Engine knock?

Exponent · January 1st, 2024, 02:00 PM

Check this video, sound is about 10 seconds in. It only happens at low/lugging rpm. Is it knock or just pinging?

https://youtu.be/FlSduxKclqo?si=AAhGfD1rRPzgFyTk

Triple Jim · January 1st, 2024, 03:50 PM

Is it any different with the clutch lever pulled in, vs. let out?

ducatiman · January 1st, 2024, 03:55 PM

i'd suggest an immediate valve clearance check, assuring they are not tight, followed by a carb synch

See how it responds and take further tuning action if results do not improve

Exponent · January 1st, 2024, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triple Jim

Is it any different with the clutch lever pulled in, vs. let out?

Not that I noticed, once the bike is warm the sound is gone from the idle

Triple Jim · January 1st, 2024, 07:21 PM

It's really hard to tell from the video, but I'd guess it's cam chain noise or maybe primary gear or clutch slop. It's not pinging. I've heard a similar noise from mine at times, but I can't tell the relative sound level. Since it goes away when the engine is hot, it's probably nothing like worn out main bearings.

Mohawk · January 2nd, 2024, 03:42 PM

That knocking is the knackered clutch plastic bushings. I know it well if you search on here you should find a post from me from a few years ago, where I replaced my clutch with one from a 2008-2012 250R which uses the more normal spring back lash clutch dampers.

The plastic bushes lose shape then go hard then disintegrate & you are left with that knocking because the clutch now has no back lash dampening. You can ride the bike like that if you can live with the noise, but best to get it fixed.

Exponent · January 6th, 2024, 04:17 PM

Update its defintely the clutch, listened to it while the engine was warming up (begrudgingly) and pulled the lever and listened. The knock sound fades with lever in.
Proceeded to adjust the clutch arm at the basket and the sound has gone but, now the bike dies when the clutch engages with lever out and does not move.

Any ideas?

Mohawk · January 6th, 2024, 04:35 PM

You can't adjust it out. It's not an adjustable thing, it's a design thing, as in poor/cheap pic one or both.

Exponent · January 6th, 2024, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mohawk

You can't adjust it out. It's not an adjustable thing, it's a design thing, as in poor/cheap pic one or both.

Well I did something, ugh

Exponent · January 6th, 2024, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Exponent

Well I did something, ugh

might have just been kickstand sensor

GreyowlVII · January 8th, 2024, 08:59 PM

Just got this post in my newsletter and this sounds exactly the same as my 06 that recently started doing the same. Definitely going to investigate my clutch as well. Might save me the price of a new engine

January 1st, 2024, 02:00 PM	#1
Exponent ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Chicago Join Date: Oct 2023 Motorcycle(s): Honda CB550, 04 Ninja 250 Posts: 19	Engine knock? Check this video, sound is about 10 seconds in. It only happens at low/lugging rpm. Is it knock or just pinging? https://youtu.be/FlSduxKclqo?si=AAhGfD1rRPzgFyTk __________________________________________________ Don't be hasty

January 1st, 2024, 03:55 PM	#3
ducatiman ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Gordon Location: new york Join Date: Sep 2009 Motorcycle(s): '95 DUCATI 900SS/SP '07 DUCATI SS800 '19 HONDA CBR650R Posts: A lot. MOTM - Nov '18, Mar '17	i'd suggest an immediate valve clearance check, assuring they are not tight, followed by a carb synch See how it responds and take further tuning action if results do not improve __________________________________________________ gordon@customcarbservices.com Custom Carb Service www.customcarbservices.com

January 6th, 2024, 04:17 PM	#7
Exponent ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Chicago Join Date: Oct 2023 Motorcycle(s): Honda CB550, 04 Ninja 250 Posts: 19	Update its defintely the clutch, listened to it while the engine was warming up (begrudgingly) and pulled the lever and listened. The knock sound fades with lever in. Proceeded to adjust the clutch arm at the basket and the sound has gone but, now the bike dies when the clutch engages with lever out and does not move. Any ideas? __________________________________________________ Don't be hasty

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January 1st, 2024, 03:50 PM	#2
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	Is it any different with the clutch lever pulled in, vs. let out?

January 1st, 2024, 07:21 PM	#5
Triple Jim Guy Who Enjoys Riding Name: Jim Location: North Carolina Join Date: Jul 2016 Motorcycle(s): Ninja 250 Posts: A lot. MOTM - Oct '18, Aug '17, Aug '16	It's really hard to tell from the video, but I'd guess it's cam chain noise or maybe primary gear or clutch slop. It's not pinging. I've heard a similar noise from mine at times, but I can't tell the relative sound level. Since it goes away when the engine is hot, it's probably nothing like worn out main bearings.

January 2nd, 2024, 03:42 PM	#6
Mohawk ninjette.org guru Name: Chris Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): ZZR250, VFR800 Posts: 478	That knocking is the knackered clutch plastic bushings. I know it well if you search on here you should find a post from me from a few years ago, where I replaced my clutch with one from a 2008-2012 250R which uses the more normal spring back lash clutch dampers. The plastic bushes lose shape then go hard then disintegrate & you are left with that knocking because the clutch now has no back lash dampening. You can ride the bike like that if you can live with the noise, but best to get it fixed.

January 6th, 2024, 04:35 PM	#8
Mohawk ninjette.org guru Name: Chris Location: Bristol, UK Join Date: Feb 2016 Motorcycle(s): ZZR250, VFR800 Posts: 478	You can't adjust it out. It's not an adjustable thing, it's a design thing, as in poor/cheap pic one or both.

January 8th, 2024, 08:59 PM	#11
GreyowlVII ninjette.org newbie Name: Eli Location: Sacramento Join Date: Oct 2020 Motorcycle(s): 06' EX250 Posts: 7	Just got this post in my newsletter and this sounds exactly the same as my 06 that recently started doing the same. Definitely going to investigate my clutch as well. Might save me the price of a new engine