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03-01-2009, 12:00 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Any clue what might be causing this noise?  1983 CX650C with 23,000 miles on it.  Has been ridden somewhat regularly throughout its life.  The noise starts at around 1500 RPM.  Seems to be low in the engine and more in the front.  Clutch in/out does not affect the noise.  Changed oil, dropped oil and checked screen and also dissected the filter - no signs of metal.  Checked the valve adjustments today.  I don't see anything externally loose anywhere - at least obvious that would be causing such a rattle.  Is this camchain related?  I thought that was more in the back of engine and more prominent at 3000 RPM's and up... MP3 Sound Clip 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-01-2009, 12:31 PM the cheese Joined on 11-23-2007 Toccoa,GA Posts 795 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached It sounds like a rad. fan knocking around. But it has a electric fan. So I don't have a clue. Did it suddenly start, or sneak up on you? Michael 1981 CX500 Custom Sadly sold 1981 CB650 Custom (It Runs!) Just say no to skin graphs, wear your gear!    Report

03-01-2009, 1:19 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Yes, it has electric fan that isn't always spinning - already checked it for play anyway and it seemed fine.  Noise is present when the fan is and is not running. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-01-2009, 1:51 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,651 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Have you had the engine out before and know the wear on the cam chain?I certainly wouldn't ride the bike until you have found the problem and it does sound like a worn cam chain. My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

03-01-2009, 1:55 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Hi Shep, I have not had the engine out before.  I didn't plan on riding the bike until I could track this noise down as I did not want to possibly do any further damage.  Its a bit too cold here for riding anyway! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-01-2009, 2:31 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,651 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached  wildmanwill wrote: Hi Shep, I have not had the engine out before.  I didn't plan on riding the bike until I could track this noise down as I did not want to possibly do any further damage.  Its a bit too cold here for riding anyway! As it's a 650 and the inner engine spares are rare if not impossible to find like Piston rings etc I'd treat it precious and get the engine out and at least get ready to change the cam chain which as you know has been the downfall and caused the premature death of many a CX engine through neglect/ignorance and conversely well maintained and serviced CXs have done over 200,000 miles. My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

03-01-2009, 8:03 PM Timothy_D Joined on 04-22-2006 Santa Rosa, CA Posts 1,585 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Dude, I cannot believe that you revved it that high for that long with THAT noise. You might be able to see the cam chain tensioner and cam chain using a dental mirror and a flashlight through the timing cover hole. Whatever that noise is it's not a good one.  My CX650E has a loose cam chain (and probably a broken tensioner), and it doesn't sound that bad. CX500 Turbo, GL650I, Two CX650E's, and one Crown Jewel of the CX line- CX650T. Why do I own five CX/GL bikes? Ask an alcoholic why he drinks. Donating Member. Sold: 1981 CX500D, 2- 1982 CX500T's, 1983 CX650C.    Report

03-02-2009, 12:53 AM Connella08 Joined on 06-01-2007 Mendon,MA Posts 340 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached i dont know a 650 at all, but if the engine design is anything like the 500, it probably isnt the cam chain tensioner. he said the noise is coming from more toward the front and i believe the cam chain is in the back. that noise sounds like maybe it could be a worn lifter or maybe a slipping pushrod (valve may not be closing fast enough causing the push rod to rattle, could maybe be a bad valve if thats the case.)    Report

