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Posted by testpilot
- July 20, 2018, 08:38:37 AMThe more I listen to mine when cold the more I think it's coming from the piston skirts slapping in the cylinders. When the pistons warm up, they expand, reducing the clearance between the skirts and the cylinder walls. It's not unusual for pistons to be machined slightly out of round by design. Once warmed, they expand to a round shape. Normal oil film on the cylinder walls acts as a cushion and prevents wear and damage. It seems to take about a minute for the noise to diminish to an 'acceptable' level. I've gotten used to it and have learned to love the sound as unique and as a sign that I'm about to get out on the open road.
Posted by moto
- May 12, 2018, 10:26:10 AMMy Drifter 1500 sounds ticking noises also cold but when I drive little, sound disappear.
I think it is a hydraulic lifters.
I make a motor cleaner every oil change at autumn, so lifters don't jam so easily next summer.
Posted by Jobi
- May 11, 2018, 16:10:58 PMSame. All weird and funky noises go away once warm.
Posted by RockinRollin
- May 11, 2018, 07:55:21 AMMine does the same. Sounds a little rough when cold but not too bad when warm. PM me your email regarding back rack when you get the chance?
Posted by OR Seedman
- May 10, 2018, 20:07:37 PMWhat i notice most is the noise I hear through the Thunder air cleaner....the lifters do quiet down a lot when it is warm, but I hear a noise at idle that almost sounds like a knocking (but not quite) behind the air cleaner ...and it goes away when the rpms go up over 1200
Posted by rawv
- May 10, 2018, 18:55:34 PMI've got a 99 1500 with 45,000 miles on it and yes when its cold its much louder but when it warms up it quites down a bit .
Posted by Bucko
- March 31, 2018, 19:46:05 PMMy 1500 has been embarrassingly noisy since new, especially when cold, but the, 'all manner' of tapping, never really goes away even when hot. Seriously, Kawasaki should have done a better job and keeping the motor a bit quieter. The noise level seems to have gone up as the bike get's older - to the point where I'm thinking something is wrong in the head and my suspicion is the KACR is broken or 
Posted by Old Drifter
- March 31, 2018, 18:08:54 PMQuote from: OR Seedman on March 31, 2018, 16:49:49 PMYep, it's the nature of the beast. I guess that's why a lot of guys run straight pipes...can't hear noth'in then.I did notice that they quiet down when warmed up, but they are still louder than my 800's...from everything I have read about the Vulcan big V's, they are all a bit noisy...at least it lets you know it's running....LOL
Posted by OR Seedman
- March 31, 2018, 16:49:49 PMI did notice that they quiet down when warmed up, but they are still louder than my 800's...from everything I have read about the Vulcan big V's, they are all a bit noisy...at least it lets you know it's running....LOL
Posted by Old Drifter
- March 31, 2018, 10:27:44 AMI can't compare the noise to an 800, however the 1500 is noisy until warmed up. Especially after sitting for a couple of weeks and the oil drains out of the HLA's.
Posted by OR Seedman
- March 31, 2018, 09:36:44 AMI was wondering....is it just me or are the lifters on a 1500 a bit louder than those on an 800 that are in good adjustment? My 1500 (31,500 miles) seems to generate more lifter noise at both idle and at cruising rpm than my 800. Not that they are exceptionally loud, but it is definitely more noticeable....I know the 1500 has automatic adjusters, but do they need to be checked after a certain number of miles? Or is the noise normal, especially when cold and warming up? any input would be greatly appreciated.....
Thanks,
OR Seedman