Does anyone know what causes this engine noise? Is it something I should be worried about?
This is a 2010 with 12k miles. My previous 6th gen with 35k made the same noise, so i'm inclined to think its normal, however my paranoia or OCD won't let it go until I know what the source is. When the bike is in low RPMs you can hear the normal engine noise of course, but there is also a metallic 'tapping' sound. This usually happens when its not warmed up. After riding to work and back at idle, I no longer hear the tapping sound.
Here is what it sounds like: [video: https://youtube.com/embed/NkE4G5Ya8vw?html5=1&fs=1]
Thanks in advance.
I had it on my 6th gen. It was intermittent. Always bugged me. My 7th gen has never done it a 6000+ miles. Good luck.
Ride safe.
I have not a DCT, but this noise is not normal.
It seems a chain with too much freeplay, but it can be a worse reason.
Go to the dealer immediately.
Just turned it on tonight to show a buddy, and she was purring perfectly. Any more ideas?
If it was a 6th gen , sounds like the cct intermittant and clattery like that. Really I dont know why Honda makes their cct's with so much free play, they are not like precision bearing sufaces, and why New cct or old, they can all rattle. Its not the chain but the cct bodies are just loosely constructed.
Sounds like CCT, but for kicks. Pull in the clutch lever and see if the ticking goes away.
I'm not familiar with CCT. Clutch clatter technology, cat cutting tool?
Its a DCT, so no clutch lever. It was not in gear when it was making the noise. I have heard it when its in gear and on the move, but only at lower speeds ( less than 20 mph?)
My 6th did it for years with no ill effects. I'm really hoping its nothing because its beyond my ability to work in the engine, and I do NOT trust my local stealership.
Edit: Just found it on google, and this sounds a lot like my issue:
"Almost all Honda’s have a few common shortcomings in their design, some of these include charging systems and most commonly the Hydraulic Cam Chain Tensioner (commonly referred to as the CCT).
This tensioner is actuated by oil pressure, and while it is a great concept it is prone to failure.
The most common evidence of a failing CCT is a prominent rattle or ticking noise coming from the right side of the engine on a cold start (often mistaken for a noisy valve train), and the noise will go away when the engine reaches operating temperature and oil pressure is revived.
In the VFR 1200 the Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT) is not hydraulic, but fully mechanic (with a spring).
Then all the speculation that at low temperature it could be noisy is not correct.
Also on the Vtec the CCTs are fully mechanic and the noise is due to the chain increased length (a tipical defect of Vtec).
In my opinion, a noise so clear is not normal. It is similar to Vtec when the distribution chain start to go down.
If you do not like the dealer, please check every time you start-up the engine the intensity of noise and if it changes type/frequency/duration.
In the VFR 1200 the Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT) is not hydraulic, but fully mechanic (with a spring).
Then all the speculation that at low temperature it could be noisy is not correct.
Also on the Vtec the CCTs are fully mechanic and the noise is due to the chain increased length (a tipical defect of Vtec).
In my opinion, a noise so clear is not normal. It is similar to Vtec when the distribution chain start to go down.
If you do not like the dealer, please check every time you start-up the engine the intensity of noise and if it changes type/frequency/duration.
Many cct's do rattle more after intial startup and resolve in some cases once warm, its not due to hydraulics, but the plunger and body is FULL of slop and play, a combo of heat and oiling of the plunger body once full warm and differnt engine harmonics, may subside noisiness in some cases, but not always.
Like I said though you can install new tensioners and they can rattle right off the bat(its just the way they are). Certain motoroils, also can have more or less issues with cct noise.
If you go to manual tensioners, no more noise, cause you ridded the (plunger) slop and play of the oem tensioner.
Believe it or not, everyone who commented on this thread was right. It was the cam chain tensioner, and it is not a hydraulic CCT.
My bike has been in the shop for over five weeks, and should be coming back home tomorrow. A portion of the delay was dealing with my 3rd party warranty and delays with them approving the claim, and then my dealer had to call up Honda to get advice on the problem and how to fix it. There was a long delay getting parts, and then the lead mechanic quit in the middle of the repairs! :mad: I have been assured that the repair quality is sound, but it doesn't leave me with warm-and-fuzzies.
For anyone interested, replacing the FRONT (only) CCT was around $1,500. I will have the final numbers tomorrow. The warranty covered all but $50, and since I was almost due for a valve service, I had that done at the same time. All the exhaust valves were tight.
I was told by the dealer that the CCT for the rear should be replaced as well since it was from the same batch, same oil, same stress, etc. The warranty would not cover it thought, and the cost to me would have been $1,300. I elected not to do it. My warranty expires in December, so I expect that it will fail in January.