Knocking on brand new TE

[AllmanFan]

My brothers brand new TE449 when started this morning has a distinct knocking sound. Start the bike it knocks, pull in the clutch it stops, let it out it knocks.... Any ideas? Will be taking it in next week but really frustrating and to be honest down right worrisome considering the bike is a week old with only 3 miles on it. Your thoughts would be much appreciated.

 

[tonskiguy]

The clutch is noisy on these bikes.

 

[ray_ray]

Might be noise, but if that bike came from a dealer, you might wan to take it back. If not, next, pull off the clutch cover and have a look. My memory could be wrong but I think I remember another thread where something was coming loose on the clutch basket (?) or some other part associated with the clutch on these bikes and was producing a knock or something.

Good luck and I see only good things for that bike and whoever is riding it.

 

[Teambowles]

Should have 6 month warranty on her. I remember the clutch thread also and I believe it was a bolt that came loose and was hitting or chewing up the basket? Hopefully it's nothing and happy riding

 

[AllmanFan]

Might be noise, but if that bike came from a dealer, you might wan to take it back. If not, next, pull off the clutch cover and have a look. My memory could be wrong but I think I remember another thread where something was coming loose on the clutch basket (?) or some other part associated with the clutch on these bikes and was producing a knock or something.

Good luck and I see only good things for that bike and whoever is riding it.

Took my bros bike into the dealer and had the mechanic take a listen. He said that with these new bikes they will make these noises. Said it was nothing to worry about. Also said they come from the factory with very thin oil. I'll be honest it still kinda worries me as my new TE (purchased on the same day) makes no funky sounds at all. Told him that my bike purred like a kitten and he said "with time it will be sounding the same as his". I'm no engineer or even a half ass mechanic for that matter but I do know that when any of the other engines have made similar sounds it was nothing good. The mechanic is a certified husky/ktm mechanic at a respected husky/ktm only dealer and seems to know his stuff, so....... Don't really know where to go from here...? I'm hesitant to start taking things apart as I don't want to make it any worse. Might need to get a second opinion but really want to get out this weekend for our first real day in the dirt. I guess we will just have to see how it goes.

 

[ray_ray]

That knunk sounds like a non-issue then .... Maybe your ear is tuned for the Allman Bros and not dirt bikes?

I got 2 TC250s ...both act different but the same ...

Happy trails...

PS -- Not worth the trouble maybe but you might could make a short video ... First real dirt day is probably gonna be big ... It's got a good ring to it ....

 

[Huskynoobee]

Mine has done that for all 1500 miles. Don't get too worried. I've read the horror stories about clutch bolts backing out too. I'm thinking of pulling the side covers off my motor soon as it's about ready for an oil change so I can make sure the clutch and stator bolts are good. I figure after that many miles I shouldn't get lazy and screw up my newbie racer hopes for next season.

 

[GFJ]

I would guess it could be regular backlash in the gearbox. You hear it in the circs you describe; engine alone is sweet as a nut, but let the clutch out in neutral and at idle it chatters away.

Mine has done it from new. Had no problems with it and no swarf of note at any of the oil changes.

Ride and enjoy.

 

[Centerline]

My '07 450 clutch at idle in neutral is about as noisy as my old Ducati Monster clutch. (Duc dry clutches = kachinka, kachinka noise)
Pull in the clutch lever and it quiets mucho.

 

[huskylove]

normal on all 449/511 bikes. Clutch is mounted on the crank and spinning super fast. It also sticks out the side of the motor so the noise is more prominent. They also drag a bit. Still normal.

 

[Tinken]

Took my bros bike into the dealer and had the mechanic take a listen. He said that with these new bikes they will make these noises. Said it was nothing to worry about. Also said they come from the factory with very thin oil.

Would you mind telling me which dealer this is? 3Bros? If you need someone to give a second opinion, you can bring it by our shop. No one else world wide has as much experience with this motorcycle than we do. Change your oil at 30 miles, then 100 and then every 300 miles. Use Mobil1 0W40.

