rumble-gurgle noise in 1 & 2 gears around 3-5000 RPM

I've been noticing a gurgle-pop-rumble noise when pulling out, when the engine is under load (most often when starting off on an uphill grade) in first and second, mostly, and around 3000-5000 RPM range. I ride a 2002 naked SV, and I'm at about 17,300 miles. I haven't had the valve clearance checked, and I'm wondering if this is an early symptom.

Now, I also recently gave the chain a good cleaning, replaced the oil and filter with synthetic, and am thinking of adjusting the chain again real soon (last done about 1000 miles ago). Is it possible I'm hearing something that's always been there but it's now clearly heard because the engine and transmission are much smoother? After the oil change shifting got a lot easier (I'm not the greatest for getting around to that kind of work-- I'd rather ride on a hot day than burn my fingers).

[Red ones]

I can't say what the gurgle-pop-rumble noise is, but will suggest that synthetic is a littl eover teh top for an SV - semi-synthetic is enough and will save loads of money over time if you are changing the oil regularly

Originally Posted by Red ones

I can't say what the gurgle-pop-rumble noise is, but will suggest that synthetic is a littl eover teh top for an SV - semi-synthetic is enough and will save loads of money over time if you are changing the oil regularly

I agree with you in terms of money... I just like synthetics. I like the protection I get if I should miss an oil change. I'll look into semi-synth though.

I also like the ease of start (not so much an issue on the bike as the car... try to start a car in -20F with traditional oil) but at least I know the oil is sticking to the parts when the engine is off.

I don't think it's the oil causing the problem, like I said, I'm wondering if it's something that's even normal to a V-twin but I never heard it because the chain had been so grimy and all, making a lot of noise.

Another option I was thinking is chain wear. It only seems to occur under stress.

carb sync

Originally Posted by RandyO

carb sync

So is this something I should have looked at? Or can I adjust it myself?

Oh... did a quick search on Carb Sync or balancing. Lots of posts. I guess I'll have a look at Haynes and see if I have the tools for it, or at least I'll sound smart when I talk to the mechanic. Thanks, Randy. Makes sense now that I think about how it acts when I hear (feel) the noises.

I follow the owners manual for maintenance pretty religiously, carb sync is suppose to be done every 7500 miles, even though it usually seems to be running good, I always notice it runs better after a service


where in NH are you? I did quite a bit of riding this weekend, about 900 miles (7 tanks of gas)

Originally Posted by RandyO

where in NH are you? I did quite a bit of riding this weekend, about 900 miles (7 tanks of gas)

I'm in Lebanon. Did a big loop from Hartland VT to Middlebury and back yesterday. First time on Rt125 in VT-- wicked nice road (or will be if VT ever paves it). 100 and 107 nice as always.

Saturday did a 2-up ride from Thetford, VT to Montpelier and back down. Only about 2-3 fill ups over the whole weekend. Have you read where there are old pumps all over that only go up to $2.99? Sweet deal if you can find them.

Gonna try the Kank with friends next Saturday. How is it? A guy said they were working on it and it was torn up, though I'd expect NH would want it done for the leaf peepers.

I did Vt loop yesterday too, meet up with a couple gals in Concord then north thru Bristol, NH around the back side of Newfound lake, to orford, across river to Fairlee, then to Chelsea, East Randolph, crossed floating bridge in Brookfield, then northfield, roxbury over Warren Mountain then appalachia Gap (Rt 17) to Bristol, VT, back over lincoln Gap than south on 100 to Londonderry, and Rt 121 the back way into Bellows Falls, then Rt 123 to 9 and I slabbed it back home on 9, total of 450 miles, some of my links are gravel roads

sunday i did NH loop zigzaging north on NH/ME line to Errol then Pittsburg, to whitefield, thru Franconia on 116 to 112, 118 and back side of newfound lake then thru laconia and back home, about 375 miles

Saturday i went to watch races in Loudon, so many SVs now, prolly more than any other particular bike

highest price I paid for gas was $3.84 in Rochester, VT, it was $3.29 here in Farmington, went down to $2.99 today

Kanc is not what it's cracked up to, a good cage destination, I only ride on it on Stupidbowl sunday, it's best to ride Conway to Lincoln, prevaling wind puts a fresh dusting of snow on Conway side, easier to ride uphill in snow than downhill

Rt 118 Warren to Woodstock is sweet, fresh pavement on some of it too