Strange noises ....

[MacKrell17]

So, as a treat for the firestorm I obtained a set of blue flame pipes, fitted them, changed the oil, oil filter, air filter and plugs. Then fitted a new undertray and indicators. Finally obtained some fairing lowers and a new rear tail unit (albeit in the wrong colour) So in theory the bike if not looking good is running great and sounding ace. Then today (only about 4 weeks after all this stuff goes on ) I start with a weird clanking sound. It only occurs at low low revs when accelerating slowly - moderately, and more worrying is that I can feel the knocking that accompanies the clank (if that makes sense) through the foot pegs. I had a look once I had arrived at work this morning but nothing obvious.
Anybody got any clue whatsoever, or do I revert to taking things off giving them a clean and putting them back? To be fair givinig any part of the bike a clean would be a novelty, as I normally view that as the job of the rain.

[sirch345]

Without hearing the bike it's difficult to say for sure, but it's possible one of the CCT's (cam chain tensioners) has given up as this is a common weak point on the Firestorm. It's also more common for the front one to go as this one gets less oil than the rear. If this is the case you don't want to be riding it or even starting it up, as it'll only be a matter of time before the cam chain jumps the cam sprockets and the valves hit the pistons.

I would describe the sound of a slack cam chain (from a failed CCT) to more of a slapping sound as the cam chain is hitting the sides of the cam chain tunnel as it's going around.

Having a read through your post again, another possibility could be very badly worn sprocket(s) and chain, and/or a really slack chain or even cush drive rubbers badly worn, especially if you can feel it through the foot pegs. I wouldn't have thought a failed CCT would make any difference to what you feel through the foot pegs thinking about it. Do you lubricate your chain regularly

Chris.

[MacKrell17]

Chris
Thanks for the fast response.
CCTs I think should be ok. I had them changed at about 27k and I'm only on 32k now.

Interesting about the cush drive though (that's the rubber pieces behind the rear sprocket right?) when I had the wheel off they pretty much fell out in individual pieces. I bodged them back together and I've done about 2,000 miles since. They may well have given up the ghost.

I did figure the chain and sprockets should be fine as I changed them at the same time as the CCTs. Having said that it became obvious a couple of weeks back that I was well ripped off at the garage in London (and I wish I could remember the name) as they charged me for a new oil filter, air filter and plugs which it was fairly obvious after the works the other week that they never changed them. Could be they left the same front sprocket on as well.

Yeah I do keep the chain oiled, probabley not as mush as I should. - I'll get on it ASAP.

Thanks
Neil

[sirch345]

Neil,
A good point about the front sprocket, well worth checking if they never changed the other parts I agree.
Yes the rubber bits in between the rear sprocket carrier and back wheel are the cush drive.

Good luck with it, let us know how it goes,

Chris.

[tony.mon]

It's the chain hitting the LH link pipe.

Try tying a bit of asbestos exhaust bandage around the pipe where the chain run is and see if it goes away.
Also wheel the bike backwards (engine off) and see if you can hear the chain clank over the pipe.