 

[AllmanFan]

Would you mind telling me which dealer this is? 3Bros? If you need someone to give a second opinion, you can bring it by our shop. No one else world wide has as much experience with this motorcycle than we do. Change your oil at 30 miles, then 100 and then every 300 miles. Use Mobil1 0W40.

Thanks Tinken. Took the bike to Orange County Husky/KTM in Anaheim. Seems to be a lot of differing opinions on this issue. Have you had any experience with the knocking or noisy clutch as others are calling it? Will definitely hit you up when survive is needed. Thanks.

 

[Huskynoobee]

Yeah, the comment by the mechanic about coming from the factory with very thin oil is kind of scary. Makes it look like if you take it there for an oil change it's going to get some nasty 50-60wt. over priced garbage in there.

 

[AllmanFan]

Yeah, the comment by the mechanic about coming from the factory with very thin oil is kind of scary. Makes it look like if you take it there for an oil change it's going to get some nasty 50-60wt. over priced garbage in there.

What weight oil does it come from the factory with? Would like to call him and see what he tells me..

 

[Centerline]

Yeah, the comment by the mechanic about coming from the factory with very thin oil is kind of scary. Makes it look like if you take it there for an oil change it's going to get some nasty 50-60wt. over priced garbage in there.

 

[Tinken]

It comes with Castrol 10W40 which is actually a higher viscosity than we like to run. In order to properly protect that engine, we use oils which have lower start up viscosity such as 0W40 and 5W40.

The old way of thinking is that a thicker or higher viscosity provides higher protection, but this couldn't be further from the truth. We would use even lower viscosity oils if we could maintain proper oil pressures throughout the operating range of our engines. For now, 0W & 5W40 viscosity is our recommendation.

 

[Teambowles]

What weight oil does it come from the factory with? Would like to call him and see what he tells me..

Hey bro, at this point imo I wouldnt trust that dealer/mechanic. If it were me i would go buy 2 quarts of mobil 1 0w-40 full synthetic oil a new oil filter, fill it with 1150cc's of new oil and get whatever is in there out. Doesnt matter how many miles are on the bike it will be alot happier with the mobil. First oil change may take you a half hour at most, then youll at least have peace of mind. You could also as mentioned before take a road trip to zipty and have them give your bike a once over...Then you can buy some nice shiney stuff...new fuel cap, new oil filter magnet thingy, oh yeah new drain plugs for filters...I could go on and on LOL

 

[N4544D]

Hey bro, at this point imo I wouldnt trust that dealer/mechanic. If it were me i would go buy 2 quarts of mobil 1 0w-40 full synthetic oil a new oil filter, fill it with 1150cc's of new oil and get whatever is in there out. Doesnt matter how many miles are on the bike it will be alot happier with the mobil. First oil change may take you a half hour at most, then youll at least have peace of mind. You could also as mentioned before take a road trip to zipty and have them give your bike a once over...Then you can buy some nice shiney stuff...new fuel cap, new oil filter magnet thingy, oh yeah new drain plugs for filters...I could go on and on LOL

This. Exactly what I did. Have them take care of all the little things (capacitor flip, ground wire, ECU flash, oil change, etc). Worth the trip.

 

[Ron West]

It comes with Castrol 10W40 which is actually a higher viscosity than we like to run. In order to properly protect that engine, we use oils which have lower start up viscosity such as 0W40 and 5W40.

The old way of thinking is that a thicker or higher viscosity provides higher protection, but this couldn't be further from the truth. We would use even lower viscosity oils if we could maintain proper oil pressures throughout the operating range of our engines. For now, 0W & 5W40 viscosity is our recommendation.

Do you recommend the same oil for an older Te250? Mine is an '07

Thanks

 

[AllmanFan]

It comes with Castrol 10W40 which is actually a higher viscosity than we like to run. In order to properly protect that engine, we use oils which have lower start up viscosity such as 0W40 and 5W40.

The old way of thinking is that a thicker or higher viscosity provides higher protection, but this couldn't be further from the truth. We would use even lower viscosity oils if we could maintain proper oil pressures throughout the operating range of our engines. For now, 0W & 5W40 viscosity is our recommendation.

Any idea where I can get the mobil1 0w40 or 5w40. Not a single bike shop or auto parts store has it around me in OC.