Tick/Click sound when I start the bike????

[Snoek]

Hi guys,

I was wondering if someone could help me in answering the following question: Sometimes when I start the bike from warm there is a loud Tick/Click sound when I press the start button (just before the engine turns over) Does anybody know what that is? I took it to Vines in Guilford (who sold me the bike) and they told me that they could not find anything.

 

[Simon Eassom]

It might be similar to something I had when I first got the bike. It only ever happened after the bike had been ridden and was warmed up . . . when I went to re-start the bike.

As I pressed the starter there would be a pop/crack like an electrical short coming from the right handle under the switch housing. It only happened very occasionally, but I inestigated further in case it was a loose or dry connection. I checked and tightened/adjusted everything and reconnected etc and it hasn't happened since.

There have been a few 1150GSs I've heard off suffering from starting failure caused by a wiring/connection fault.

 

[pineweasel]

I reckon it's the starter motor gear engaging. When you hit the starter button the gear is pushed forwards by a solenoid so that it engages with the teeth on the clutch, and sometimes the gears aren't aren't lined up, so you get a loud metallic clunk. Mine does it occasionally so I assume they all do?

 

[Ian B]

I noticed the same thing last night. A metallic "clack" sort of noise. It only did it once, and no ill effects.

I'd agree with pinewease's theory. These engines make all sorts of strange noises - the best solution is to wear earplugs

 

[Simon Eassom]

I'm assuming, maybe incorrectly, that the noise Snoek describes occurs in the right-hand bar/grip housing and is quite different from the clunk/clack of the starter solenoid sticking.

 

[roger miles]

Happens to me occasionally, no discernible pattern on why or when, used to get it on my 1100 as well. Heard it on several others in the past as well?
The expression "piston slap" springs to mind but it couldn't be could it?

 

[Snoek]

Thanks for all the input – nothing to worry about it seems.