Kawasaki GT550 Noise?

Piercee100 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Karma :

I've just bought a Kawasaki GT550, nice and comfy but is it supposed to sound like a 1950's Austin Mini? I cant really hear the engine as I'm plodding round town due to the constant whine from the shaft drive?
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Rides: Honda H100a (Retired), VT500e (Sold), Kawasaki ZX400 (sold), Kawasaki GT550 (Sold), Suzuki Inazuma (Daily), Honda CD185t (Broken), LML Star 2t (Last run edition).

map · Mr Calendar Joined: 14 Jun 2004 Karma :

Based on my experience whine from shaft drive is wrong. Need to check. Rear drum brake may need adjustment. If pull off back wheel check splines and put moly grease on before putting back on.

You may find the engine tappets need checking. On start up mine sounds like a demented sowing machine.

Google for GT owners club for other bits of advice.

HTH Thumbs Up

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Casper · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jul 2010 Karma :

Could just be low on shaft drive oil. I had it on a GS650. Oil change cured it.

Stonefly · Scooby Slapper Joined: 17 Jul 2011 Karma :

I had a GT750 which was very whiny. It just needed a change of drive shaft oil - easy to do and it cured it immediately. I would definitely change the oil soon as low oil level will cause the drive to overheat and you may end up seizing it.
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Current......Kawasaki ZZR1200 C2H and Kawasaki ZZR600 E7
Previous....Yamaha FS1E, Honda SS50, Suzuki AP50, BSA Bantam D14, Honda CD175, Honda CB250N, Kawasaki Z250A3, Yamaha RD250E, Kawasaki Z400, Kawasaki Z500, Kawasaki GPz550, Honda NTV600, Kawasaki GT750, Kawasaki Z1000R, Kawasaki GPX250

Piercee100 · Trackday Trickster Joined: 07 Mar 2011 Karma :

Thanks I'll check the oil tomorrow. My VT500 was really quiet but as I said this sounds like an old Austin Confused

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Rides: Honda H100a (Retired), VT500e (Sold), Kawasaki ZX400 (sold), Kawasaki GT550 (Sold), Suzuki Inazuma (Daily), Honda CD185t (Broken), LML Star 2t (Last run edition).

temeluchus · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Oct 2008 Karma :

I would suggest a heavy grade, 75/140 or similar.
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