I have a 98 f3, I've checked as many cosmetic things as I can think of, to find the rattle. Starting to come to the conclusion it's inside the motor or transmission. When accelerating, it stops, but when decelerating, it's pretty loud. But if you pull in the clutch it stops. Any ideas of what it could be? HELP! ALMOST SUMMER TIME AND I WANT TO RIDE!

 

is your chain too loose or worn out? check your chain and adjustment.

does it only do it while moving, or at idle too?

 

Just when moving.

 

I'm not sure if it is worn out or not. Loose? Maybe but still not sure. I bought the bike as it sits, 10 inch swing arm. Is there a tension adjuster on the swing arm?

 

if its too loose, it will slap on the swing arm during engine braking. bad links will bind and release causing all kinds of strange noises.

get it up on a stand and inspect it, clean it, adjust it. if its old and nasty and you are uncertain of its age, probably be a good idea to replace it anyway. look at the sprocket condition as well for wear and replace also if needed.

 

The bike only has 12000 miles on it. So I know it has less than that on the chain. But I'll have to check the sprockets out and see he they are worn or missing teeth.

 

if its the original chain, its 14 years old. has it been cleaned and lubed every 400-500 miles? probably not.... 12k mi replacement is not unheard of for a stock chain not maintained. if its not stock, how does it look? it may be only needing adjustment. but look carefully at its condition. if it snaps, it wont be pretty....and it will hurt!
the sprockets wont be missing teeth, but they will be worn down and have sharp edges.

 

Would the rattle stop when you pull the clutch in?

 

yes, it could. your taking the load off the chain. a bad link would click as it rolls.

 

Cool! Well, kinda. Time to get working to see if it works! Thanks. I'll get back with you if it doesn't.