08 Bandit 1250 getting a bit noisy.

[Mr.Black]

I am at 17,000 miles and the Bandit is starting to get loud. I know I'm due for a valve check, that will be happening over the winter.

It seems the bottom end is getting noisy as well.

Last night while moving it from one spot to another with no helmet on, I noticed the exhaust is also sounding louder.

There has always been a noticeable sound difference between the clutch being engaged and disengaged but it seems that it is just louder all around.

It still performs well, just getting noisy.

What should I have checked while I still have another 9 months on the warranty?

All suggestions welcome.

Thanks,

John.

[malbojah]

Valve check, throttle body sync, check for exhaust leak

[Blue Bye You]

Clutch rattle is a common problem with many bikes, Suzukis in particular. My M109 rattles alot and I believe the 1250 has the same clutch basket. It's nothing to worry about, and the only fix is to go to an aftermarket clutch basket, or have the stock unit modified with new springs.

[scottzilla]

In 23500 miles the ONLY change in my xx is a slight audible difference when the clutch is engaged vs. Not engaged.  My point?  Beats me.  When parts wear do they make more noise?  Beats me.  
I'm no help.

[mwt]

Have you checked the torque on all bolts/fasteners ??  

[Mr.Black]

Its internal. I am having the valves done in Feb. The exhaust is wearing in, stuff is getting friendly throughout the machine. Its all good.

[Canuck]

Mine's noisier since the 25000 km valve check, but in my case the mechanic damaged the cam chain and so they had to tear the engine down to install a new cam chain. The bike seems to run fine. I took it on a 10000 km trip with no problem, but it's definitely noisier

With the valve shim design, I'm told the valves tighten up over time not get looser, so valve noise should lessen with mileage.

[bandit1250]

I am over 40k miles on mine and yet to adjust a valve. I do find the cam chain tensioner reluctant to go to the next tooth, it gets noisy for a while and then when it does move it's amazingly quiet in comparison.

[jstark47]

Clutch rattle is a common problem with many bikes, Suzukis in particular. My M109 rattles alot and I believe the 1250 has the same clutch basket. It's nothing to worry about, and the only fix is to go to an aftermarket clutch basket, or have the stock unit modified with new springs.

I think this may just be a "Suzuki thing".  I had a Vstrom clutch pulled apart by a mechanic at 14K because of the rattle when disengaged.  Verdict: it's fine, just noisy.  Bike now has 27K, clutch still rattles and still works fine.  Watcha gonna do?    

[Justin]

Do you have good mechanics at your local shop, or know one near by? Just have one listen to the bike, so they can tell you everything is OK and it's just clutch basket noise to put your mind at ease. Or, in the case it may be something more, then they can recommend digging into it.

[Mr.Black]

Been flogging it since then for miles and miles. It was just getting broken in by then, exhaust is a bit louder the valves are due for adjust. I turned the iPod up and rode it.

[MadMax96]

See if you just had a 1st gen Bandit, you'd be used to the noise.  

[Ga-Bandit]

Is this your second valve adjustment? I had mine checked at the recommended mileage and it wasn't even needed (nor throttle sync) so at 38,000 now and not going to waste the money.

[ChrisInTexas]

See if you just had a 1st gen Bandit, you'd be used to the noise.  

I have an '05 Katana 750 with a new clutch. I have recently noticed a rattle sound when I am sitting at red lights, but it goes away when I pull back on the clutch lever a little. Other than that, it sounds like an old locomotive when it's running, just like always. You gotta love the old Suzuki's.

http://www.sdrm.org/sounds/skunk.wav

[Flying W]

one word......earplugs

[ChrisInTexas]

one word......earplugs

Is ear plugs one word or two?

[Flying W]

Is ear plugs one word or two?

 whatdoyoumean?