ST1300 Engine noise

Hondatechnut12

Hondatechnut12

Joined
Sep 12, 2021
Messages
21
Age
45
Location
Picton, Ontario
Hey, I’ve owned my ST for a little under a year, purchased it last year, it’s a 2012 with around 15,000kms which I’ve put 5000 of those on. The bike is in showroom condition and has been maintained very well from the records the previous owner provided me and I absolutely love it. I’ve noticed since I purchased it however a rattling/scratching noise coming from the engine when at low idle? Noise has never gotten any worse nor changed. It doesn’t change with the clutch engaged either? I cant seem to pinpoint where it’s coming from and doesn’t sound like a loose valve? Cam chain tensioner maybe or something clutch related maybe? I haven’t really let it bother me until recently for whatever reason so i figured I would see if anyone had any input?
 
The first 1300 I rode was a test-ride bike. Almost new. That sound put me off buying one - until I found a service manual to read and realised what it was that I had heard.
They may need adjustment occasionally. When they need it, the engine either whines or rattles. It doesn't happen overnight - it's just that one day you begin to notice it.
 
Hondatechnut12 said:
Ok, I appreciate the info, is this a big job? And is it normal for them to be out at 15k?
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No....and.....Yes.
Simply remove the lower black cowls, and the triangular nose piece.
Clean both the arms/bolts and use penetrating oil to make sure your feeling the turn, and not dirt resistance.
Read the service manual FINE print.
The upper one turns counter clockwise until you meet LIGHT resistance, then back ONE graduation (line)
The lower one turns clockwise until you meet LIGHT resistance, then back ONE graduation (line), however, use the line to line this one up, not the dot.
This is all you need to do, then tighten everything up.
DO NOT start the engine and warm it up while the shafts are loose, or you'll loose your adjustment.
 
ST-Traveler said:
Never touched my adjusters-- is that normal?
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Normal as in some bikes require it, mine never did up to when I sold it at 45k miles. It won't hurt to check it. Should you do so, I would suggest that you put a pencil mark on the adjusters and the engine so you can return to the original setting if you wish.
 
SMSW said:
Normal as in some bikes require it, mine never did up to when I sold it at 45k miles. It won't hurt to check it. Should you do so, I would suggest that you put a pencil mark on the adjusters and the engine so you can return to the original setting if you wish.
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You have a detent punch mark, and lines so you'll know where you started, and where you ended up. Just take a picture before you start if your worried about it.
 
ST-Traveler said:
Anyone here have audio of this phenomenon??
Never touched my adjusters-- is that normal?
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Yours probably need adjustment, you just never knew it. ;)
If your bike has a very low grumbly sound as your taking off, they need to be adjusted.
Most folks don't know they can adjust these and make the bike so much smoother than it came from the dealership.
 
SMSW said:
Normal as in some bikes require it, mine never did up to when I sold it at 45k miles. It won't hurt to check it. Should you do so, I would suggest that you put a pencil mark on the adjusters and the engine so you can return to the original setting if you wish.
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I'd bet you a donut that if I were to have adjusted yours before you sold it, you would have noticed a remarkable difference in sound and vibration ;)
 
Igofar said:
I'd bet you a donut that if I were to have adjusted yours before you sold it, you would have noticed a remarkable difference in sound and vibration ;)
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I have no doubt that you are right. However, I felt no significant vibration and I really liked the bike's sound at my cruising speed of around 70 +/- mph.

Were there a comparable service for donuts to FTD (sending someone flowers in another city) I'd send you one in a heartbeat for your help to us all!
 
ToyFan1 said:
I have done it and its not a difficult job. although i have bad tinnitus so i grabbed my kid to help listen for me lol.
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Your adjuster is off a couple lines if you loosened it, started it, and listened for the noise.
That paragraph should not be in the service manual. That is for really high mileage bikes 300k that normal adjustments won’t work.
If you went back and did it again, you will find your adjuster is off etc.
 
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