Unusual Rattling

[Lithium]

Hey all,

This one will probably be a bit difficult to diagnose and for me to describe but recently my bike has started making a rattling/clattering noise from around the engine when pulling away or at low speed/revs (5-10mph).

I can only describe the sound as a something like a marble being shaken in a steel box (creativity at its best) it's irregular and as above only occurs usually when pulling away for a few seconds.

Bikes an 06 Sv650S.

Cheers

[Red Herring]

What's the state of the chain and sprockets?

[Craig380]

Does the noise happen with the bike stationary, in neutral? If not, it's probably not the crank / pistons / top end.

Does the noise still happen if you pull the clutch in? If it continues when you pull the clutch, it could be the chain / sprockets. If it stops when you pull the clutch in, it could be the clutch basket is worn, a broken clutch spring or similar.

As Red Herring suggested, start with the easy stuff. Give the chain a good check for any frozen links and for wear, and give it a good lube first.

[Lithium]

Think it may be solved with chain tension. I cleaned and relubed about a week ago. Completely forgot to check the tension like an idiot. Had about 2 inches of play. Tightened it up and took it for a quick spin so far it seems okay so fingers crossed.

Maybe my imagination but the bike feels a lot smoother.

[AlexRider]

I know it's probably not this, but in case you didn't manage to solve it:

I had a similar noise coming from my 06 SV whilst it was still alive. It turned out to be the exhaust heat guard rattling due to a corroded bolt. Would only rattle whilst moving slowly, any faster and you wouldn't hear it; in neutral you wouldn't hear it either. Really confused me for some time until I had it jacked up to eye level and it was staring me in the face lol.

Otherwise, check what others have suggested.


If tightening the chain did the trick then glad you managed to solve it :)