03-02-2009, 2:31 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Tim - Thanks for advice about looking in the timing hole - I had previously shined a light in there, but unfortunately didn't have a mirror to use.  Yes, so that was some higher RPMs, but not anymore than riding it there was - probably just sounded worse/exaggerated on the recording. Connela - Yes, when I used the stethoscope method the sound does not seem to be coming from the rear of the engine.  Then again, I couldn't pinpoint the source in the front of the engine either! As I mentioned before - I don't plan on continuing to ride the bike with this sound.  Sounds like (no pun intended), that pulling the engine and checking it out is going to be the best solution and answer what the noise really is. If it was camchain related, would there be any noticeable noises emitting from the timing cover hole when turning the 17mm in the front? 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-02-2009, 3:58 AM GL700Wing Joined on 04-28-2006 Canberra, Australia Posts 78 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Could it be the starter clutch?  If the heads have sheared off any of the the Torx bolts they could be rattling around in the outer starter clutch. See the following posts for more info: Starter Clutch problems - mainly affects CX/GL650s ... Starter clutch Torx screws 1978 GL1000 GoldWing 1980 CX500 Shadow 2006 NT700V Deauville 2006 F650GS Dakar Previously: 1976 CB250 1976 400/4 Super Sports 1980 CX500 Shadow (new) 1983 GL650 SilverWing Interstate 1983 GL700 Wing Interstate 2004 NT650V Deauville    Report

03-02-2009, 5:00 AM Reg in Bristol Joined on 03-11-2006 Bristol UK Posts 783 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached My first thought was 'big end' however sound clips are notoriously unreliable and can make good motors sound tinny and rattly at the best of times.    The 'Mongrel' is on the road 78 frame, ZAB gubbins, 82 'TI' motor, Suzuki clocks, MZ screen and gaiters, Kawasaki master cylinder, BMW horns DIY wiring and all thrown together with a fanatical inattention to detail :-)    Report

03-02-2009, 5:08 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached  GL700Wing wrote: Could it be the starter clutch?  If the heads have sheared off any of the the Torx bolts they could be rattling around in the outer starter clutch. See the following posts for more info: Starter Clutch problems - mainly affects CX/GL650s ... Starter clutch Torx screws Hi Kathy!  Thanks for your input and another possibility.  Could the starter clutch be affected even though there aren't any unusual sounds when starting the bike? Thanks! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-02-2009, 9:45 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Will, It sounds scary, but as has been said, tinny.  I'd think not anything "heavy", not bearings or cams or such.  I'd be inclined to look/listen  real closely outside the engine, inside the exhaust in particular.  I've had cracked engine guard mounts make similiar noises too.  23k miles is not much, and the 650s are as sound as the 500s IMO.  Unless someone ran the thing with no oil (or coolant), I'd remain quite hopeful this is not an engine needing a rebuild.  Kathy may be onto something, but maybe not the starter area, something broken off the clutch maybe.  I know Shep gets nervous about the availability of 650 engines and parts, but in the US they're to be found and reasonable.  Keep the faith and I'll keep it with you.   If worse comes to worse, replacement engines are out there for less than parts costs, if you can get around shipping costs.  They seem to be growing on trees in Wisconsin .   Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

03-02-2009, 5:10 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Rausch713 stated this in the past about his bike - "There is a rattle in the muffler - search my old posts - the folks here said that if I found new ones great - but that it would run like that with no prob.  The rattle is at "warm"  Not there when you first start it and not there after the bike has fully warmed up to hot."  What would cause such a rattle to only be present when the bike is warmed up?  Maybe my noise is exhaust related (as Rich suggested).  I guess something else to investigate. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-08-2009, 4:09 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached - Update I removed the exhaust components on Thursday - shook them and didn't hear any obvious ratteling. Today I transported the bike to Len in PA's.  Put the exhaust components back on.  We started the bike and let it warm up and idle.  Did not hear the sound heard in the clip.  David in Wisconsin also consulted us and helped us with troubleshooting.  We've pretty much ruled out any starter clutch issues as there are no abnormal noises when the starter is spinning or when the bike is started.  We're also hesistant to think that its a camchain related issue as the noise was not present today and also due to the lack of any metal in the oil pan, sump screen, and oil filter (as mentioned in my first post).  We took the mufflers off and shined a light in them and also tapped the sides.  Nothing appeared to be loose.  Did not remove the collector box.  I'm going to track down some gaskets this week and well hopefully reassemble the exhaust system and see if we hear anything.  I'm wondering if something was loose when I removed the exhuast components the first time?  1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

