always run smooth and steady..Also regular oil changes with Kawachem 10/40 full syn.Works for me.You know Jessie,you MIGHT try installing a manual cam chain tensioner on there.Just a thought.The chain will remain constant with that in there.Could be the "noise" you're hearing?I did notice something different after I installed mine.Maybe a slight(?)reduction in "noise".

* Last updated by: blue07 on 6/23/2009 @ 11:40 PM *

Mine has been the quietest bike I've ever owned from day one, and still is The 14's engine almost sounds silent compared to my busa......and their mileage is pretty comparable.

Mine's got that rattle and valve slap also from time to time especially around 4k rpm, I did notice that it will go away if i ride it hard and when the engine gets hotter. My guess it that the clearances for the valves close up a bit from the metals expanding, just enough to stop the noise, I also was strict with the break in process like in the book, I currently use Spectro Synthetic blend

Most of the time I don't even notice it running. The guys I do long rides with all ride cruisers and dressers, about half HD and the rest a mix of BMW, Kawasaki, Star, etc.

Several times this season already one of them has commented to me, "gee, your bike is quiet". Snicker.

I'm not 100% sure this is your problem (not by a long shot) but I used Castrol GTX once on my bike and a) the gear change was less smooth and b) the mechanical sounds coming from the engine seemed a little louder, than any other oil I've used. I won't be using Castrol oils again for this reason.

Maybe try a different oil and see if it makes any difference? Just a thought.

Well, Castrol GTX is a great oil, for a car. I wouldn't think it would be so good with a wet clutch.

For decades I ran Castrol GTX in my sports cars. Lately, I'm a synthetics convert though.

Yea, not a big fan of castrol, I've been using Spectro Golden Blend, and it's been running pretty smooth even at the higher rpm range, less noise and shifts smoother

I broke both the busa and 14 in on GTX......no probs of any kind I'm going to run the Castrol bike specific dino oil in the 14 with the turbo tho, to give the clutch a little extra protection with the added power. I had some probs with my last turbo bike slipping the clutch under boost with full syn. I'm running Mobil Racing bike specific full syn in the busa tho........works well

I'm still in break in but the engine noise doesn't really seem excessive. I'm using whatever oil the dealer put in when I bought it. I do have a 50-60 MPH 'whistle" going on. I secured and wrapped the tip over sensor which I heard can solve a buzzing/rattle problem. But I still get the whistle.
Any suggestions?

Like this? No whistles here-missing a fairing bolt somewhere?Mine has a"mechanical" "whine/whistle?" at certain RPMs at different outside temps.But it sounds very cool-don't want that to go away!

You know, come to think of it, I did have a bolt left over after the last time I worked on it.
I have boxes full of parts that were left over. I guess they weren't necessary cause my bikes all continued to run.

LOL(mine are lost in the ABYSS of the 1352 caverns)"GOD-it couldn't have just DISAPPEARED-it's GOT to be here-WTHE*^-Oh come on now-where are you?GEEZ-screw you then,just forget it ya little prick!!!Fall out on the road then if ya want-see if I care you....."

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/2/2009 @ 1:10 AM *

My engine wasn't making enough noise, so I removed all those rubber sound dampers and the ram air. Now my engine rocks as it resonates through the airbox like an accoustic guitar.

I thought all that valve clatter was a Honda CCT thing.

Just an update shelled out a few extra bucks and got the royal purple synthetic oil. The first gear clunk didnt disappear for me, but the bike seems to run a little cooler. Still a little noise, think ive narrowed it down to the valves just needing adjusting.

I did my last valve check at 35,000 miles..... and no adjustment needed. A couple valves were like 1mm off... I too have the "noise" coming from my bike. I've been wondering myself what the heck it could be. I've been using Motul Full Syn in my bike. I'm wondering if it's cause of the synthetic oil....

I keep puttin my valve check off-I know,my bad.I'm at 24,500 miles.There is NO ONE here(in Montana nearby) that has experience with doing a valve check on my bike!Had it all torn down a couple of weeks ago-thought I might be able to pull it off.Nope,couldn't get to the air suction valves.Bummer.So....I get some "ticking"from the engine,but I think that's how she's always sounded?

* Last updated by: blue07 on 7/20/2009 @ 10:15 PM *

I don't care about clicks ticks knocks clatter whines etc. at idle as long as it sings a good note at speed. Okay within reason but when you get to 5000 rpms it sounds sweet.

I've got that same whistle/whine that Sharkey's talking about but it's only in 5th gear. It sounds like a rocket taking off and I like that, or a roots blower. Awesome.