Ticking noise

[Pterodactyl_imp]

I have not heard any ticking noises from my bike , the one blessing when your hearing is going !

Sorry mate, what was that?

[davidsargee_imp]

I have not heard any ticking noises from my bike , the one blessing when your hearing is going !

Sorry mate, what was that?

Sorry mate, what was that?
Me too, sometimes it can be quite the blessing.
Hearing loss aside, I remember worrying about a ticking noise when I first got mine. The forum Ferret just linked us to was what settled it for me as well.

Since I installed the windscreen, I hear, or think I hear, lots of strange little noises here and there. Air cooled motors do, as suggested in a previous post, have a lot of little sounds like that, part of their character. The whirring of the timing chain and gears are a favorite of mine.

[Red Mist_imp]

Maybe it's this... ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

[GoldOxide_imp]

Maybe it's this... ;-)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tx1XIm6q4r4

Whew! That was strange.

[2017EX_imp]

I waded through the entire thread/link Redbirds referenced in post #3. It appears to me that most all the "ticking noise" posts past and present usually have one of 3 possible sources: Valve adjustment, which I would not suspect at 1,200 miles, gear lash adjustment which again I would not suspect at 1,200 miles, and oil brand/type/ viscosity, combined with filter brand/type.

From the factory I believe Honda uses GN4 10W-30 oil. At my first oil change ( I did it myself ), I switched to Honda HP4S full synthetic 10W-30, with factory Honda oil filter. As was pointed out in Redbirds thread link, when dealers do an oil change, it is from a drum, which may or may not be suspect as to what is actually going into your bike, as well as some instances of over or under fills, not to mention what the dealer charges to do a simple procedure that is DIY friendly. So, did you do the 600 mile first service or did a dealer do it, and what oil and filter was used? I am a "if you want it done right, do it yourself" guy in most instances, provided I have the knowledge and tools. Documented oil changes done yourself using Honda parts will not affect warranty either. Members that have previously used 10W-40, and/or aftermarket oil filters, reported "ticking noise" going away when they switched to 10W-30 with factory filter. For me, I also do not want to open the door for anyone to say a problem was caused by using an aftermarket oil and/or filter.

I, like many of my gear head friends, used to think that thinner oils was an attempt to increase fuel economy, because back in the day, straight 30W was the oil of choice. Then I talked with a custom engine builder at length. He said that back in the day, tolerances were a lot looser ( comparatively ) than they are in engines today. As a result lighter weight multi viscosity oils lubricate tighter tolerances better, and flow through tighter oil passages more freely. Made sense to me, but I am not a professional mechanic or engine expert. Although the manual does allow for 10W-40, I opt for the stock 10W-30 range for those reasons. I run full synthetic in all my machines, and have for years as a matter of personal preference, but there is nothing wrong with GN4 either. I certainly do not want or intend this to turn into yet another oil thread, and only offer this as to what my first trouble shooting step might be and why.

Gear lash adjustment would be next in line, but again I would be very surprised at 1,200 miles if that was the culprit. That said, it is easy to do, but should be done slowly and carefully. I have not had to adjust mine ( I have done it on other bikes ) from where it was set at the factory, and I would say dont do it unless you are confident in your DIY level.

Lastly valve adjustment. As has been pointed out by other members, unless it was done incorrectly at the factory, this should not be the culprit at 1,200 miles. Over the years, I have found Honda to be fanatical about every little thing being done right from the factory in terms of adjustments and everything being buttoned down properly. Many members here have posted that valves were well within spec at 8,000 miles and beyond. Given all the stuff that needs to be taken off to do a valve adjustment check, it is something I personally would not do myself.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Well said 2017EX. Thanks for not posting a YAOT entry . (actually, I wouldn't care if you did )

I have the general belief that the CB is highly tolerant of abuse and maintenance. It is still "loose" by 21st century sport bike standards, and I like having that flexibility.

[jimgl3_imp]

it's when it stops ticking that you need to worry...

[peterbaron]

+1 ^ and

[Houtman_imp]

it's when it stops ticking that you need to worry...

Both your bike and your heart for that matter

[GoldOxide_imp]

Amen to that Houtman.