When i start my Kawasaki ZXR 750L1 from cold it sounds like a bag of spanners.?

Question

It has done 43000 miles, i bought it 6 weeks ago. It runs great but makes a horrible knocking noise that i can also feel through the bars. I dont know when it last had an oil change or if that would make a difference. I know the timing chain makes a noise on these bikes. Should i ignore it or get it sorted? Minimal funds means i cant get a complete overhaul on the engine. Any help would be gratefully received.

Answer 1

I dont know about kwackers, but CBR cam chain tensioners go bad and sound awful. They are relatively simple to replace. While doing that replace oil and filter. They should be replaced every 3000 miles, and since you dont know I'd consider it due. You can pay a little now or a lot later is usually what youre looking at with abnormal engine noises. Hopefully its something simple like the tensioner.

Answer 2

All those are good answers. You should pick up a mechanic's stethoscope and pin point where the noise is coming from. I very long screwdriver will often work also. Put your ear to the handle and touch along the motor until the noise is loudest.

The cam chain tensioner may be the problem. Put the stethoscope right on it. If you can feel the vibration in the bars, chances are it's in the lower engine.

I'd change the oil and cut apart the old filter. Check to see if there are metal particles and how big they are. You can have these tested but as a rule copper colored specks are bearings like rod or main bearing, aluminum specks could indicate the cam chain cutting through the head or block. Steel specks could be a chain or gear failure in your near future.

Check this all out before you ride. A rod coming out the case will ruin the motor and maybe cause a crash and harm. Good luck. (I love the spanner description by the way.)

Answer 3

Starter clutches make that noise when they're getting ready to fail. Sometimes the starter clutch mounting bolts loosen up and lets the starter clutch jingle around.
Whatever the problem may be, stop running the bike and get it checked, before it has a chance to do any major damage!

Answer 4

I would never start it again until you get that seen about. It could be a rod knocking. If you keep running it it will go through the side of the motor if it is a rod. Is it a light vibration or a heavy knocking that gets louder when you rev it up?

Answer 5

Guardrailjim is more than likely right. My Kawasaki made a horrid noise before the starter clutch mechanism failed...... When you say "spanners," are you talking UK english spanners or American english spanners?