Rocket Rattle

[Steve W]

I know the R3 engine rattles have been discussed before. I am about to buy a 2005 Rocket with 9K miles. Maintained very well and 10k service has already been done. It has a rattle at about 2000-2200 rpm. What can I expect in the fix and cost of the fix? Valves were adjusted in 10k service and a shim was replaced in the cam chain tensioner. Thanks.

 

[Gothlander]

I would put a electronic stethoscope on it and pin point the rattle. Check for loose panels (bear claw, radiator shroud, heat Shields) and anything else that might rattle.

 

[Bobby K]

I would not buy it unless I could verify that the "upgrade kit" had already been installed. My 05 had the "rattle" at 6000 miles, then jumped timing and required the kit, plus head, valves, pistons, rings. I was lucky to be under warranty.

 

[cktire]

Not to worry

My 2005, bought in 2004, started to rattle at 18K. I took it in for the 20 K service and they did the cam upgrade under warranty. No charge and it was well out of warranty....Capitial Truimph in Harrisburg, PA. They are a great dealer!!!
The rattle was worse when I left the dealer. I was assured all was well by the dealer and that the older models make a lot of noise. I have put on another 10K and it runs perfect. In fact, it has run perfect for 6 years. I refuse to get the new tune because I don't want it screwed up.
I'd get the price of the cam upgrade and ask for forgiveness on the asking price.
Then again, Truimph might just warranty the work. They are well aware of the problem. Have the seller ask....they may not extend the warrany to a second owner.
Frankly, I've gotten used to the rattle and have just forgotten about it. I really doubt it will come apart (after the upgrade). These are hardy machines.

 

[scot in exile]

An 05 bike with 9000miles it is a bloody shame how some people abuse the bikes that they buy. Weekend warriors ride 100 miles then rest for a fortnight.

 

[Lester532]

Without knowing what your rattle sounds like it's hard to give good advise.

Here's a sound file from Mitchpc of a paint can rattle.



From what I have read and from my own experience the cam gear rattle occurs between about 1200 to 1800 rpm when the engine is cold.

The catastrophic failures I've hears of happened below 10,000 miles. There have been several that had a repair done between 10 and 20 thousand miles and some that have had a rattle for well over 20,000 miles.

The oil pump drive chain makes a noise also but it's more like a sewing machine and it's not as apt to fail. Not that it can't.

My engine has had a paint can rattle for about 7,000 miles. But just when cold.

I changed my oil last week. I put in Lucas 20w50 synthetic motorcycle oil. It sounds like a completely different bike. It still rattles well cold but not as bad or as long.

Rocket engines do make a lot of noise. One of our members said it sounds like a tractor FN a sewing machine. Pretty fair description.

Draw your own conclusions. Hope this helps.

 

[Ugarte]

My 05 has been rattling for 65k miles. No upgrades except for the new idle tune. Its been a sweetheart of a bike in all aspects and I tell her so every time I ride.

 

[Lester532]

My 05 has been rattling for 65k miles. No upgrades except for the new idle tune. Its been a sweetheart of a bike in all aspects and I tell her so every time I ride.

You are the reason i did a 70 dollar oil change instead of a 650 dollar timing chain.

 

[Ugarte]

You are the reason i did a 70 dollar oil change instead of a 650 dollar timing chain.

Well, hope you made the right decision...

 

[Lester532]

Well, hope you made the right decision...

I should have said you are "one" of the reasons. Reading about your 76,000 miles most of them with the rattle played in to the final decision.

I'm confident that doing a time chain at this time would be premature. Maybe next year or the year after that or the year after that.