Engine knock leaning to the right

[Guest]

Hi all, my Suzuki gs650 has just developed a knock but only when leaning to the right. When it’s upright or leaning to the left it sounds sweet. Just wondering whether anyone has had this problem before or any idea what it could be.

[Brendan W]

Hi kalaven and welcome.
Could the clutch basket nut be loose?

[kaiaven]

Hi kalaven and welcome.
Could the clutch basket nut be loose?

Certainly possible, I’ve not done any engine work to the bike. Haven’t had it long. I thought I’d post it on here to see if anyone had this problem before and was something simple before I go stripping the engine apart. I’ll check the clutch basket. Thank you

[tom203]

When bike leans to right, oil level drops in area where rotor/stator/starter clutch dwell. If clutch basket is tight, take a look at the stator area. Understand that this is a plain bearing engine.....likes good oil pressure!

[kaiaven]

When bike leans to right, oil level drops in area where rotor/stator/starter clutch dwell. If clutch basket is tight, take a look at the stator area. Understand that this is a plain bearing engine.....likes good oil pressure!

Going on from the oil pressure, assuming these things are good. Its possible it could be oil pump/oil pump screen blocked. Something like that not feeding oil properly?

[Steve]

Understand that this is a plain bearing engine.....likes good oil pressure!

That would depend on whether there is a shaft or a chain between the engine and the rear wheel.

Yep, the 650E has roller bearings, the 650G and 650GL are plain bearings.

Kaiaven, how does the knock sound? Is it steady, or does it knock a few times, go away for a few seconds, then repeat? If it does that, does it seem to go away above about 1500 RPM?

.

[Brendan W]

Certainly possible, I’ve not done any engine work to the bike. Haven’t had it long. I thought I’d post it on here to see if anyone had this problem before and was something simple before I go stripping the engine apart. I’ll check the clutch basket. Thank you

See if the clutch basket is visible with the oil filler open. Does pulling the lever in and releasing make the basket move?

[kaiaven]

That would depend on whether there is a shaft or a chain between the engine and the rear wheel.

Yep, the 650E has roller bearings, the 650G and 650GL are plain bearings.

Kaiaven, how does the knock sound? Is it steady, or does it knock a few times, go away for a few seconds, then repeat? If it does that, does it seem to go away above about 1500 RPM?

.

It is shaft drive. The knock is steady but only on idle leant to the right. If you rev it the sound goes away and then comes back when on idle again. Sounds like it’s coming from top end. I’ve taken the cam cover off. Doesn’t seem to be any play in the cams.

[Brendan W]

I think Steve is heading to the infamous cam walk noise where they shift sideways at idle.
It's generally a tap tap, tap tap , silence repeat and only at idle.

[storm 64]

Also, if you are low on fuel, the float in the gas tank will sometimes rattle off the bottom of the gas tank. I know it will with my 850g. Another thing that will cause a annoying noise, a loose exhaust collar. Even a worn out gas cap rubber and spring will drive you nuts! A lot of times I think the engine is ready to explode! Then find it's something simple. Good luck 👍

[steve murdoch]

An example of cam walk noise.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GZtAZZVCpxs