Ticking Type Sound When Idling and Riding

[Johnmillz]

Hello All,

I have a 1982 GS450t, I’ve noticed when idling it sounds like “a bunch of watches ticking” near my cylinders. Also, this sounds gets louder when riding in gear. Does anyone know what could cause this? Perhaps I need to adjust my valve clearance. Any advice would be appreciated thanks!

John

 

[Rob S.]

'Cam walk'?

Why not take some video (w/sound) so the group can evaluate it?

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

If you haven't adjusted your valve clearances yourself or had it done by someone you trust greatly, then yes, you need to check your clearances. Though noisy valves mean that there is clearance (if that is what you're hearing). And that is 1000% better that having very tight or no clearance. It's when things are too quiet when we start to worry.
It's quite possible that what you're hearing is normal. A video with sound might help us give better guidance.

But again, if you don't know for sure that your valve clearances are in spec, You need to do it now.

 

[Johnmillz]

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/_9tV8ZVfiGM

Here is a video of the bike idling. I could not get an attachment to work so I posted it on youtube. The kind of high pitched "metally" sound in the background of the idle is what I am referring to. Thanks for all the help!!

 

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Sounds like a perfectly healthy sewing machine GS engine to me. But as I’m sure the 2 valve/cylinder twins make a different joyful noise than my 4 valve/cylinder inline 4, I’d hold out for some other more experienced opinions.

And like I said, if you don’t absolutely KNOW that your valve clearances are in spec, you need to do that now.

 

[Johnmillz]

Rich,

Appreciate the feedback. Good to get a second opinion on this. This is my first bike so learning as I go! I know the valve clearances haven’t been checked in a while so I’m gonna go ahead and do that. Thanks again.

 

[rphillips]

Me too, all seems like it's supposed to sound.

 

[Johnmillz]

Thanks gentlemen

 

[Steve]

When you DO get around to checking the clearances, try to adjust them so they are on the larger side of the allowed range.

Clearances tighten up over time and mileage, so it's better to start with them loose.

.

 

[oldGSfan]

The tank blocks a lot of valvetrain noise, something I noticed a long time ago when using a remote tank to tune the carbs. Down where you're listening, it's gonna tick. Sounds fine to me.

 

[KiwiAlfa156]

GS engines are mechanically noisy. Cam chains, flat tappets, or finger rockers, roller cranks on the earlier units (and the 1100s). No water jacket to insulate internal sound, fin rattle even with all the rubber dampers in place (most of those will be as hard as rock anyway). All of them are 40+ years old and even rebuilt once run-in they get a bit noisier. The reason they are running after 40 years is they are over-engineered, made of excellent materials, and if regularly and properly maintained not subject to excessive wear. So unless the sound changes or gets suddenly worse, you most likely don't have a problem requiring attention. Keep riding and enjoying it. The bike is getting older and so are we all.

And yes a recording or video will help if you aren't sure what normal-ish sounds like.