are there threads on nasty sounds when starting?
- Thread starter camille
- Start date
darrenptalbot
Registered user
On such a brief description, its hard to make an accurate 'guess'. Does it sound like a starter or engine noise?
Stewart H
Registered user
As standard these bikes came with a cam chain tensioner on the left cylinder that takes a few seconds to work at startup, it could be that, there is an upgraded tensioner available, these engines are not that quiet anyway. Also worth pulling the starter for a coat of looking at, a dab of grease in the right place .
Welcome to UKgser
Welcome to UKgser
Mine does the same... It's down to shagged bearings in the starter motor.
I've got another to fit, when I get around to it.
I've got another to fit, when I get around to it.
I know the exact noise the OP is concerned about, and it's not the starter motor.
It's the slack on the L/H timing chain tensioner.
A lot of bikes make the noise, but not every single time it's started.
My own bike has done it a few times in 69K miles, and one of my old loan bikes was a regular "cracker" but the latest is quiet. .
flatdog
Registered user
I know the exact noise the OP is concerned about, and it's not the starter motor.
It's the slack on the L/H timing chain tensioner.
A lot of bikes make the noise, but not every single time it's started.
My own bike has done it a few times in 69K miles, and one of my old loan bikes was a regular "cracker" but the latest is quiet. .
Ditto.... like a metallic thwack as it starts - on mine and only when its been on a run then left for a few minutes before restarting.
Never concerned me as Im just happy the bloody thing started
:coolkirky1298
Registered user
I know that sound too . Mine does it all too often , usually just a single crack like metal on metal . I'm just about to upgrade the cam chain tensioner and will let you know if it makes any difference . 
I know the exact noise the OP is concerned about, and it's not the starter motor.
It's the slack on the L/H timing chain tensioner.
A lot of bikes make the noise, but not every single time it's started.
My own bike has done it a few times in 69K miles, and one of my old loan bikes was a regular "cracker" but the latest is quiet. .
I'd better put my new (2nd hand starter in) and see what difference it makes... It was Steve at MooScott that said mine was shagged but maybe it was just me who linked that with the start up noise
I know the exact noise the OP is concerned about, and it's not the starter motor.
Two questions then -
1) will it do any damage?
2) whats an OP
op - original poster (you)?
Mines done it on and off for the past 30 odd thousand miles, as Steptoe says some do, some dont. It sounds like a metalic 'crack'. It does it just the once when its turning over, right at the point just before it buursts into life. Definately nothing to do with the starter motor (on mine). Never concerned me.
Mine has the upgraded tensioner, makes no difference.
Mines done it on and off for the past 30 odd thousand miles, as Steptoe says some do, some dont. It sounds like a metalic 'crack'. It does it just the once when its turning over, right at the point just before it buursts into life. Definately nothing to do with the starter motor (on mine). Never concerned me.
Mine has the upgraded tensioner, makes no difference.
but maybe it was just me who linked that with the start up noise
Your starter motor may well be shagged.
But the noise the OP describes isn't a starter motor noise.
If you've ever heard the actual noise you'll understand his description better.
