Slapping chain noises.

[essexntv]

At least that is what it sounds like.

I can hear it very clearly when the engine is idling, in neutral and the clutch is disengaged. As soon as I put it in first gear or engage the clutch (still in neutral), the slapping noise stops.

It is also audible when I let go of the throttle whilst driving. The split second that the engine is not driving the wheel and the wheel is not driving the engine.

I have check my cam chain tensioners and they are well within the limits of wear. The only chain I can find inside the engine that is a bit slack is the oil pump chain. I find it hard to believe that such a small chain can make such clearly audible noises. And I also can not find any wear on it, so it is not slapping against anything else.

Have any of you fine gentleman/gentlewomen had similar experiences? If so, what was it?

Or is this a typical NTV noise. I have had a VT500C before this with over a 100.000 miles on the clock, but it never made a noise like this.

Thanks for your attention and I will appreciate any advice.

[honda]

Is this happening at low rpm around town perhaps. These bikes make mechanical slapping noise at as you state the no drive area. It will however will be worse if the idle mixture is not correct. Although the engine is not at idle all carb engines rely on the idle mix being correct even above idle. The slap is usually coming from the last gear in the box. There is a spring thingy which makes an attempt to cushion the drive train. This is a down side of the shaft drive single sided swing arm with no cush drive. Try setting the idle when warm and just make the engine run nice. If this was the problem you will also notice the bike rides nicer also. Hope this helps Dermot

[essexntv]

Thanks for the advise Dermot

I will give it a try.

[professore]

Try valve clearances. I had that noise too until I did mine - now it's gone.