High-pitched rattling above 8000rpm

lognaturel · October 9th, 2010, 03:39 PM

Hello,

I've put about 1200 miles on my 2009 and am hoping you can help me decide whether the noise and vibration I'm experiencing above 8000RPM is part of the joy of these bikes or something I should look deeper into! I was surprised not to find any information on here and that has me a bit worried that it's not normal. If it's just that I just can't search, I'm sorry!

I found this review of the 2001 summed up what I was experiencing pretty well:

Quote:

Above 8000 RPM, it starts to sound like it's screaming and destroying itself -- this isn't the case, but that's kind of what it sounds like, particularly to someone who's not accustomed to it. Right around 9000 RPM, the engine induces uncomfortable vibrations into the frame, handlebars and pegs. It's not awful, but it's not pleasant. This is also the loudest RPM, hitting some kind of resonance and increasing the noise for a span of nearly 1000 RPM.

At almost exactly 8000RPM my bike starts to sound like it's going to rattle itself apart and sure enough, at around 9000RPM it's vibrating at a really high frequency. Is it still a known feature?

Thanks,

Hélène.

Domagoj · October 10th, 2010, 03:25 AM

I have never felt excessive vibration of the frame on any rpm. It does buzz much louder, but nothing feels shaky to me.

I did have a noise/rattling problem due to badly attached fairing part. But that should not cause vibration problems. Maybe it is a good idea to check anyway, especially if you took fairings off recently.

I hope you solve the problems soon.

dubojr1 · October 10th, 2010, 06:00 AM

There has been some cases of the clutch lever rattling that sounded like a bigger problem than they are. Grab your clutch lever when you hear the noise, just enough to steady it but not enough to disengage it. May help, may not. I hope it is something this simple. GL!

kkim · October 10th, 2010, 11:30 AM

also, if it's not the clutch lever rattling (the most common rattling complaint voiced by many), check your engine mounting bolts to see if they are loose, if you are concerned.

lognaturel · October 10th, 2010, 02:07 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I'll try holding down the clutch lever when I get a chance to take her out for more than a commute and will take a look at the engine mounting bolts.

The 'similar threads' showing up at the bottom seem to indicate others with a similar experience (why didn't I find them before?!) so I think I'm going to go with not being too worried about it!

cbowman78 · October 11th, 2010, 06:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lognaturel

Hello,

I've put about 1200 miles on my 2009 and am hoping you can help me decide whether the noise and vibration I'm experiencing above 8000RPM is part of the joy of these bikes or something I should look deeper into! I was surprised not to find any information on here and that has me a bit worried that it's not normal. If it's just that I just can't search, I'm sorry!

I found this review of the 2001 summed up what I was experiencing pretty well:

At almost exactly 8000RPM my bike starts to sound like it's going to rattle itself apart and sure enough, at around 9000RPM it's vibrating at a really high frequency. Is it still a known feature?

Thanks,

Hélène.

I have the exact same problem with my bike. I am going to have to try the couple of ideas mentioned in this thread and see if I can eliminate it.

The rattling noise is only present between 8000-8500 rpm.

spooph · October 11th, 2010, 08:06 AM

I used to have these noises too!

Just to clarify on the clutch, just put a finger or 2 on top of the clutch, you don't have to pull it in at all.

Also, if you're comfortable riding one handed, an easy way to check the is to start holding various parts of the fairings. I found that it was my windshield vibrating on the front fairing, at the very top edge of the windshield, and fixed this problem by wedging a small sliver of old inner-tube between the windshield and front fairing.

I have also found a rattling from the VIN plate located up by the steering neck (what is the proper term for this?). I wasn't sure how to fix it (maybe drill the rivets and re-rivet it to the frame?), and then I off-roaded the ninja, which caused the plate to break off, so I tossed it in the box of "extraneous parts" I keep removing from the bike... FYI - the VIN plate is located underneath the left handlebar, below the gas tank. If you move the handlebars back and forth you can see it quite easily.

And I've found other various rattles from brackets, cable stays and such on the front end of the bike, usually after I wrench, and forget to re-torque some bolts. This however doesn't seem to be your problem, so I'd check the clutch lever, windshield, and then the VIN plate in that order. Best of luck and post up your results, eh?

lognaturel · October 14th, 2010, 05:58 PM

Brilliant -- it's the clutch lever. I had been trying to hold down various fairing pieces and was really puzzled, now I feel a little sheepish for not thinking of it. But the noise doesn't sound at all like it could be coming from there! It truly sounds like the whole thing is about to rattle apart.

