Ticking noise when riding, not valves I don't think.

When I'm riding I'm hearing a ticking noise coming from the front of the bike, it increases and decreases it's speed in relation to my speed.

Don't think it's the valves, could it be the speedo cable or something similar?

Anyone had anything similar?

Thanks!

 

Is it related to engine RPM or bike speed? If it's RPM, could be a leaking exhaust header gasket. If it's speed, you might be right with the speedo cable idea. Jack up the front and spin the wheel to try and find the source.

 

Is it related to engine RPM or bike speed? If it's RPM, could be a leaking exhaust header gasket. If it's speed, you might be right with the speedo cable idea. Jack up the front and spin the wheel to try and find the source.

 

very possibly the speedo cable or the instrument itself; spinning the front wheel you should be able to find it.

 

Try pulling on the front brake slightly and see if it goes away

 

If its the speedo whats the usual cause? Sticky cable?

 

There's only 3 things it could be - the drive, the cable or the speedo itself.

Take the cable off the bike - does it spin freely in the sheath? Take it out of the sheath (it will only go one way). Is it dry / frayed / stuck?

If that's OK, lift the front and spin the wheel - is the speedo drive noisy?

If that all checks out, I use a small piece of speedo cable in a cordless drill to check the speedo itself.

Good luck with it.

 

Looks to be the valves/tappets, will be servicing her soon so will look at it then.

 

My speedo hub drive unit is making a tick, but I'm trying to ignore it.
Time for some service.

 

Actually, mine makes a ticking noise, and after looking around, there are 4 small bolts in the exhaust lines. If one of them are missing, like mine, this will cause a ticking and make a difference with the RPM's.

 

A loose and leaking Exhaust Collar will often make a noise that is very similar to an Engine Knock.
Scary!
Sometimes it will also cause a: "Putt-putt-putt" note upon deceleration.

A Ticking Noise that is Rotational and increases with Speed may be something lodged within the Tread of the Front Tire.

 

Make sure your chin strap is buckled. HA HA! sorry..couldn't resist.

 

+1 on this. A loose exhaust collar sounds almost exactly like what I imagine engine knock / valve clatter would sound like. It was a quick fix for me. Careful not to overtorque!

 

Have tried all of these to no avail, thing we've tracked it down to the timing chain but can't adjust that as far as I'm aware?

Anyone else have any suggestions?

Cheers!

 

Timing chain? As in camshaft chain?

It is adjustable; there are two types of adjusters: "Automatic" which still requires a certain technique to accomplish; and "manual" which requires loosening of a locknut and bolt on the side of the adjuster to allow the plunger to take up the slack.

I'm not sure at all which type your bike has.

 

Speed variable rotational ticking?

First thing to look for is something stuck in the Tread of the Front Tire.

Then, inspect the Front Brake Pads for needing to be replaced because there's almost nothing left.

 

No, it's in time to the engine revs.

 

Check/adjust valve clearances and camchain and see what happens.

 

Do an Investigation.
See if you have any Valves that are "Out of Specs" for being to loose.
Shim any that are at the Limit to the "Close Limit"

Look at the INSIDE of the Cam Cover to see if the Chain has made contact with the Inside of the Cover.
Lift the Chain off the Chain Guide Bridge between the two Cams.
If the Chain lifts, ... Remove the Slack in the Chain Manually.

Look at each one of the Shim's surfaces for scoring.
Look at each one of the Cam Lobes for an imperfection of any kind.

 

Looks like an "automatic" one but even the guys at the local Yamaha dealership are scratching their heads!