Curious about ticking noise

The ticking that I hear from the engine, is that normal or is that something I need to look into?

Well,that all depends.Is it a light ticking,or a heavy knocking?If it's a light noise,it's probably in need of a valve adjustment.If one hasn't been done in the last 3-5000 miles,it should have one for sure any way.If it's a loud double-knocking noise,it could be a rod getting ready to find it's way out of the cases.In either case,take it to a shop,or have a knowledgeable friend give it a listen for an opinion.

If the tapping gets louder or quieter with heat, and its up in the top/valvetrain, then its likely in need of shim adjustment as said.

If its a fast constant rapping that stays the same no matter temps and its down low, it could be more serious.

You can use a length of hose as a stethoscope to pinpoint the location of the sound for a better diagnosis.

GL

Sometimes a small exhaust leak, especially at the copper crush gasket area, is reported as making a ticking sound.

Usually not imminently serious, but is aggravating, and may start emitting some goo around the header clamps which migrates from there.

Good Fortune!

Guess for ticking:

1) valve

2) low octane gas

3) exhaust leak

If an exhaust leak, it will get a lot louder as you open the throttle.

What I hear is not loud. I can hear it when I start up the bike, but after riding it, it seems to go away. The noise itself sounds like it is dry inside somewhere. Yes, it has oil in it and does not leak. I also used premium gasoline. The guy that I bought it from said he adjusted everything to spec, including all new hoses and all clamps tightened.

The only other thing besides the ticking sound, when I ride, there is a misfire every now and then. Especially after I let off the throttle to slow down. I can hear a few popping noises. Could the ticking sound have something to do with the misfire?

KZ1000CSRman wrote:

What I hear is not loud. I can hear it when I start up the bike, but after riding it, it seems to go away. The noise itself sounds like it is dry inside somewhere. Yes, it has oil in it and does not leak. I also used premium gasoline. The guy that I bought it from said he adjusted everything to spec, including all new hoses and all clamps tightened.

The only other thing besides the ticking sound, when I ride, there is a misfire every now and then. Especially after I let off the throttle to slow down. I can hear a few popping noises. Could the ticking sound have something to do with the misfire?

What I hear is not loud. I can hear it when I start up the bike, but after riding it, it seems to go away. --- Could be consistent with small exhaust leak, where heat expansion is helping prevent the leak. But may be a valve tapping (also consistent), or some other source causing the ticking sound.

The only other thing besides the ticking sound, when I ride, there is a misfire every now and then. Especially after I let off the throttle to slow down. I can hear a few popping noises. --- Exhaust popping on deceleration can sometimes be reduced or eliminated by enrichening the pilot circuits a tad, using the pilot mixture adjustment screws.

Could the ticking sound have something to do with the misfire? --- I don't see a connection between the ticking with either a cylinder misfire or exhaust popping.

If not already done, would assure valve clearances are within specs.

Good Fortune!

the dreaded cam chain adjuster slap-tic-knok -etc?bj

That helps a lot Patton. I will look into it. The deal is, it doesn't really bother me, but ever since I registered to this site, I am noticing things I didn't before. All the stuff I want to know about, I am sure they are not a big thing and there's really nothing wrong with the bike. And yes, I won't fix what is not broken either. It is, looks to me like, in good condition with nothing wrong. Maybe I am just getting paranoid. Well, I suppose I could always sell the bike if it really gets to my head.

check and be sure ur plug wires are on good and tite as well.sometimes when they are a bit loose u will get a random misfire and an elec arc sounds like a tic as well.bj

2 places to start pending ticking or slapping sound....

1) Exhaust leak as mentioned... Now don't over torque these nuts.... Just synch them up a little... 10mm wrench or lightly with a socket/ratchet.

2) Perform the timing chain adjuster procedure in your manual...

If problem is still present, then stethoscope for exactly where the sound is being generated...

Example, could be some old RTV ball bouncing up in the valve cover... Could be a loose top idler assembly bolt and your hearing the vibration or tapping on the cover itself.

Just a few to come to mind... Is the sound lower or top end of the engine...

OMR

ticking???

must be an old school kawi...

they tick...