I'm happy to have the mystery solved. Now to find a clever way to make it stop...

want1sobad · October 15th, 2010, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lognaturel

Now to find a clever way to make it stop...

just cover the clutch while riding

tjkamper · October 15th, 2010, 02:29 PM

Remove the Clutch Lever bolt Then Re install it. Mine was damaged from the factory. Taking it out and then reinstalling it should fix your problem. If the bolt is damaged replace it with a new one for the install.

kkim · October 15th, 2010, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lognaturel

Brilliant -- it's the clutch lever. I had been trying to hold down various fairing pieces and was really puzzled, now I feel a little sheepish for not thinking of it. But the noise doesn't sound at all like it could be coming from there! It truly sounds like the whole thing is about to rattle apart.

I'm happy to have the mystery solved. Now to find a clever way to make it stop...

yes, as Vince suggests, just ride with your fingers on the clutch lever. I normally ride with fingers on both the clutch and brake levers, which is why I've never had this rattling problem and couldn't figure it out at first when many were complaining of it. Just be sure you apply no actuating pressure at all on those levers when you're not using them.

You can see I have my fingers on both levers during this entire vid.

Link to original page on YouTube.

lognaturel · October 16th, 2010, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

yes, as Vince suggests, just ride with your fingers on the clutch lever.

Hmm. I've been experimenting with that and I don't really feel comfortable with it. I read some related posts and saw that it's reported as something folks get from dirt biking. What's the rationale? It doesn't feel like it makes my reaction time any faster and I feel somewhat less stable?

I'll try tjkamper's advice at some point. Thanks, all!

kkim · October 16th, 2010, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lognaturel

Hmm. I've been experimenting with that and I don't really feel comfortable with it. I read some related posts and saw that it's reported as something folks get from dirt biking. What's the rationale? It doesn't feel like it makes my reaction time any faster and I feel somewhat less stable?

I'll try tjkamper's advice at some point. Thanks, all!

really... anything that makes you uncomfortable or less stable when riding is not a good thing, so if you abandon the thought of covering your brakes/clutch with your finger when you ride, I fully understand. Keep in mind, though, not only dirt bikers cover their levers when riding. It does cut down on reaction time, no matter what it may feel like to you.

It could be that your levers/perches are not set up correctly for you. Try this... sit in your normal riding position on your bike, grab the handlebars just as you do when riding. Extend your index fingers out like you are trying to put them around an imaginary lever. Are your actual levers in that position? If not, you need to loosen and position your hand controls so the levers do fall into your fingers when you reach out for them... or as close as you can get the levers to that position, is more accurate. You'll find you can't get it exactly where you want it due to how the levers are mounted on the 250R.

Now try riding with your fingers on your levers... does it feel any better? if so, you've found a way to stop your clutch lever rattle. if not, continue to ride the way that feels the most comfortable to you... at least your levers/perches have been optimized for your hands.

Jaysep · April 22nd, 2011, 06:13 AM

I was able to find a solution for this. I'm not sure you will agree, but it works for me. All it took was a consumed plastic bottle of Coke or whatever softdrink. Basically, I made two "washers" using the plastic bottle. You just need scissors, drill, or cutter (to make the middle hole). You can put this in between the lever and the mount where you install the bolt. You should put it on the upper and lower part.

460920030CSSR.jpg

It got rid of the rattling for me. Why plastic bottle? Because the plastic washers I saw were too thick and when I installed them, the lever lost its "play". The lever has to be a bit loose with a certain clearance.

Hope this helps for some.

lognaturel · April 22nd, 2011, 09:56 AM

I like that! I'll have to give it a shot -- I still don't really like riding with a finger on the clutch lever even though everything feels well-adjusted.

October 10th, 2010, 06:00 AM	#3
dubojr1 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Jason Location: Jacksonville, Florida Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 09 Ninja 250R SE, 07 Honda CRF230F, 06 Honda CRF150F Posts: A lot.	There has been some cases of the clutch lever rattling that sounded like a bigger problem than they are. Grab your clutch lever when you hear the noise, just enough to steady it but not enough to disengage it. May help, may not. I hope it is something this simple. GL! __________________________________________________ 09 250R SE: Paying it forward one post at a time! Don't forget to add yourself to our Member Map