03-08-2009, 6:35 PM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached - Update I had a broken weld on an H-Box internal baffle years ago, was able to weld it thru the port as I recall.  It was one of the "deflectors" that splits the exhaust stream.  I think you should take it out and run the crap out of it, and see if the noise comes back, or not, or gets worse.  It doesn't sound bad enough to blow up.  Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

04-06-2009, 9:05 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached - Update Bike has been reassembled, noise is present again.  Going to check the tach/speedo and associated cables and components.  I'm thinking that the noise is exaggerated and reflected due to the plexifairing that I have on.  I'm not overly worried about it at this point, as I mentioned before the noise did not seem to be present with the plexifairing and various exhaust components removed. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

04-06-2009, 4:24 PM hakko808 Joined on 05-25-2008 Fargo, ND Posts 894 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Hard to tell, but sounds like it has a pretty good miss at times and exhaust backfiring a bit. Like intermittent ignition on a cylinder. It does wheeze like mine, where other clips do not.    Report

04-06-2009, 4:37 PM Shep Joined on 01-30-2007 UK.2x1980CX500A Posts 7,651 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached To rule out at least the exhausts can you swap another pair onto it? going back to the original mp3 it doe not sound good My Music http://www.reverbnation.com/pauldouglas/ Join Just In Case :) http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/ Id quot circumiret, circumveniat    Report

04-06-2009, 5:34 PM Reg in Bristol Joined on 03-11-2006 Bristol UK Posts 783 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached Just listened to it again and while i dont want be be a doomsayer it dont half sound like a major bearing I suggest you put the sound file in the 'show me yours' section I'll be adding a link to my snapped crank when it finishes uploading The 'Mongrel' is on the road 78 frame, ZAB gubbins, 82 'TI' motor, Suzuki clocks, MZ screen and gaiters, Kawasaki master cylinder, BMW horns DIY wiring and all thrown together with a fanatical inattention to detail :-)    Report

04-06-2009, 6:37 PM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Engine Noise - Sound Clip Attached I re-recorded mine from a cold engine to warming up.  Sometime more noticeable on deceleration when riding.  I never revved the engine over 3500 in the making of this sound clip. The second clip is primarily of the noise, if you wish to cut to the chase... I took the plexifairing for this recording session.  Its a rattling type noise which still seems near the front of the engine and low. Reg- I put the sound links in the thread you suggested as well! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

05-21-2009, 9:37 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached  Shep wrote: To rule out at least the exhausts can you swap another pair onto it? going back to the original mp3 it doe not sound good I've finally secured a complete exhaust system to try out in an effort to determine if one of the exhaust components is indeed the source of the rattle... Will report back my findings once I have had time to complete this task... 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

05-21-2009, 10:41 AM kenglong Joined on 06-04-2006 Albuquerque, NM Posts 266 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Sometimes the problem is right in front of you...literally. I had been hearing a "tinging" noise at certain rpm's and thought about possible problem. Maybe the oil pump chain, maybe the cam chain, maybe my ride bell, maybe...who knows. Anyway, while riding home one afternoon the noise was extra loud and I looked at my keys in the ignition. I reached up and touched them and the noise went away. Ken in Albuquerque '83 GL650 Silverwing    Report

05-21-2009, 11:02 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Ruled it (only key on my ring is the ignition key) out a long time ago - excellent suggestion though!! 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

05-21-2009, 11:43 AM Reg in Bristol Joined on 03-11-2006 Bristol UK Posts 783 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached I've been caught out by rattling keys as well Just listened to the latest sound clip, wont try and guess. Hope you get to the bottom of it, it would be bugging the hell out of me The 'Mongrel' is on the road 78 frame, ZAB gubbins, 82 'TI' motor, Suzuki clocks, MZ screen and gaiters, Kawasaki master cylinder, BMW horns DIY wiring and all thrown together with a fanatical inattention to detail :-)    Report

