WTF is this clunking noise?

[dcstrom]

Ok I've had this noise intermittently for almost as long as I've had the bike. It usually happens when the engine is under load, such as hitting the throttle hard out of a slow corner, as in this video. You'll hear a double clunk as I go through about 3000 rpm. It might be difficult to hear at first but play the vid a few times you'll get it.

You'll notice the TCS control flashing at about the same time, and at one point I had thought it might be something to do with the TCS cutting in, but I can still get the noise with TCS off.

the clunks are at 1 second - if you put you mouse in the timeline at that point and keep clicking, it will repeat the clunky bit every time you click the mouse.

Anybody else experience anything like this?

clunk

 

[protondecay123]

I've been known to hear voices, but if it's what I thought I heard I would check the Steering Stem Nut directly under the key. It's hard to tell though. I was in the Navy for 6 years and literally slept on top of 2 gas turbines for 4 of them, so my hearing isn't perfect by a stretch.

 

[GrahamD]

I am too busy worrying about lack of power, loose spokes, steering heads bearings, vibration issues, bad fuel economy in cold weather, E10 fuel, regular gas, bending the fan bracket of I fall over, sump covers getting holes in them...ATM

I have run out of worry beads and don't have any left over for another worry so I am not looking for anything else right now so haven't noticed.

But, for others...

Does it do it in a straight line? Because it sounds more something moving rather than drive line stuff. Like maybe a bearing not tight?

 

[GrahamD]

DC_CLUNK_S10

might help. You ave serious skills there DC. ::025::

 

[stevepsd]

Check your steering stem bearings.

 

[dcstrom]

Thanks graham!

Not the steering head - I know what that sounds like cos I had to tighten it last week. Anyway you only get that when the front is loaded, not so much under acceleration.

It will do it in a straight line, but not on the flat - usually needs to be uphill.

I was trying to describe this to the service manager at Romney last weekend - but he couldn't think what it might be. I'm thinking I should get it investigated before warranty runs out... video is probably the best way to give them something to go on.

Wasn't easy to capture the clunk - to much wind noise in the video camera, so hooked a mic up to the iPhone then synced with the vid.

 

[GrahamD]

I might be imagining it but your bars seem to move in sync with the clunk.

I't would help to move the mic around the bike as well. See where it's loudest.

OR you could get yourself a few of these....

http://chucklohr.com/808/C13/index.html

and "bluetak" them around the bike then you may see something moving as well.

 

[jajpko]

I hear it, but can't tell you what it is. It is strange that the TC comes on at the same time.

 

[tomatocity]

I dislike problems like this... irritating at the least.

I can't hear it but have had better hearing in my life. What second(s) mark the clunk?

Temporarily mount the camera behind the windshield.

 

[GrahamD]

I dislike problems like this... irritating at the least.

I can't hear it but have had better hearing in my life. What second(s) mark the clunk?

DC_CLUNK_S10

1.13, 1.14, 2.14, 2.04, 3.04, 3.16 4.04, 4.16, 5.08 5.20, 6.11, 6.23, 7.11, 7.23 (approximately)

Or basically around the middle of each repeated sequence.

Between those scrub marks and the expansion gap.

 

[AndyCBR]

Since it is happening in conjunction with the TCS light could it be the actuator below the seat?

Then again it is kind of a creaking sound so does remind me of loose steering head bearings/headset.

Andy

 

[EricV]

Not the steering head - I know what that sounds like cos I had to tighten it last week.

I have to ask DC, do you own the proper tool to tighten the steering head bearings? Did you back it off, torque to the specified high value, back it off and torque to the specified low value?

Or did you just use what ever to 'tighten' it until it felt right? (just ruling things out)

Another observation - you seem to be riding to induce the clunk. Seems natural for the video purpose, but how often do you encounter this in normal riding?

Has the dealer been able to duplicate it? Have you left the bike with the dealer for them to attempt to duplicate the issue?

Have you considered that when you see the TCS light, the ECU is having to modify your power because you're exceeding the available traction.... so maybe you should be modifying your behavior before the TCS comes on? Just a thought. Would save you some tire life for more riding. In reality, the only difference between you doing it and the TCS doing it, is you're burning more tire and gas with the throttle cranked over by letting the bike modify things after the fact, instead of learning when you have to lighten up a tad before the TCS has to engage.

 

[nondairycreamer]

Can you try mounting your camera near the clutch, farther back along the drive line, and on the left nearer to the shifter? With attention to the amount of wind hitting the camera. All to determine where the noise is greatest. Perhaps tying the camera to your left and right boot? And below the left saddle bag? It sounds like a drive shaft with a problem with the damping spring or whatever Yamaha uses to smooth the power pulsing or a clutch basket loose. Pure speculation. Do make the effort to get a repair order in the system with at least one tech riding the bike to confirm the symptom. That will cover you after the warranty ends.

 

[hANNAbONE]

could it be the expansion joints in the roadway..?

 

[HoebSTer]

Like many are saying to check steering stem, may also want to check misc fasteners on moving parts associated with throttle or braking applications. I.E. rr brake stay bolts, caliper bolts, top and bottom shock mt, even front caliper mt bolts.

 

[SisuTen]

Since "seat of the pants" evaluation is always the most reliable source of empirical data, perhaps you can insert your camera, much like a suppository, take a ride, and post up the results for all to see. Then we could avoid all of this silly speculation. ::025:: ::025:: ::025:: ::025::

Sorry, couldn't help myself. I know the problem is serious to you.

If YOU don't know, and WE obviously don't know, go to your Yamaha tech and let him guess for a while. That's what your warranty is for.

Or ride till it breaks ::021::

 

[Kevhunts]

If you only hear the noise when the TCS light comes on, then I'm betting it's drivetrain backlash sound.

Oops, sorry.....you stated it does it with the TCS off, I would still look for excessive drivetrain backlash or pull the boot around the u-joint and see if it's sloppy or rusty. Others have reported water getting into the driveshaft area via the swing arm plug.

 

[tomatocity]

Might be a combination of issues. Long shot: spokes?

Since it has been recent issue by many, I have decided to have the steering stem checked before leaving on the Whitehorse trip.

 

[sail2xxs]

I'm guessing drivetrain backlash when the TCS kicks in. Backlash values are in the manual - has the tech checked to see if it's in spec?

Chris

 

[Epping]

Engine knock. Mine does it too. This motor has no knock sensor. Only does it under heavy load at lower revs. Usually several knocks close together.