I've read all the threads (I think) and can't figure out if the rattle is accompanied by a vibration. I've started getting a vibration over 3100 rpm's and getting nervous about this much discussed timing sprocket. Do the two tie together. I talked to both dealers hear in Denver and they say they've never had a sprocket problem. The vibration is noticeable in neutral or any gear. I don't want to wait till implosion - my warranty of course just ran out in February. Any info would be appreciated. I don't mind pulling some thing apart to check prior to hanging my head and going to the dealer. Thanks Sorry forgot the specs 2006 classic, 5900 miles.

Welcome aboard TTT, I have a 06 classic myself with appx 4500 miles (since Oct 07). I get a vibration at about 80mph which I believe is @ 3000rpm, it go's away about 100mph, or I don't notice it anymore. As to the paint can rattle I couldn't tell you I have never heard it before. As you know the R3 is pretty noisy when it's running fine, big engine and cluncky gearbox. Good luck and if you find out anything let us know, and again WELCOME to the site.

The rattle and the shake aren't from the same mechanical components. The rattle is the lower timing sprocket key. The shake I can only guess. Maybe your clutch pack has problems or remotely, you have a balancer shaft out of time.

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TTTodd,pull the black plug above the oil filter and try to pry the sprocket back and forth to see if its loose. You could even have someone crank the engine and watch the sprocket.Just give it a good lookin at.Lots af noises in these things but mabey seeing that its not loose will give ya some piece of mind. I changed mine for piece of mind.

ya know, i was just thinking about this. i was probably one of the first to bring this up w/ triumph... well, i don't know, maybe not, but it was so long ago i've forgotten alot about it... but after some number of miles (less than 1K) on my new rocket back in 2004, this paint can rattle sound would happen ONLY at a specific rpm (2300 maybe? i can't remember now, but it was always the same power) and only when the engine was cold. after a couple of miles, no noise. i even made a video of it, sent it to the dealer, who sent it to triumph, who authorized a tear down... bottom line is they told me utimately nothing was wrong, it was something about the way that chain was lubed and once warm, the "rattle" would go away. so i forgot about it, until i went in to another dealer for an oil change, they heard the noise, went thru the same exercise, wasted a lot of my time and ultimately told me nothing was wrong (gee thanks guys), and so on.... anyway, at just under 20K, i can't remember when i last heard that noise, and i've never had any trouble with my r3. so, was that the paint can rattle, or no? i already mentioned it to the new dealer that i'm visiting next week, because of what happened at the last 'new' dealer, and he seemed to be aware of the issue and acknowledged that it was just a feature, if that. because i've read on this forum that some people had warranty replacement of parts related to this issue, i'm curious again

I too recall the paint can rattle was MOST apparent in the 2100-2400 ballpark. The lower sprocket and key were replaced. The key itself showed significant deformation. Some replacements included the chain, from what I gather. Not in my case.

A vibration related to the timing of the paint can rattle was not noticed in my case. I too have an onset of highway speed vibration in the 80-85 range. Mine diminishes at higher speeds by not entirely. That I take is the nature of the beast.

Vibration and tire cupping: At 5900 miles you're shirley seeing ample wear on the rear. Unless your running correct tire pressure on a constant basis, particularly on the front, you're likely going to suffer tire cupping. 36 front 42 rear. BTW, I run 42 in my rear darkside and it works great. Almost the same as stock.

HeR3tic, not to belabor the point, but did your noise go away after the engine was warm or was it always there at that RPM?
thx,
gb

Good question GB. With an ear for "noise" I can detect the paint can rattle at warmed up attitude as well. I dare say the majority of mechanics with such an ear are few. I've left my FBG at the dealer more recently so that they may appreciate the timing chain rattle at cold start. Apparently I'm much to sensitive to the rattle. That was a fajr time after the sprocket and key change.

I was positioning for a full timing chain replacement instead of the half hearted solution they've already done. I still hear it (the chain) at cold; but, the sprocket noise WAS clear at all ranges but most apparent at cold. Again, I'm a sensitive individual You just have to know what you're hearing.

Beat that dead horse as often as you like...it's ugly head still raises itself periodically.

I do believe the failure to replace the chain is NOT a pending disaster but the noise clearly tells me the job should have included the whole works. IMO. That cheap shit key was the foundation for it all.

And they replaced the tensioner at the time of the prolonged downtime (2 weeks).