Knocking in neutral, goes away when in gear

Hey all,

my 83 kz550 has a recurring clunk/ knock when the motor is running and in neutral. it gets quieter, though still present, when the clutch lever is held (clutch disengaged), but goes away completely as soon as it is shifted into first gear.

Not really sure where to begin checking on this, so any guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!

Have you synced the carbs?
Steve

Check your timing change tension.
Bill

I have not synced the carbs, and will look at the timing chain tension.

But neither of those would cause a noise that disappears once shifted into gear, would it?

bryced1 wrote: I have not synced the carbs, and will look at the timing chain tension.

But neither of those would cause a noise that disappears once shifted into gear, would it?

It just might.
I have seen ( heard ) rattles from these two issues
Dave

bryced1 wrote: I have not synced the carbs, and will look at the timing chain tension.

But neither of those would cause a noise that disappears once shifted into gear, would it?

It sure would. Without a load (idling in neutral), particularly if the engine is stumbling on one or more cylinders a loose timing chain will slap quite loudly. Once in gear the drag of the transmission alone can be enough to keep the timing chain slack toward the back of the cylinders.
Bill