Odd noise

Hi everyone

I have a 2003 K3 SV650S which I love to bits. Its done about 12,500 miles and serviced every 2,000. Ive had no problems with it at all. I went out on the weekend with a friend riding pillion, which I have only done twice with this bike. Was out all day and towards the end of the day I noticed a strange noise coming from the bike, even after my friend had got off.

I can only hear it in 1st, 2nd and 3rd and when building up revs, usually around 3k upwards until the engine roar drowns it out, and the noise I can only explain as a metallic shimmering noise which comes, goes, comes etc. which gets faster as the revs increase, and only seems to happen when the bike is moving. Its not overly loud, but loud enough for me to notice. It sounds like something rotating as the noise isnt constant, but comes every split second or so as the bike is moving. Also, it goes when I pull in the clutch as I wondered if there was perhaps grit in the brake pads.

Any ideas?

Gary

Did you lube the chain and check for tight links?

Try and listen to where its coming from on the bike and then everyone will have a better idea. May be the cam chain is loose but i know FA so ..... lol

Surely it can't be brake pad related if the noise goes when you pull the clutch in? How about whilst stationary in neutral? Might begin to narrow down the cause, I'm not much help but I'd be tempted to rule out the brakes if it comes and goes as described.

It does not do it neutral, I have revved the bike with my helmet off and cannot hear it. I cant tell where it is coming from unfortunately as it only does it when it is moving and only started after carrying pillion on the weekend.

As for the chain, it looked ok before I set off, though I havent checked for any tight links, infact, not too sure how you would do this, is it just a case of swivelling each link and checking it moves smoothly?

Check chain lubrication. I get funny noises when my chain isnt lubed properly

If you don't already, get some parrafin to wash the chain properly with, then dry it all off and re-lube. The parrafin will clear out EVERY peice of gunk and carp, leaving you a nice, fresh, good-as-new chain to lube up

Matt

Originally Posted by garyholc

It does not do it neutral, I have revved the bike with my helmet off and cannot hear it. I cant tell where it is coming from unfortunately as it only does it when it is moving and only started after carrying pillion on the weekend.

As for the chain, it looked ok before I set off, though I havent checked for any tight links, infact, not too sure how you would do this, is it just a case of swivelling each link and checking it moves smoothly?

Yep! Swivel it up on the side stand by pulling it towards you and spin the back wheel a bit to check through the chain. Get some gloves on and flex the each link. If you've got a stand then it is a bit easier.....

What about a timing belt/chain? Do these bikes have one and might it need replacing or adjusting around 12.5k?

They have timing chains but if it were one of those you would hear the noise whilst revving in neutral whilst stopped.
Describe the noise a little more. I don't know what a shimmering sound sounds like

Does it do it only with revs building, on constant throttle, or all the time above x rpm?

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by garyholc

What about a timing belt/chain? Do these bikes have one and might it need replacing or adjusting around 12.5k?

Have you checked the final drive chain as described?