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Idle rattle?

Discussion in 'XJ Technical Chat' started by Soulless, Jun 25, 2008.

  1. Soulless

    Soulless New Member

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    WHen i have my bike standing still in neutral and idling, i hear what sounds like a rattling sound from the motor.
    Now, if i pull the clutch, the rattling goes away but as soon as i release it again, the rattling appears again.

    I have a 1992 xj600s so i know its a fairly old bike and also im new to motorcycles and motors and engines in general, so i cant tell if this is just the way its suppose to be, or if somethings wrong.

    So please tell me what you believe it might be.
     
    Soulless, Jun 25, 2008
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  2. jared592

    jared592 New Member

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    I have that too. I'm guessing it has something to do with the engine turning an additional cog or two with the clutch engaged, whereas when you have the clutch disengaged nothing is in contact so there's no noise.
     
    jared592, Jun 25, 2008
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  3. Jim_Vess

    Jim_Vess Member

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    It's something worn out in the clutch (the basket, bearing, etc.). This question was answered in the current issue of Sport Rider magazine.

    My XJ550R has the same rattle at idle. The clutch works fine, so I'm going to live with it. I'll deal with it when the clutch needs replaced.
     
    Jim_Vess, Jun 25, 2008
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  4. tumbleweed_biff

    tumbleweed_biff Active Member

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    Long ago, in a land far away (Germany), I drove a TR7 that had what sounds like the exact same problem. It was something called a "throw-out bearing" ... inexpensive part, high labor cost at a German shop.
     
    tumbleweed_biff, Jun 25, 2008
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  5. abames

    abames Member

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    Dont know bike clutches yet but just as tumbleweed_biff mentioned this is the sound i hear from many auto's and tractors when the throw bearing, aka clutch release bearing is going (or dry if it can be repacked).

    Basically it sits doing nothing but rotating freely until clutch is engaged, then it pushes the clutch pressure plate out seperating engine drive from transmission. And like many things the stop rattling when pressure is applied (clutch engaged).
     
    abames, Jun 25, 2008
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  6. stereomind

    stereomind Active Member

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    My 550 makes the same noise in neutral, clutch out. Kinda used to it now... Doubt it's a bearing at 13K miles (It was making the same noise at 8K). It has not gotten worse, nor is the clutch misbehaving. Some folks suggest it might be clutch plate rattle.
     
    stereomind, Jun 26, 2008
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  7. gazzafield

    gazzafield New Member

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    It's a design feature. Loads of older Kawasaki's did it out of the factory. Sometimes balancing the carbs can shut it up a bit.
     
    gazzafield, Jun 26, 2008
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