Rattling sounds in engine
 

I just got a 2001 F4I and am very happy with it. However, I did notice a problem once I got it home (of course). The engine sounds fine at idle, but when I rev it up to about 3,500-4,000 rpm there is a rattling sound that starts on the right side of the bike. It kind of sounds like a loose piece of metal vibrating inside the engine. And it does the same thing while riding.

I know it would be impossible to diagnose the problem from just reading this, but does anyone have any suggestions on what “could” be the problem (maybe from past experiences)? I have a 2-year warranty, but I just got the bike and would like to at least ride it for a little bit before it sits in the shop for a month. Thanks for bearing through this long post. Randy

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

CaliCbrF4i - More than likely it's the auto cam chain tensioner (CCT). Most, if not ALL, F4i's have this problem. Sounds like a handful of BB's bouncing around inside the machine? It happens to mine around 5k rpms. Best way to fix it is with a manual (such as an APE) CCT, it allows you to adjust it as necessary. I plan on doing this little mod during the next snow season!

Go ahead and search around this forum for more info on CCTs... there's plenty here. Even some good DIY posts with step by step procedures.

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

I have the same issue on my F4i as well... Do i need to replace the CCT as soon as possible, or is it somthing that can wait for a while?

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

Thanks jjkukla.

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

"It kind of sounds like a loose piece of metal vibrating inside the engine" --- In a sense thats what it is.

My bike does the same thing at 5K. From what I understand it doesn't present a mechanical problem.

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

Join the club mine does it also around 5500 rpms after a while you will get used to it and it will be like its not their

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

Yeah but, Milko is that a good thing? was thinking it was like the clutch going which to me did not make since. Is this an expensive thing to get done? If not, around how much does it cost to fix this problem. I am glad to hear that others have the same exact problem. I didnt want to tell others out of pure embarrassment of my new 04 F4I.

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

No its not expensive to get done. You can order straight from APE and get it to your door for about $60. You dont really have to mechanically inclined either to install this part , there is a great step by step (pictured) tutorial on cbrworld site. Just go there to check it out. Also if you replace it with stock your just gonna have to replace every 2k-5k miles, which seems to be about what everyone is experienceing with the F4i's. So just spend the same amount 1 time and adjust it yourself.

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

Here is the link to the cbrworld thread - in case anyone had trouble finding it:

http://cbrworld.net/forums/thread/85183.aspx

This guy did a very good job explaining the procedure. I've got it bookmarked for a snowy day!

RE: Rattling sounds in engine
 

Well my 2001 F4I is still under warranty untill april 2007 and I have 15,xxx miles on it now and still pushing it hard just twist the throttle harder and keep the rpms up and you wont here it. I'm waiting untill winter then I'll let the dealer change it again...Its their headack untill warranty runs out...But yes read that thread verry easy to do..I don't think you have to move the gas tank tho..Use 1/4 inch drive swivel sockets and I think you can get in their easyer....