Weird rattle when decelerating

[tonyff]

Hey All,

Been awhile since I have posted, but I have a question. I am getting a weird and disturbing rattling as I decelerate. I usually wear a helmet and ear plugs, but last night I went out without for awhile. I don't know how long this may have been going on. Seems like it is coming from the engine, but can't be sure. Most frequent when at ~ 4,000 rpm and slowing. It was loud enough that my passenger asked "what the hell is that noise?"

Do I need to worry?

[bransan]

more info needed. Rearend, tranny,engine?

[MikeCam]

1. Cam chain tensioner (I always say that)

2. Loose exhaust manifold(s)

3. Loose baffles in tailpipe

Added 8/8/7

4. Clock retainer screw coming loose (front, underneath instrument cluster) Thanks to DJ's memory.

[rockstercliff]

I have noticed a bunch of different wierd rattles over the last 3 years, I just chalk it up to the personality of the machine, as nothing seems to have fallen off or anything.

[tonyff]

Thanks for the tips all.

[DJ Downunder]

Tony..Just wondering..is the rattling coming from the engine..or is it a tinnie rattle maybe from the instruments.

I've had that before..I think from my clock..and it just went away.

DJ

[tonyff]

Hey DJ,

I'm pretty sure the noise is coming from the engine. I know my description wasn't the greatest, but I really don't know how else to put it.

Thanks for your input. Any other thoughts?

Tony

[DJ Downunder]

Nope.. ..maybe it's just one of those "They all do that" things..

DJ

[The Velvet Monkey]

If it sounds like it's coming from underneath the tank, I have it too. Don't know what the hell it is thougn. I've had it for years, so I think it might be nothing serious--I hope, maybe I've just been lucky.

Good luck. I hope it's "just one of those things."

[by]

G'day,

Mines rattling on decelerating if I've a motor oil level close to max.

Best regards,
Michael

[BITS806]

Put touring shield on and I get this damn rattle. Sounds like it was coming from the motor, but it turned out to be the back of the damn clock.

[tonyff]

After exhausting my vast array of mechanical skills (mostly involves things like standing with my hands on my hips, shaking my head and muttering things like "I wonder what the heck that could be?" And perhaps some mild cursing) I think I have found the source of the rattle. And it was based on a comment by a couple of people on this thread. At first I dismissed it as not possible "That rattle couldn't be coming from there. NO WAY. Well, I took it to the dealer today for the 6,000 mile service with the intention of asking about that damn rattle.

As I was riding, the words of people wiser and more experienced then me came to mind. Could it be the clock after all? As I was decelerating and causing the rattle, I reached forward and held the clock from behind. No more noise. Thanks for your help guys. I would not have thought to support the clock were it not for your thoughts.

Tony