marbles

Hello,
I just bought a 2005 FZ6 with 3500 miles on it. I'm hearing a strange rattling noise during lower RPM's. If it's idiling and I rev the bike a bit then let it go, as it winds down, it sounds like a marble is rattling around in a plastic jar (never while accelerating). Definetly coming from the motor. Not the exhaust. Can't tell from exactly where though. I can also hear it when i'm slowing down while riding too.
Is this a normal sound for this motor ? My wife has a YZF600R with 11000 miles that don't sound anything like that.
I took it back to the Yamaha dealership where I bought it from (came with a 90 day warranty). They had it for a couple of days and they couldn't figure it out. They told me until it causes performance problems, they can't do anything. Of course that will be after the warranty is over.

I really like my FZ but this noise scares me and has me thinking about selling it. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

the fairing is a little buzzy at low RPMs. I have heard the noise you are discribing. I can't pin point what it is, but I haven't had any problems with my bike as far as performance or reliability. I think its coming from the valve train but I'm not sure. I have over 11000 miles on my bike and as far as I can remember its always sounded like that.

The sound is coming from the motor when it's parked or moving. Can you hear a rattling sound on the wind down when the bike is parked ?
My mechanical ability, unfortunately is outside of the motor and trans but the valvetrain sounds like a possibility. Was thinking maybe the cam chain ? What scares me is the dealership tech guys couldnt figure it out.

I guess what i'm hoping to get is an idea of wether this is a normal sound for the de-tuned R6 motor or not. Still making payments on her.

yamadamadoo said:

it sounds like a marble is rattling around in a plastic jar (never while accelerating).

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I've heard people describe detonation as sounding like marbles rattling around... usually gets worst under acceleration.... might be worth ensuring fresh correct octane gas... I'm sorry, this is from reading not personal experience.

I have been using 93 octane but I just noticed that the owners manual suggests using REGULAR unleaded. Didn't think that would make a difference using better fuel. Should I downgrade the octane i'm using ? Does anyone else use regular as Yamaha suggests ?

yamadamadoo said:

I have been using 93 octane but I just noticed that the owners manual suggests using REGULAR unleaded. Didn't think that would make a difference using better fuel. Should I downgrade the octane i'm using ? Does anyone else use regular as Yamaha suggests ?

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I used to run 91 until we disscussed octane on the forum since then I've switched to 87 and have noticed no differance. other then the price.

yamadamadoo said:

I have been using 93 octane but I just noticed that the owners manual suggests using REGULAR unleaded. Didn't think that would make a difference using better fuel. Should I downgrade the octane i'm using ? Does anyone else use regular as Yamaha suggests ?

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You only need the octane level in the manual like Sportrider_FZ6 indicated, but higher is OK just costs more... glad you're not hearing detonation.

Sorry no other ideas...

It's the weirdest noise. The techs at the local Yamaha dealership couldnt figure it out. They won't crack the motor open till the bike starts to run like crap. I think i'll put viagra in the tank if it starts having performance issues before I spend dealership money.
Maybe I should just get a loud aftermarket exhaust like Devil or Two Brothers to drown out the noise.

I'm about 30 minutes from philly. I could take a ride over and we can compair yours and mine.

Sounds cool. Delran is off rt 130 right ? I'm actually right outside philly in Conshohocken Pa. Not too much further at 35-40Mpg.

Yea, I can see 130 from my house.

Maverick said:

You only need the octane level in the manual like Sportrider_FZ6 indicated, but higher is OK just costs more... glad you're not hearing detonation.

Sorry no other ideas...

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I ran 200 miles today up in the Pocono Mountains with regular gas in the tank. The rattling is still there and sounds the same. At least I now ruled out the octane and saved a couple of bucks in the process. Starting to suspect that it may be the DOHC chain slapping against the casing during the RPM wind down and the tensioner just isn't doing its job. :banghead:

Does it go away when you pull in the clutch at idle?

Same with or without the clutch. Only when it's warmed up. Dosen't sound like that when it's cold.

I got a chance to hear Bob's bike today. It's definitely not normal, but I have no idea what it could be. My first guess was and exhaust leak, but it seem to be coming from much higher in the motor. Got me stumped.

Any way thanks for the ride bob.

Thanks for stoping by to take a listen to my bike. Not giving up on the noise yet. Definetly not affecting performance though.
Those twisties and hills are even more fun at night. It's super dark and much less traffic :thumbup:. Plenty of cool places to ride round here. Next time i'll head out your way. Been itchin to take a ride up to N.Y.C.
Gonna do that headlight mod as soon as I get some free time. By the way, that exhaust you got there is bad-***. I want one now :rockon:

Might want to have your catalytic converter looked at, I had one go bad on my old car and that is exactly how I described the sound.

technically shouldn't the sound be covered past the 90 days since it was brought to their attention before the warranty was up and they couldn't fix it?

If not then just tell them that you noticed a loss in power erratically and make them actually tear into it.

Definitly Cam Chain Tensioner! Absolutely positively definitley!

you can replace the cam chain tensioner or just tell everyone it is a ducati