Cold start tapping/clicking

[Gooseberrie]

It could be an oil delivery problem. I think to have learned that insufficient oil pressure can keep the valve stems from lifting enough. All oil channels must be open and the valve lifters also free from debris. Not that I know anything much technical.

The oil must be good enough, within specifications and in the prescribed amount. When the motorbike is ridden on smaller distances and usually slow then this can be a problem. Then try to wash away dirt buildup, riding considerably faster for a reasonable long period. Do not ruin the engine.

I don't know if it covers these bikes but engines in general can have mishaps with fuel or water entering the crankcase. Mixtures of different oil can putrefy their ingredients. Keep ensuring yourself the oil is safe as presumed.

When I am in a shop for parts and materials I often see engine cleaner for hydraulic valve lifters. I had a Honda with hydraulic lifters before and have never heard about the benefits from this additive, the problems it could be a remedy for or any-one having used it. Do a bit of research yourself.

What I could do is record my engine sound. I came back from a ride, there is no difference that I am aware of. It is one take, the camera does short video's only so you will have to open all three pages. The tapping is certainly present but you have a problem compared to that. Good luck.

http://youtu.be/oDmmws0160A

http://youtu.be/pa6nJumgpKA

http://youtu.be/475c9dH0MSY

[Bucko]

I've been hearing a loud clicking just like that lately too!  The motor used to click a bit when cool but went away when the motor got hot, now it clicks like that all the time, hot or cold.  Very annoying.

[pcarrell]

Hmmmm, I'd never heard mine knocking like that before.  I mean, it's a noisy engine, but that was loud.

[Jobi]

Thanks Troll for the super quick responses!

[Troll]

Mine rattles pretty good on a cold morning, but it quiets down after a few minutes...on a hot day, it's pretty quiet from the start...90,000 miles on mine, as of Monday morning.

[Jobi]

Aaaaand Troll saves the day.

Just to be on the safe side, the click increased with rpm, right?

I also found answers to a few other noise questions

[Troll]

http://www.gadgetjq.com/newbie.htm#expect

[pcarrell]

I'm not sure what's going on there, but that is a rather loud tick!  Maybe Troll or one of the others will know what's up?

[Jobi]

So I've got this problem lately. Happens when I start the bike after a longer break (say 2 weeks), hear the clicking. Ride for up to 10 minutes and the clicking goes away. Next day is rather clickless. Clicking coincides with rpm's

A video for your viewing pleasure - youtube linkie here

Any reasons why this could be happening? Something needs changing?

Bike '99 Drifter, 10 000 km, all fluids changed 3000 km ago. Didn't seem to have this (clicking) problem last season and only noticed it this last month.