Hi guys, (ref: 2005 F4i, 33K miles, well maintained)

With great disappointment I am writing this - I have loved this bike for last 2 years of my ownership. I wondered how this bike totally fits & suits me, and very comfortable for a sports bike. I've done 1000 miles rides on it, going long distances with my bike groups...and I use it for daily commute also.

However, it has been developing a crazy noise, like rattle in the engine/gear box area. The whining rattle also makes the entire bike vibrate (a lot). I feel very strong vibrations under the seat (under my butt), my toes & heels (even though I wear race boots), my upper-body is all beat up with 20 mins of ride. My shoulders & arms are constantly numb and hurting now. I commute on the bike, so I can't get away from riding....

Many friends/forums suggest I change my riding techniques, loosen up, add heavy bar ends, etc..etc. to counter the vibrations. But NOBODY seems to believe me that it's a mechanical problem with the bike - not my riding style. Even my mechanic thinks the bike is fine. However, I know the little changes I feel in it. I am not imagining all this - my body is beat up and hurting like I've been beaten with a bat.

With weeks of research I believe the CCT (cam chain tensioner) might be loose and so I ordered the APE manual CCT. Will change it when it arrives. I have not yet done a valve adjustment, but I'm told that won't fix anything I'm mentioning. So the million dollar question is - WHAT's going on with the bike ?????

Any help, or direction, research would be greatly appreciated from this F4i owner... Thanks in Advance !!!

 

Have you checked your chain? Bad links will make all kinds of noises and vibrate.

Does it vibrate only while riding?

 

No, it rattles even in idle or with changing Revs...

 

Does it change when you pull the clutch lever in? Clutch basket issue maybe.

 

You're right on the dot....almost. Since I got the entire clutch system changed about 6-7 months ago (all OEM Parts), I doubt it's the basket.

 

And clutch in / or out doesn't matter.... It's ongoing rattles (kind of randomly, comes and goes...)

I know the symptoms of the clutch basket, that's why I had it replaced...

 

Bad cctl long enough will wear out the cam chain. If the vibration is as bad as you say you need to stop running the bike and find the problem before it becomes much worse.

 

Oh... I must have missed that in your original post. My bad.

Hopefully someone else has some more guesses for you based on all of the detailed info you have provided.

Good luck resolving your issue.