Damaging engine banging?

[sharpee1984]

Good Morning all,

I’m slightly concerned about my Yamaha 2001 X600. Over the last month there has been an intermittent banging, I think from the engine, possibly gearbox or clutch? The last 2 days on my commute I have noticed it a lot more and it sounds quite damaging. It is starting to send shockwaves through the bike, which can’t be a good thing! I’m pretty sure it’s nothing to do with the back wheel, which spins freely. The ride if fine (at the moment), and I only notice it in the lower gears. I have also noticed it only occurs with the clutch out? It’s most likely old age, done 65000 miles of which I’ve done 4000. The oil is always topped up and chain is looked after.

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks

Lee
____________________
PRESENT: HONDA CBR600F 2002
Past: Yamaha XJ600N 2001
Past: Hyosung GT125 2008

[Paxovasa]

Does it make the noise at tick over?

If yes, then use a screw driver and listen to the engine.

Also check the sprockets (especially the front one).
____________________
Suzuki GSF600 K3 (in the fastest colour, black).

[chris-red]

My Vote is the sprockets, chain or rear wheel bearings.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[DrDonnyBrago]

Lift up the rear and spin the rear wheel by hand, I reckon you will be able to hear or feel the chain/sprockets click as the wheel goes round.

Should go without saying but: don't feck with the chain if the engine is running and it is in gear.

[0ddball]

Any marks on the underside of the swingarm where the chain may have been slapping against it?

[Pete.]

[sharpee1984]

Hi All,

Thanks for the response. I will try and answer the questions to get to the bottom of the issue.

Does it make the noise at tick over?
No, just when out and about.

Lift up the rear and spin the rear wheel by hand, I reckon you will be able to hear or feel the chain/sprockets click as the wheel goes round.
I have tried this while on the centre stand. No banging or clicking as the wheel goes round. I turned it by hand and it spins freely 2/3 times. I also get it into gear, up and down into 2nd and nothing again.

Any marks on the underside of the swingarm where the chain may have been slapping against it?
No. Without taking the sprocket cover off (which I won't be able to do until the weekend) I cannot see any visible signs of the chain hitting anything.

Does it happen when the bike is running but not moving?
No, Just when I am on th move.

does the frequency change with revs or with road speed?
It bangs (approximately) between 1 & 3 times a second, and increases with speed, although seems to disappear when 30mph+.

I hope this extra information is useful.

Many Thanks

Lee
____________________
PRESENT: HONDA CBR600F 2002
Past: Yamaha XJ600N 2001
Past: Hyosung GT125 2008

[Vincent]

[mr.kris]

check your chain for tight spots!
____________________
TS50X---CM125---MZ150---Z250---RS125---ZXR250---BANDIT600---TRX850---TL1000S---CBF600---ZX6R---BANDIT1200S---CG125---VFR800---CBR1000F---CG125---CG125---CB900F---CB900F---CG125---TUONO1000R---KLR600---GSX1300R HAYABUSA---VFR400NC30---BANDIT1200---CG125

HAYABUSA now in use!

[Pete.]

I also think it's most likely final drive.

Does it get worse quickly when more power is applied?
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[chris-red]

It probably doesn't happen above 30 because you can't here it due to wind/engine noise.

It is gonna be the chain I think, can you post pictures?
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[sharpee1984]

Once again I bow to all your superior knowledge. I had a check over the chain last night after reading your thoughts. Although it was too dark and late to check the front sprocket, which I will be doing this weekend, I checked the chain. It wasn’t in as great a condition as I thought and there were a few tight links. A quick clean, re-oil and TLC removed any tight spots. I waited until this morning’s commute to see if the banging was still occurring...it wasn’t. Ran smooth!

I could just about see the front sprocket last night and it definitely needs replacing. I couldn’t see any missing teeth but it was hard to make out. Needless to say I will be buying a chain & sprocket set ASAP. Any suggestions before I trawl through the T’internet?

I really didn’t think it would be the drive chain (that’s obviously why you guys have yellow dotted karma and not green like me, I will get there one day!) It sounded really vigorous at times and it sounded like it was coming and shaking from the right hand side. I was expecting worse, especially with the mileage.

Many Thanks

Lee
____________________
PRESENT: HONDA CBR600F 2002
Past: Yamaha XJ600N 2001
Past: Hyosung GT125 2008

[chris-red]

Any branded O ring chain I'd go for being a 125.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[sharpee1984]

125.....don't insult me

It's a X600N Yamaha.

Cheers though!
____________________
PRESENT: HONDA CBR600F 2002
Past: Yamaha XJ600N 2001
Past: Hyosung GT125 2008

[chris-red]

Sorry just glanced at your sig, and saw 125, in that case go for a decent o or x ring chain.
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[Pete.]

Tight spots in a chain is almost always a sign of neglect. In the weather we hare having this time of year, you should lube it every day.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[Paxovasa]

[chris-red]

More dependant on miles that time IMO, I have a scotoiler and don;t have to worry about such things
____________________
Well, you know what they say. If you want to save the world, you have to push a few old ladies down the stairs.
Skudd:- Perhaps she just thinks you are a window licker and is being nice just in case she becomes another Jill Dando.
WANTED:- Fujinon (Fuji) M42 (Screw on) lenses, let me know if you have anything.

[sharpee1984]

I thought I was keeping on top of it giving it a brush of oil every weekend riding approximately 130 miles a week. Not anymore!

Thanks for your help people!
____________________
PRESENT: HONDA CBR600F 2002
Past: Yamaha XJ600N 2001
Past: Hyosung GT125 2008

[DrDonnyBrago]

AFAM or DID chain and sprocket kit.

Avoid IRIS chains and unbranded chains, they are shite.

Something like:

https://bikespeeduk.com/epages/steer2916.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/steer2916/Products/2743VX