October 11th, 2010, 08:06 AM	#7
spooph ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Spooph Location: Golden, CO Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '15	I used to have these noises too! Just to clarify on the clutch, just put a finger or 2 on top of the clutch, you don't have to pull it in at all. Also, if you're comfortable riding one handed, an easy way to check the is to start holding various parts of the fairings. I found that it was my windshield vibrating on the front fairing, at the very top edge of the windshield, and fixed this problem by wedging a small sliver of old inner-tube between the windshield and front fairing. I have also found a rattling from the VIN plate located up by the steering neck (what is the proper term for this?). I wasn't sure how to fix it (maybe drill the rivets and re-rivet it to the frame?), and then I off-roaded the ninja, which caused the plate to break off, so I tossed it in the box of "extraneous parts" I keep removing from the bike... FYI - the VIN plate is located underneath the left handlebar, below the gas tank. If you move the handlebars back and forth you can see it quite easily. And I've found other various rattles from brackets, cable stays and such on the front end of the bike, usually after I wrench, and forget to re-torque some bolts. This however doesn't seem to be your problem, so I'd check the clutch lever, windshield, and then the VIN plate in that order. Best of luck and post up your results, eh? __________________________________________________ My therapist has 2 wheels and a seat. If you are ever in doubt to my tone, please refer to my avatar.

October 15th, 2010, 02:29 PM	#10
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Remove the Clutch Lever bolt Then Re install it. Mine was damaged from the factory. Taking it out and then reinstalling it should fix your problem. If the bolt is damaged replace it with a new one for the install. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
[crash.net - MotoGP] - PICS: Pedrosa pitched out of second place	Ninjette Newsbot	Motorcycling News	0	September 28th, 2014 08:50 AM
High pitched engine whine when speeding up.	Monkeytofu	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	3	October 10th, 2012 09:08 AM
engine sound is much deeper pitched.	EvnEvn724	1986 - 2007 Ninja 250R Farkles	4	July 26th, 2011 11:07 AM
Surging above 8000rpm	wyckedflesh	2008 - 2012 Ninja 250R Tech Talk	3	February 3rd, 2011 09:59 PM
car help, high pitched noise	hybridxx	Off-Topic	22	December 8th, 2010 11:25 AM

October 10th, 2010, 03:25 AM	#2
Domagoj ninjette.org guru Name: Domagoj Location: Rijeka, Croatia Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r 2009 Posts: 396	I have never felt excessive vibration of the frame on any rpm. It does buzz much louder, but nothing feels shaky to me. I did have a noise/rattling problem due to badly attached fairing part. But that should not cause vibration problems. Maybe it is a good idea to check anyway, especially if you took fairings off recently. I hope you solve the problems soon.

October 10th, 2010, 11:30 AM	#4
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	also, if it's not the clutch lever rattling (the most common rattling complaint voiced by many), check your engine mounting bolts to see if they are loose, if you are concerned.

October 10th, 2010, 02:07 PM	#5
lognaturel Rockin' Name: Hélène Location: Seattle Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 14	Thanks for the ideas. I'll try holding down the clutch lever when I get a chance to take her out for more than a commute and will take a look at the engine mounting bolts. The 'similar threads' showing up at the bottom seem to indicate others with a similar experience (why didn't I find them before?!) so I think I'm going to go with not being too worried about it!

October 14th, 2010, 05:58 PM	#8
lognaturel Rockin' Name: Hélène Location: Seattle Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 14	Brilliant -- it's the clutch lever. I had been trying to hold down various fairing pieces and was really puzzled, now I feel a little sheepish for not thinking of it. But the noise doesn't sound at all like it could be coming from there! It truly sounds like the whole thing is about to rattle apart. I'm happy to have the mystery solved. Now to find a clever way to make it stop...

April 22nd, 2011, 06:13 AM	#14
Jaysep Pinoy Name: Jay Location: Manila Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250r, KMX, mio soul Posts: 25	I was able to find a solution for this. I'm not sure you will agree, but it works for me. All it took was a consumed plastic bottle of Coke or whatever softdrink. Basically, I made two "washers" using the plastic bottle. You just need scissors, drill, or cutter (to make the middle hole). You can put this in between the lever and the mount where you install the bolt. You should put it on the upper and lower part. 460920030CSSR.jpg It got rid of the rattling for me. Why plastic bottle? Because the plastic washers I saw were too thick and when I installed them, the lever lost its "play". The lever has to be a bit loose with a certain clearance. Hope this helps for some.

April 22nd, 2011, 09:56 AM	#15
lognaturel Rockin' Name: Hélène Location: Seattle Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Red 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: 14	I like that! I'll have to give it a shot -- I still don't really like riding with a finger on the clutch lever even though everything feels well-adjusted.