Is this a normal amount of engine noise?

[danny01975]

82 1100GK. 31k miles. I am hearing a slight "clacking" sound coming from the engine/transmission. Using a stethoscope, it's most prominent when I probe the bolts on the transmission cover. The video makes it sound louder than it is, but its definitely there. It seems to only show up after the bike is warmed up. Some things to note** 1. It may have always been there and I just didn't notice it until recently. 2. I've only had the bike a few weeks. 3. It shifts fine and runs great. No real issues.

Maybe this is just a normal amount of mechanical noise from these engines?

https://imgur.com/a/Wh8YI16

[Zellock]

For 1; Congrats on the bike, and the fact it sounds so nice
For 2; That cover that you're zooming in on isn't your engine - That's your chain cover / housing. Behind that is a sprocket that drives your chain - The chatter is kind of normal from what I've seen / heard, but it could also be a sign you're smacking into something with your chain (too tight / loose), or a sign of other issues. That said; I defer to more experienced members here that have actually gotten to ride their bikes (My pain; my shame)
For 3: It sounds like your chain at least needs some oil/grease, maybe check the status of that?
For 4; Are you SURE that's an 1100? The configuration looks more like a ~500? Most 1000+'s I've seen usually have 4 carb intakes with some crazy curves; you have something similar to my GS450T with two flat intakes on the boots (it's a note as I'm trying to find boots that look like that and am failing with a small air leak)

[Rob S.]

Chain? Because in my world, a GS with a "G" following it's displacement is a shaft drive.
Although I can't see enough to verify the existence of a shaft, the bit of tank paint I see does look like a GK.

[danny01975]

For 1; Congrats on the bike, and the fact it sounds so nice
For 2; That cover that you're zooming in on isn't your engine - That's your chain cover / housing. Behind that is a sprocket that drives your chain - The chatter is kind of normal from what I've seen / heard, but it could also be a sign you're smacking into something with your chain (too tight / loose), or a sign of other issues. That said; I defer to more experienced members here that have actually gotten to ride their bikes (My pain; my shame)
For 3: It sounds like your chain at least needs some oil/grease, maybe check the status of that?
For 4; Are you SURE that's an 1100? The configuration looks more like a ~500? Most 1000+'s I've seen usually have 4 carb intakes with some crazy curves; you have something similar to my GS450T with two flat intakes on the boots (it's a note as I'm trying to find boots that look like that and am failing with a small air leak)

I understand the cover isn't the engine. I mean from the general area of the engine. More specifically, behind the engine, under the carbs, in what I believe to be the transmission. This is a GK so there no chain. It's shaft driven. And yes I'm sure this is an 1100. It does have 4 carbs.

Def not the chain, as there is no chain.

[danny01975]

Chain? Because in my world, a GS with a "G" following it's displacement is a shaft drive.
Although I can't see enough to verify the existence of a shaft, the bit of tank paint I see does look like a GK.

Yes. This is a GK. With a shaft drive.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

I defer to more experienced members here that have actually gotten to ride their bikes….

That would have sufficed. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I mean this in all kindness. I’m a heck of a nice guy. Ask anybody. But it does help to know a few things about the various models before offering advice. Lawd knows I’ve thrown some nuggets out there. But, I do now try to be more careful giving advice if I haven’t experienced it myself or know from research what the issue might be.

[Zellock]

That would have sufficed. Please don’t take this the wrong way. I mean this in all kindness. I’m a heck of a nice guy. Ask anybody. But it does help to know a few things about the various models before offering advice. Lawd knows I’ve thrown some nuggets out there. But, I do now try to be more careful giving advice if I haven’t experienced it myself or know from research what the issue might be.

Sorry - Just trying to offer whatever I know while learning myself. Didn't mean to offend the old timers with more experience; thus why I said that.

[Rich82GS750TZ]

No offense taken. And likewise. We know you’re eager and you mean well. You’ve got a good start here with your 450T mentioned in your other thread. Keep at it. The answers to your issues, if they’re to be had, will come. The Twins aren’t as prevalent here as the 4-cylinder models. But there are some here with experience in making them right.

[Cipher]

Pretty sure the thing has a timing chain.
You self-appointed members of the committee for baseless condescension need to leave off your pretensions.
Some of you trolls don't even ride bikes. Let alone have in depth knowledge of their mechanisms.
Zellock you owe apologies to no one least of all the smug kids table dwellers.

[steve murdoch]

The noise MIGHT be the infamous GS "cam walk" or "cam float".
Many threads on possible causes and /or fixes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhtehyBewao

[Cipher]

82 1100GK. 31k miles. I am hearing a slight "clacking" sound coming from the engine/transmission. Using a stethoscope, it's most prominent when I probe the bolts on the transmission cover. The video makes it sound louder than it is, but its definitely there. It seems to only show up after the bike is warmed up. Some things to note** 1. It may have always been there and I just didn't notice it until recently. 2. I've only had the bike a few weeks. 3. It shifts fine and runs great. No real issues.

Maybe this is just a normal amount of mechanical noise from these engines?

https://imgur.com/a/Wh8YI16

Sounds like an exhaust note to me. Is that piped with a 4 into1?
There is nothing I hear that sounds bad or abnormal.
You might refer to the service manual to check the function of the cam chain tensioner.
If you do be exceedingly careful as disaster can ensue from improper procedures.

[Grimly]

Sounds awfully like cam walk, but if it's definitely from the starter area, I'd be inclined to suspect the bolts in the starter clutch might be slack.
Otoh, maybe it needs properly carb synced, because all sorts of mysterious rattles and clonks appear from the bottom end area when the carbs are starting to go out of whack.

[danny01975]

Sounds like an exhaust note to me. Is that piped with a 4 into1?
There is nothing I hear that sounds bad or abnormal.
You might refer to the service manual to check the function of the cam chain tensioner.
If you do be exceedingly careful as disaster can ensue from improper procedures.

Yes, it's 4 into 1. Will check the manual for how to check the cam chain tensioner and see if I feel like it's worth it. Thanks!

[danny01975]

Sounds awfully like cam walk, but if it's definitely from the starter area, I'd be inclined to suspect the bolts in the starter clutch might be slack.
Otoh, maybe it needs properly carb synced, because all sorts of mysterious rattles and clonks appear from the bottom end area when the carbs are starting to go out of whack.

Just syncd the carbs. Was having issues with flat spots on acceleration and someone said all carbs should be balanced when using a 4 into 1. The re-sync fixed that issue. Not the rattle unfortunately. I don't know how that can cause mechanical noise, but I have read that before.

[danny01975]

The noise MIGHT be the infamous GS "cam walk" or "cam float".
Many threads on possible causes and /or fixes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhtehyBewao

I watched that video and yes, it does sound an awful lot like that. The video is worse than mine, but still similar.