Scary noise - is my engine about to die?

[guile]

My 06 ER6 has started making a noise which sound like somebody put a crushed-up coke can and put it in a spin dryer. This only happens between 4-5k revs. Outside of those ranges, it goes away (although I have not pushed far past 5k). Pulling the clutch in but holding the revs does not make it go away. I'm sure it is very bad news and I'm not riding again until this is fixed. It sounds like it is coming from the engine/tank area.

Any ideas?

[ws4936]

[serlant]

camchain tensioner.
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04 CBR1000RR, 1995 Husqvarna TE410, 1998 VTR1000(Sold), 1990 XJ600(sold), 1996 KH125(dead and sold)

[bladerunner]

Post up a vid if you can
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Current bikes...cbr929, KDX200's, Rd125lc mk2, RGV250's

[ws4936]

[Aff]

4-5K is where the MK1 ER6's get really vibey. Could easily just be a loose bolt.

Get up a video.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[guile]

Will try to get a vid up later. My current vids can't capture the sounds over the exhaust noise.

[serlant]

camchain tensioner is a spring loaded ratchet mechanism as the chain wears the ratchet moves out. if the spring breaks or weakens the ratchet does not move out to take up the slack. i guess it can get stuck due to insufficient lubrication? when the tensioner doesn't take up the slack the chain will rattle around as the slack flaps against things.

I would remove the tentioner and inspect.

edit:
This is what happens if you ride around with a fucked camchain/tensioner (along with eventual engine implosion, bent valves eventually)
https://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z170/serlant/IMG_20130922_154300_zps645480d4.jpg
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04 CBR1000RR, 1995 Husqvarna TE410, 1998 VTR1000(Sold), 1990 XJ600(sold), 1996 KH125(dead and sold)

[guile]

Thanks for the info serlant.

Here is some audio of the noise:

https://vocaroo.com/i/s1Pa86yYUrDA

You have to listen carefully. It sounds more like a pneumatic drill here but in reality, it sounds more like a thin metal baking tray being flexed in and out (like Rolf Harris with those boards). The clutch is being pulled in/out in this clip.

[Aff]

That is something loose and rattling, not cam chain.

Check all your exhaust clamps, header bolts, etc.
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Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[guile]

I didn't mention I crashed the bike about in a head on about 100 miles ago. I'm sure I torqued all the necessary bolts for the stuff I fixed but maybe something else got nudged/loosened. I will check all bolts in the meantime.

Bike sounds like a 2-stroke:

https://vocaroo.com/i/s021IHD1rcu9

Another accelerating out of 1st

https://vocaroo.com/i/s0dOW8LVd6ui

[guile]

[Aff]

It could be the sound quality but to me that sounds nothing like a cam chain more a metal on metal vibration (which on the ER6 4-5K is where it will most likely happen).

Cam chain rattle is usually a very distinct and consistent clicking/tapping/slapping noise.

I have had sounds very similar to yours on cars where one of the exhaust hangers had been touching part of the frame. Only happens at certain RPM's where the exhaust will resonate and vibrate against the frame.

So look around for either loose bolts or bits touching that shouldn't be.
____________________
Current Bikes:Honda 929RR Fireblade, Honda CD200 Benly (Project), Stomp Z2 140
Electric Bike Project

[instigator]

Exhaust is a weak point on the ER6, check it carefully.

[guile]