Bought a XJ700 Maxim X... noise question?

It's in good shape, but the carbs need cleaning, and there's something else bothering me... a faint noise from the engine, can't tell exactly where, that sounds like a high-pitched chirping. Don't hear it so much at idle, but when I accelerate it's there.

Is it crazy to think that someone will jump in and say "I've heard that! It was so and so..." based on my terrible description of it?

It's red with 16,800 miles, PO didn't drive it much. Looks like it needs new brake pads.

 

Chirp eh... could be the cam chain hitting the valve cover?

I don't know much about the X's... would assume it has the auto tensioner.

If it does, you can 'assist' it to make sure it has tension.

Remove all 4 plugs.
Remove the left cover, turn the motor backwards (clockwise) two full turns.

SLOWLY.

Stop smooth.

Then quickly turn it forward 3/4 turn or so, while having someone tap on the auto tensioner bolt with the end of a screwdriver or a wooden hammer handle.

Repeat a few times, see if the noise is gone.

If this is not the right way for an X, someone please jump in.

 

Hmm, looking at an exploded view of the camshaft chain on a parts site, I believe it does have the tensioner. That's a good idea. I'll check. Thanks!

 

I had bad carb boots that would do that. Possibility!!?

 

The X has a camchain guide on the top to keep it from slapping the cover so it shouldn't be that.
But that doesn't mean the chain is not loose.

It might be something like the starter clutch not completely dis-engaged.
If it hasn't been driven lately, you never know what's a little sticky or some moisture found a bearing to settle into.

I'd put some more miles on it and maybe do an crankcase flush and give it some nice new oil.
Some prefer kerosine, others like sea-foam. Do a search and see what you come up with.
When ever I do a flush like that, I'll put in new oil and follow up with another oil change in 200 miles or so to get all the junk out.
It's a bit spendy but a gallon of oil is cheaper than one or two of the gaskets if you have to take it apart.

 

I had an X and it made the same kind of whistling "chirp" noise. You can check out Maximum Maxim X for more information on this.

Or, it could be the tensioner...

 

Thanks MadMax, had found the site but didn't remember seeing anything there. Now that you mention is though, it could perhaps be the radiator guard vibration: "I found myself poking and prodding, touching and holding everything on the bike until I finally discoverd the sound originated from the plastic radiator guard." Good tip, I'll check that.

 

Just to throw it out there.... it's not the "Middle Gear Whine" is it?

http://xjbikes.com/Forums/viewtopic/t=18442/