Slight Metallic "screw-loose" like rattle on Ninja 250SL

[KingMilk8]

Hi, last night I have noticed a slight rattling sound coming from what appears to be the engine, it can only be heard when riding but its difficult as around 3500RPM the engine noise takes over, but on the road in higher rpm, once I let go of the throttle there is this sound that I can only describe as either rubbing two polished metal sheets together or a loose screw rattling. 

However, when I pull the clutch in, the noise dissapears? It is as if the vibrations of the bike when it runs are causing it to rattle something or I fear it could either be a bearing or a clutch problem or even a cam tensioner as thats quite common apparently. Any ideas?

It is a Kawasaki Ninja 250SL with 5600 miles, 2016. Any help or suggestions is greatly appreciated!

[TimR]

Has it always made the noise or has it started recently ?

Has it been worked on recently?

Have you checked things over for loose screws on fairings etc ?

Have you lubricated and adjusted your drive chain correctly ?

 

[KingMilk8]

16 minutes ago, TimR said:

Has it always made the noise or has it started recently ?

Has it been worked on recently?

Have you checked things over for loose screws on fairings etc ?

Have you lubricated and adjusted your drive chain correctly ?

 

These noises have come out recently, I was aware of it when I happened to be tucked in and let go of the throttle, The only work I did was fill up the fluids, check tyres etc normal TLC. And I had a loose belly fairing but I tightened that up a few days ago. And funny enough.. Ive just gone out and checked the chain... even though I just lubed it 3 days ago on Saturday.. its dry as a bone.. i think that may be the issue or the clutch gasket.. any thoughts on that? Many thanks for your prompt response!

[TimR]

Lube the chain etc and see from there .

Dry chains make a racket ...

At this time of year Road salt etc means chain maintenance is high priority and using a decent chain lube is a must 

[Bender]

What are you using for chain lube? When do you put it on.

[KingMilk8]

13 minutes ago, TimR said:

Lube the chain etc and see from there .

Dry chains make a racket ...

At this time of year Road salt etc means chain maintenance is high priority and using a decent chain lube is a must 

Will do as soon as Im home from work, that is a good point Ill defo carry on making daily checks! Ill let you know how it goes!

[KingMilk8]

9 minutes ago, Bender said:

What are you using for chain lube? When do you put it on.

I use BananaSlip Chain Lube first time its dried up so quickly though.

[dynax]

15 minutes ago, KingMilk8 said:

I use BananaSlip Chain Lube first time its dried up so quickly though.

There is only one use for a lubed up banana and it ain't on a chain ,

 

I moved away from the spray stuff onto gear oil and i use a paint brush to apply it, take your time to get it into all the nooks and crannies

[Guest Swagman]

Sounds like clutch basket rattle if it is going away when the clutch is pulled, does it do it on tick over, try just starting the bike up while standing on the clutch side and pull clutch in and out and see if it does it.

[KingMilk8]

3 minutes ago, dynax said:

There is only one use for a lubed up banana and it ain't on a chain ,

 

I moved away from the spray stuff onto gear oil and i use a paint brush to apply it, take your time to get it into all the nooks and crannies

Haha, Ill be taking a look into that! It sounds like a much more accurate way of ensuring its lubed properly!

[KingMilk8]

3 minutes ago, Swagman said:

Sounds like clutch basket rattle if it is going away when the clutch is pulled, does it do it on tick over, try just starting the bike up while standing on the clutch side and pull clutch in and out and see if it does it.

Thats the same thing my colleague said it could be, is that something that requires immediate attention? And when the bike is idle there is no sound like that, only when Im mobile and in gear, its mostly heard when I let go of the throttle and let it glide. But it completely goes when I pull the clutch in.

[Guest Swagman]

You would usually hear it when just running the bike on tick over and when you pull the clutch it stops the rattle, I can’t see it being the drive chain as that still rotates while the back wheel is spinning, pulling in the clutch while you are ride wouldn’t affect it as it still rotates as the bike is rolling, so sounds more to do with clutch area, but without seeing or hear the problem it could be coming from anywhere .

[KingMilk8]

3 minutes ago, Swagman said:

You would usually hear it when just running the bike on tick over and when you pull the clutch it stops the rattle, I can’t see it being the drive chain as that still rotates while the back wheel is spinning, pulling in the clutch while you are ride wouldn’t affect it as it still rotates as the bike is rolling, so sounds more to do with clutch area, but without seeing or hear the problem it could be coming from anywhere .

Ah yeah it sounds like it may very well be the clutch basket then, Do you think its just got some free play? (apologies Im not very good when it comes to the indepth mechanical things quite yet!)

But if this is an easy fix Im sure I can do it myself I have booked it in at my local dealer to have a look at this Saturday, but if this is something out of my league, how much does a fix like this cost? And is it okay to keep riding?

[Guest Swagman]

12 minutes ago, KingMilk8 said:

Ah yeah it sounds like it may very well be the clutch basket then, Do you think its just got some free play? (apologies Im not very good when it comes to the indepth mechanical things quite yet!)

But if this is an easy fix Im sure I can do it myself I have booked it in at my local dealer to have a look at this Saturday, but if this is something out of my league, how much does a fix like this cost? And is it okay to keep riding?

My bike is a 2003 and has done this for most of its life it is just normal, but for peace of mind I would get someone to check it first hand to confirm,

 

Dont worry about what knowledge you have it will come with time we were all new to it at one time.

[KingMilk8]

6 minutes ago, Swagman said:

My bike is a 2003 and has done this for most of its life it is just normal, but for peace of mind I would get someone to check it first hand to confirm,

 

Dont worry about what knowledge you have it will come with time we were all new to it at one time.

Thank you, thats a big relief.. I was getting really worried it would be something that would cost me dearly! I will still get it checked over but im very glad it could be something minor! And those are very wise words! Bit by bit as they say! Many thanks for all your help!

[fastbob]

If you have been using a poorly performing chain lube then there is every chance that your chain and sprockets are worn out . 

[KingMilk8]

10 minutes ago, fastbob said:

If you have been using a poorly performing chain lube then there is every chance that your chain and sprockets are worn out . 

This is possible, however I have never had a problem with this brand of lube, only since saturday it has gotten dry.. normally I check it every week or so to make sure its up to standard in terms of lube but was surprised to find it was dryer than normal. Ill give it a proper good lube up tonight and definitely go for the manual oil method of applying it.. The chain and sprockets are in good shape, the chain is new, only put on 3 months ago, its clean, in good shape and aligned properly and as for the sprockets, the teeth all look as they should, with no nicks or bends. both front and rear. But Ill definitely mention it to the dealer this weekend!