Strange Sound

Discussion in '5th Generation 1998-2001' started by Big_Jim59, Apr 11, 2018.

  1. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,957
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Map
    My 5th gen is making a strange sound. It only makes the sound when the clutch is pulled and the bike is on gear. The sound seems to come from the area around the head stock. It sounds like electrical crackling or shells from pecans. It only happens with the clutch pulled and the bike in gear. I listened with a stethoscope but found nothing. I guess I need to check the air cleaner for nuts but you would think it would make the sound all the time.
     
  2. Terry Smith

    Terry Smith Member

    Country:
    New Zealand
    Joined:
    Nov 18, 2013
    Messages:
    2,728
    Likes Received:
    625
    Trophy Points:
    128
    Location:
    Auckland, New Zealand
    Map
    Hi Jim, been there, done that. You are hearing the electrical solenoid that drives the vacuum for the flapper valve cycling on/off. For whatever reason, the flapper is closed in gear below 5500rpm UNLESS the clutch is pulled in. If your clutch switch is making intermittent contact (and if you have aftermarket adjustable levers this is more likely) when you are sitting in 1st gear at a standstill, you'll hear an electrical buzzing sound.

    My suggestions (1) don't panic (2) try adjusting your clutch lever out by one click (3) hit the clutch switch with contact cleaner.
     
    OnlyVfr and Diving Pete like this.
  3. Big_Jim59

    Big_Jim59 Member

    Country:
    United States
    Joined:
    Dec 22, 2009
    Messages:
    1,957
    Likes Received:
    72
    Trophy Points:
    93
    Location:
    Dallas, TX
    Map
    I post what I think is an obscure problem and "boom" someone has an answer . I will do as you suggest tonight and report back. Thanks!
     
  4. BTF/PTM

    BTF/PTM New Member

    Country:
    Germany
    Joined:
    Feb 22, 2015
    Messages:
    48
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    6
    Mine does this too, thanks for posting! 'Pecan shells' is a perfect description of the noise, at first I figured it was the speedometer cable wearing out and then I learned our bikes have electronic speed sensors so that ruled that out. As Big Jim did, I checked everything I could think of, found nothing that logically could be the cause of such a noise. Didn't think of a solenoid making intermittent contact, but it makes perfect sense now that you mention it.
     

Share This Page