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Engine Ticking at Idle, help.

6K views 8 replies 5 participants last post by  rkt14 
#1 ·
So I don't know if this is a recent issue or if it has been going on for sometime now and I just haven't heard it cause I was listening to music. However I noticed when my bike is at idle there is a ticking noise. I have read some of the other threads but all the noises I have read sounded like knocking or rattling . This is just a persistent tick that goes up with the reves . At a certain point you can not hear the tick due to the exhaust covering it up. Is it time to get my valves adjusted , I had a few guys from Philly sport bike meets tell me it may be a valve tap. My bike just hit 13000 miles not too long ago and oil was done 3000 miles ago with synthetic . Any feed bad would be much appreciated.
 
#2 ·
Could be an exhaust leak at the header. Check all the bolts and ensure they are snugged down.

Ticking is not usually the associated with a loose cam chain, but it could be that too. That is generally more of a rattle and can be isolated to the right side of the motor. Does your bike have the stock automated CCT or an aftermarket manual unit?
 
#4 ·
Y'know Kawasaki is notorious for the tick sound. Without hearing it in person it's hard to say. Given the mileage a valve adjustment might not be nessasary yet, but every bike is different with riding styles. Best bet maybe take it a dealer you trust and just have them take a listen. I'm 99% sure it's just the Kawi thing.

Others can chime in with more knowledge. (which already did as I typed)
 
#7 ·
Oh Alice, prepare to be sucked down the rabbit hole.

There are so many things it could be. If you want to dig into your bike yourself, check out my thread for a number of troubleshooting points that you can start with.

http://zx6r.com/mechanical-technical/55724-help-diagnose-problem-motor.html

After all that, I gave up and put it back together. I just chalk it up to being a kawasaki.
 
#9 ·
I had a 2006 636 ... she had a very noticeable tick, most likely was the cam chain tensioner but never really looked into, I ended up selling it shortly after it started making more and more noise ...

But it is unfortunately a Kawasaki sound ... might as well get used to it ... If you don't sit in your driveway and bounce it off the rev limiter, or you're riding her hard every time you're on it ... I wouldn't worry too much about it, you're bike is more then likely fine.

Just keep and eye on it if you're really worried, but don't stress too much to the point that you're not enjoying the ride !
 
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