Weird whining noise from 2002 FZS 600

dXm · L Plate Warrior Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Karma :

Hi all,

I have this problem with my 2002 FZS600. I just got it used from a dealer. Went for a test ride initially, and all was fine.... but did not notice the problem till I actually closed the deal and got to ride it at speed on the road.

There's a weird whining/screeching noise, sort of like a jet engine at idle, coming from the engine whenever it's under load.

This would mean that....
- When in gear, and the clutch is engaged, and the bike is driving forward with the engine under load, the whine comes on pretty loud. It's weird because the whining gets louder than the normal engine note of the bike.

- When in motion, and the throttle is closed, the whine disappears
- When the clutch is disengaged, and the throttle is held, the whining sound is less noticeable
- When revving the throttle with clutch disengaged under no load (sudden rev), the whine is discernable though softer.

The whine is not from the final drive chain/sprocket as they're not over-tightened.

I tested it and found that when the throttle is maintained and I clutch it in and out, the whine comes only when the clutch is engaged.

Also, at neutral throttle, you can here the engine whine/screech intermittently as the bike alternates between load & no load. So from what I can surmise, the sound is related to the engine under load.

I'm thinking it could be either some bearings in the cams or crank, or perhaps even the timing chain, as the sound gives me the impression of something turning at high rpm or an over-tightened chain... and the fact that the noise is coming from the engine.

Can anyone give me an idea what could be wrong so I can look into that area. Don't want an errant mechanic to start giving me wrong info so he can shanghai me into a full rebuild, if un-needed.

Thanks all!!
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GSXFire · Trackday Trickster Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Karma :

Sounds like it could be a bearing in the gearbox, how long have you had the bike? How long was the warranty with it?
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Fire by name Firefighter by nature.
My old bikes. https://www.bikepics.com/members/firefighter1/

dXm · L Plate Warrior Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Karma :

GSXFire · Trackday Trickster Joined: 16 Jun 2006 Karma :

I'd try going to a yamaha dealer and talking to them, they can tell you what's normal and what's worth opening the engine up for. If it needs work done to it and the dealer says it doesn't, tell the dealer your going to contact the Trading Standards and the citizens Advice as he has sold a vehicle that is not fit for the purpose it was designed, you also have him under the Sale of goods act.
____________________
Fire by name Firefighter by nature.
My old bikes. https://www.bikepics.com/members/firefighter1/

dXm · L Plate Warrior Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Karma :

dXm · L Plate Warrior Joined: 10 Aug 2006 Karma :

Update:

I replaced the chain tensioner, with no effect. The whining noise is still there.

I now notice that the high-pitched shrill is actually emanating from the right side of the bike, ie... the clutch housing.

Is there any reason that the clutch should be producing a high pitch whine when it's engaged and under load?

This could be the source.
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