I got an '01 F4i and it just started making a noise. It is kinda hard to describe the noise on the forum, but it is coming from the right side near the front air intake and sounds almost like a valve opening and closing. It is only when the bike is running. I just bought the bike and had only ridden it a couple of times before this noise started. I don't know if this may have caused it, but I left my key in the ignition for too long and killed my battery, so I had to push start the bike. Does anyone have any ideas? Do you think it is still okay to ride?

 

might be an exhaust leak.....might need new exhaust gaskets.


Or your airbox needs tightened down. The top of it might be loose.

 

If the sound is a rattle type noise between 3k-6k rpm it is the classic,but very common cct (cam chain tensioner). Do a search on it and you will be amazed at how common it is. It is replaceable with either a stock or aftermarket unit. It can be a pain to get to. Like I stated do the search and it should answer alot of questions.

 

It isn't really a rattle noise it is more like a hum that turns on and off over and over again (Almost like a valve opening or closing or something). I can hear it when it is idling, but when I am riding it is too loud to tell if it still makes the noise. I may be able to get a sound clip of it later this weekend, but I posted a picture of the bike with the general location of where the sound seems to be coming from. Thanks.

[IMG]local://upfiles/24058/B799C40E8CAD42BC8842AF22FC5E11A0.jpg[/IMG]

 

What temp is your bike when you hear this? Is it possibly the fan turning on and off? That is the only thing up there that would turn on and off at intervals.