Oooh dear...that does'nt sound good....

[flytoolow]

Well I know you guys will probably send me off to Chromeheads but I figure you are more knowledgable.

As well as a GSA I have a 04 R12C - nice n shiny, <5K. Never gets used.

History.
Last year, whilst trying to charge the battery by leaving it running in the garage I accidentally forgot about it until I saw plumes of smoke coming from the garage...Ooops...

Well after it had cooled down, I found that the Oil window had "melted" and Oil had dripped onto the exhaust. Soooo, replace the window, change the oil & filters, New battery, wait for decent weather...Ive had to reset the Throttle position sensor, but the bike starts no problem...


However I have noticed a clicking sound from (seemingly) one cylinder/side, the bike vibrates more than I remember, seems underpowered and after 2-3 minutes starts to pop & backfire...



Sooo, whats the verdict...Is it toast?

 

[steve hughes]

Depends on the vibration, if its deep and low its main which is bottom end rebuild. Oil starvation may have occured it depends where the suction for the pump is. I woudnt personally run it, I would get it to a good mechanic for an opinion.

Good luck, it sounds expensive.Steve

 

[flytoolow]

Good luck, it sounds expensive.

..You dont know expensive until you live in Switzerland ! (...Sh!t...)

 

[Steptoe]

Popping and backfiring shouldn't be caused by main bearings or big ends being damaged.

I'ts possible your hall sensor damage or the hall sensor wring has gone very brittle due to being overheated and causing the back firing lack of power.

Check the valve clearances for the clicking sound.

 

[roaming free]

Main bearing damage does NOT cause backfire. Backfiring is due to incorrect timing, wrong misture or (more rarely) a valve.
Main journal problems are generally indicated by knocking sound from the front that increases under load
Another culprit for the rattle could be the cam chain tensioner.
I suggest you rule out simpler/cheaper options first.