Engine tick/tapping noise only taking off in gear

[GregT]

The frequency will tell you if it's a valve. If it goes away when it warms up, you might have a valve in it's guide that is becoming loose, but when hot, seals up. I don't think I'd sweat it until it gets louder, or something affects the performance. the only way to make sure about tics like that is to do the head, and that may be premature, especially if it goes away.

It seems to be a low frequency tick which I think happens as the bike moves in gear ? Is this correct ?

If it is, I'd look at the output shaft bearing next to the final drive sprocket. It may be on the point of collapse. Pull the chain and sprocket and spin the shaft by hand. Any noise or if the shaft can be moved up or down and there's your problem.

[93Bandit]

I've got something similar, sounds like a loose tappet but I suspect it's exhaust leak because I get an exhaust pop every once in a while. I haven't had the courage to take the exhaust off yet, I fear breaking the bolts.

[rphillips]

Just wondering, any updates?

[Suzukian]

The frequency will tell you if it's a valve. If it goes away when it warms up, you might have a valve in it's guide that is becoming loose, but when hot, seals up. I don't think I'd sweat it until it gets louder, or something affects the performance. the only way to make sure about tics like that is to do the head, and that may be premature, especially if it goes away.

[blowerbike]

the left front vibration rubber will cause a tick...yours is missing.
really though....sounds like an exhaust leak.

[blowerbike]

My 1150 had a strange tick. It turned out to be cracks in the clutch basket. As well the steel center was wearing the aluminum outer a bit. Probably a common issue. Just something to inspect.

not cracks but casting...the problem on 1150 inner hubs only is that the steel insert gets lose.

[Cipher]

Check cam chain for stretch. And tensioner.
also try a stethoscope to pinpoint.
or a hardwood dowel though its more cumbersome.

old cb 550 a friend had sounded like a sewing machine but became quiet at operating temp.
the tappy is happy school of valve lash is lazy and denies the impact of mass x acceleration.
Is .005" is the middle?

could a slightly Ben valve be sticking.?

Is an internal element in the delkevic pipe possible?

maybe try a heavier oil mineral not synth to see if the sound changes or moves.

[Stephenabner]

Dang, hoped the tick was was gone. I dun'no, My CB1100F has a valve a little loose, it ticks a little when first started cold, but completely quiet after warms a couple of minutes. Under load or not has nothing to do with the tick... Hoping for more ideas.

I was thinking if it was in valve train it would make noise all the time right? I'm not sure

I'm up for ideas, and will do whatever it takes. I want to completely restore this bike. I'm kind of fell in love with it

[rphillips]

Dang, hoped the tick was was gone. I dun'no, My CB1100F has a valve a little loose, it ticks a little when first started cold, but completely quiet after warms a couple of minutes. Under load or not has nothing to do with the tick... Hoping for more ideas.

[Stephenabner]

So here's an update. I installed new OE exhaust header gaskets and installed new clutch hub springs and the noise is still there.

I rode the bike without a helmet on and it sounds like the tapping/ticking is definitely increasing in speed with the RPM, which leads me to believe it's in the valvetrain. Still not understanding why it only taps under load and only when the engine is warmed up.

Sure hope it's not a small end

[Suzukian]

There NEVER should be slop on splines of any sort (inside or outside). That is the very reason splines are used. You have to replace the outer hub, the inner one could be fine, unless that one has any discernible slop. If you don't, it could cause your clutch plates which use these parts to locate themselves, to stick and wear prematurely. The springs have to also be replaced, old age, and the ability to hold the pressure required.

[LAB3]

Thanks for the info, I just took the clutch housing/hub completely off and 3 of the springs are very loose. The shaft looks fine, but the splines on the outer hub do look somewhat worn.

Are there any instructions in the repair manual for assessing whether or not something needs attention? Some slop or play may be normal although that certainly would be counterintuitive.

[rphillips]

Stephen, you're new here, just wondering if you know you have Private Messages (PM's)?

[Suzukian]

I'd try EBAY first. I've made out really well on EBAY, and from some members of this forum also. Someone here may have everything you are looking for. Replace all the Clutch Springs with new ones. They are old, and being compressed for so long just can't give you the pressure you need. If you have deep enough pockets, get the stuff new, if still available. I tend to buy used, looking at the seller's reputation, and how many miles where on the bike it came off of. Some people drop these bikes at 10 to 20K miles and they sell them for parts, you end up with a good deal.

[Stephenabner]

Good video, I looked at it, very clear. I'm kind of picky about things. If you could check the hub "radially" with a gauge, and see if when going in a circle, it has play, that compounded with the play on the spline would indicate that is where your problem is. I do think this is where your problem is, it not, you just found a problem. . Under load you don't hear it as it is forced against the surface, and just progressively wears out of round more. IMHO

Take the out hub off and look at the inside splines on the outer cage, and look at the splines of the shaft. I would bet the Outer hub is worn. If you could mount it on a lathe or milling machine, you could check the splines to see just how much, you can't fix it, but you would know that you next search on EBAY would be.

Thanks for the info, I just took the clutch housing/hub completely off and 3 of the springs are very loose. The shaft looks fine, but the splines on the outer hub do look somewhat worn.

I'm not sure what my next steps should be. I'm thinking about buying all new parts from Suzuki. (Hub, bearings, etc.) Or maybe ebay, like you mentioned.

Here's another video

https://youtu.be/-N1-4dX1xMQ