Hi

I have an engine rattle / knock on my recently acquired GT550. General opinion is that it Primary Drive Chain 'slapping' due to stretching.

Does anybody have any experience of this, and is it safe to run the engine (albeit noisily) or is it likely to break eventually?

Any opinions greatly appreciated.

Robert

Kawasaki's aren't known for "stretching" the primaty chain but they are prone to primary drive chain rattle.

IF the rattle is the primaty drive chain then it should cause no more than embarassment to you.

That said... if your not familiar with the sound of primary chain rattle i'd have a trained mechanic listen to it, most bike shops won't charge for this.

I've known people mistake the sound of the big or small ends on the way out as primary chain rattle.... primary chain rattle should only be heard on tickover, reducing as the reve rise in contrast with the sound of big/small ends getting louder as the revs rise.

In nearly all cases the primary chain rattle is caused by an imbalance of the carbs.

A simple carb balance nearly always reduces, if not eliminates the rattle.

Note: If the bike hasn't been serviced for a while, the usual parts need to be serviced for best results prior to balancing the carbs, e.g. air filter. plugs, oil, oil filter, tappets etc.

Thank you Doddie. That is very helpful.

The noise does reduce as the revs rise and tickover is a bit lumpy. I'll take your advise and pop down to my local Kawasaki centre for their opinion.