Topic: How "ticky" are these motors?

[Tnutz]

76 CB550F.   25,000 miles and was very well looked after motor wise and runs like a dream.  I am not sure if cam chain is what i am hearing or  just normal honda valve train noise.  (i just came off of an XS650 so this high idle rev the piss out of it 4cyl is new to me)  I backed the tensioner off and it clattered real loudly at me so i am assuming the tensioner is working and actually tensioning the chain.  Clearances were just done.  Are they just ticky sounding motors or what?

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

Setting the cam chain tension is part of the full tune up procedure, which you'll probably want to redo. That, and a sync should quiet the motor down.

[Tnutz]

it was just synced.  i am just not sure if what i hear is normal thats all. Idles smooth as can be. 

[bucky katt]

does the rattle get quieter when you pull in the clutch handle?

[Tnutz]

nope. it's not even a rattle...just ticky ...i wish i could hear another one.  What i am unsure of, is the cam chain maybe too stretched to tension all the way....hmm. maybe i'll run it by the local honda guru this week.

[scunny]

the valve train noise is like the rustle of autumn leaves 

[MJL]

They sound like sewing machines.   Yes, they are ticky motors.

[bwaller]

Check the FAQ's on proper camchain adjustment, you can probably "quiet it down" some. It should idle around 1200.

[Tnutz]

well you fellas answered my questions then.

[mikethejeepguy]

I was wondering the same thing and would also really love to hear an other 550 for comparison. So I will try to describe mine.

I feel mine is fairly loud too with a sort of hiss from the top end that increases with rpms, even after installing a new tensioner. I've been checking valve clearances and cam chain tension almost on a weekly basis It seems that the majority of my noise is coming from the exhaust valves on 1 and 4, though that may only be how the sound bounces from under the tank. I also get a bit of hiss from the behind the points plate (even though I am running a Dyna). Carbs have been synced with Morgan too. At low rpm 900 to 1000 I get a knock from the bottom end which are likely clutch plates that gets louder when the bike goes from the upright to side stand position. I just put in 20W50 oil and it quieted things down a little bit. I have new rebuilt carbs going in today hopefully so that might smooth things out a little. I found the bike was much quieter after I put my cam back in (after tensioner install) and lubed everything with Lucas as assembly lube. After it washed away, the noise level increased.

Hope that helps. I'll keep monitoring this thread, maybe more 550 owners will chime in. Have you tried ear plugs? fixes the problem instantly!

[cycleman]

20-50 is a little thick for our climate.

I've found that motorcycle synthetic oil makes my bikes engines run a little quieter than conventional motorcycle oil. I'm currently runing Rotella Syn 5-40 ( a universal oil - used in diesel engines etc ) in my wing, the 78 750F is still in restore mode & my winter project. I think being air cooled the synthetic should work well as the valve train was the weak link in these engines.

Also having the timing & carbs spot on makes a big difference in engine noise.

[Popwood]

A subject dear to my heart as my 550K seems to behave the same way. On mine, full tune up and carb sync did help. I still have a top end ticking that keeps me wondering. And for the bottom end clunking with low rev in neutral or with clutch in, I read recently a post by TT suggesting one of the carb floats may not be right leading to that cylinder lagging behind, if I interpret TT correctly. Haven't had time to dig into that one yet.

[mystic_1]

Clatter from the valvetrain is one thing, actual ticking is another.  Knowing the difference takes experience.

mystic_1