05-21-2009, 10:38 PM raycw Joined on 01-12-2009 Posts 17 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached A couple of things I'd like to add. Listening to the sound clip I hear that the engine is running very rich at the midrange and it sounds like a cylinder is dead at mid rpm also. As you rev the engine pull the spark plug lead away from the plug and see if there's a change in sound. Try the other plug lead if there's no change. Part of the sound clip also sounded like a broken cam chain tensioner but not the chain rattling. It definately doesn't sound like a starter clutch but I'd be very hesitant to continue riding the bike with this kind of noise.    Report

05-21-2009, 11:17 PM hakko808 Joined on 05-25-2008 Fargo, ND Posts 894 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Sounds like mine when the cam chain guide was busted and chain was loose, but does not make sense that does not make the noise cold. As for the milage, mine was just shy of 19000 miles and was broken. I really wish I could figure out what that whine is. Mine is not as bad as the clip sounds but it drives me nuts, and the 500s do not seem to have it near as bad.    Report

05-22-2009, 2:55 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Thanks guys.  Yeah, hopefully I can get to the bottom of it soon.  Everytime that I hear the engine running and hear that noise it bugs me.  If it was the camchain or any related compnents then I would have expected to find metal fragments in the oil, oil filter, and/or pump screen/oil pan. 1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

05-26-2009, 12:52 AM Lambykin Joined on 09-14-2008 Burlington, Ontario Posts 1,076 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached Went to hear your noise again, but for whatever reason, the links aren't working for me at the moment. I've had my bike back on the road a week & a half now. My cam chain & guides were replaced, and the valves were properly adjusted. I have a new noise that didn't exist in the fall, but I also have a "new" exhaust on the bike. At first I thought it was internal to the engine, but after listening to it more, the sound was a bit erratic, sounded more hollow & tinny (like exhaust), and would usually show up when the engine was wound up & left to return to idle quickly (bike sitting, not in motion). I've re-adjusted the cam chain since, no change. I'm no longer concerned about it, and might swap to my old exhaust that was silent if I have nothing better to do. I'm no longer concerned because it was only a few days ago I had the bike out on the highway at a steady 120-130kph, with the engine humming happily. If this noise was an engine issue, it would have self-detonated by now in the two 1.5 hour trips (3 hours total) at those speeds. A couple of times, when it was safe to do so, I bent down close to the gas tank & flipped my visor to hear the engine - smooth as silk humming quite nicely. Upon quickly letting off the throttle at highway speeds, there is no clacking & banging coming from the engine. Now I'm not suggesting you hit the highway & go for the gusto with your 650 (your parts are much more rare than mine), but try not to get too worked up, either. It could be as simple as part of the exhaust rattling (by the way, in another thread, someone reported that the inner pipe in his header pipe was separating from the outer wall - maybe you have a similar situation?). Not all noises are engine noises, and it's sometimes difficult to determine with most of the exhaust being so close to the engine. 1982 GL500 Interstate 1981 CX500 Custom 1985 Pontiac Fiero (2 of 'em) 2005 Honda Accord EX-L V6 Coupe    Report

06-17-2009, 11:01 AM wildmanwill Joined on 05-25-2008 Chester County, Pennsylvania Posts 4,034 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached - UPDATE Update - Swapped out both headers, not hearing the noise anymore. Nothing appears to be amiss with the former headers though...  I've put about 200 miles on since the swap without any abnormal noises.  1983 CX650 Turbo 1982 CX500 Custom Donating Member    Report

06-17-2009, 11:22 AM OdieTurbo Joined on 03-19-2009 Endicott, NY Posts 293 Re: CX650 Noise - Sound Clip Attached - UPDATE Well, sometime if we ever meet up, you can listen to the noise mine makes. It has an inner pipe broken away from the outer pipe on the right header. Makes a hell of a racket. If it's the same sound, that was the issue! :) Hopefully someday this winter I'll yank the header and see if I can find where it's broken, maybe get it welded. Current Bike: -1983 Honda CX650 Custom    Report

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