Newbie here, first post. I have been interested in these V-Twin bikes for a little bit and looking for a fun summer project to wrench on. This bike isn't perfect cosmetically and has a tapping or clicking sound when it runs. Could this be a loose timing chain, possibly valve train, or worse? The bike has its OEM chain tensioners, I believe (pic attached). I would greatly appreciate any thoughts. I've rebuilt a 350 SBC a couple years ago and a Suzuki Katana 1000 engine over 10 years ago, so familiar with engine internals. However, my first time with a Honda.

YouTube Link to the Video:
Again, any advice from experts would be much appreciated!

Rear Chain Tensioner

 

That does not sound like a normal noisy SuperHawk motor to me. That tapping doesn't sound right. Is it hitting on both cylinders? Kinda sounds like it might only be firing on one. If so, it could be missing due to bent valves resulting from jumped timing after an auto tensioner spring breaking. Are both headers heating up?

 

Thank you for the quick response! Seller only ran it for about 20 seconds and I didn't even THINK to check the headers for temp. As my good friend Homer would say, D'oh!

It took a few tries to get the engine to start. I assumed it was from just sitting, but only firing on one cylinder would also do the trick. Would a bent valve be the worst case? I'm guessing that could mean - at worst - repairing or replacing the head. Best case replace the valve(s)?

Trying to work up a budget for repairs. I'm working from home, so escaping to the garage to settle the mind helps with the mental therapy. An engine pull and repair wouldn't be the worst thing as it would keep me busy for awhile. I'm already planning on tires, full fluids, and possibly a replacement fairing kit as a few of the pieces are either damaged or missing.

 

I would say worst case is a hole in the piston crown from hitting a valve, but that's unlikely. I'm not sure I ever remember anyone experiencing that on here. If there are bent valves as I described, it's more likely the front head. The front and rear are not directly interchangeable FYI. Yes, that means swapping a head or replacing valves if that's in your skillset.

The bike will run on one cylinder and can be ridden that way, though it's a bit down on power. Don't ask how I know.

Oh, and yes, that's an OEM tensioner above.

 

Got it. I wonder if that clicking sound is the chain skipping over the cam gears, if the chain tensioner totally failed? He said it was making a small tapping sound, then got worse when he had to drive it home.

Are all cylinder heads interchangeable across all the years? I see some listings for a front head for 2001-2005. My (limited) understanding was the engines were unchanged during the run.

 

All years are interchangeable, just not front and rear. I think you could make the front - rear thing work, but the tensioner location is different at a minimum.

$135 shipped is a good deal for a functional head these days once you confirm what the issue is.

 

I greatly appreciate the advice and quick responses! One of the things I always look for when buying a classic car, RV, or cycle is a supportive community. Forums like this are such valuable resources that FB can never replace.

Next step will be working up all the costs to see if a purchase makes sense. Head, valves, gaskets, all the goodies.

 

Well, don't judge this forum or me based on my responsiveness here. There are still some good, knowledgeable people on here, but it's been pretty quiet for awhile and I'm stuck as a car passenger traveling for work this afternoon so...

 

That made me laugh out loud! I'm waiting in the parking lot for kids' swim practice and have been searching up parts. Good time filler!

 

I was on Greg Nemish's original Runlevelzero VTR forum until it disappeared and didn't find his (this) current forum until I joined up (check my date I can't remember what I had for breakfast).

Me and SWMBO have been empty nesters for a dozen years since the youngest of 3 left. I have two 98s, 2 spare engines, a frame and enough parts to build 2 more but don't have the strength anymore. Too many old injuries but not from motorcycles. Bicycling yes though. In 07 I got taken out by elf spinner at 18 mph. It's been down hill since. Riding and racing over 50 years without a scratch and almost get killed on a push bike cross-training

 

Ouch! I sent you a PM about the bikes.

 

I am new to the VTR bike since about 3 weeks ago, 2001 model here in New Zealand.

For anyone interested, I have just received 2 x 14520-MBB-013 tensioners for about $49 USD each delivered to NZ, pinky / flesh coloured paint dot on them, should be the latest incarnation of the dreaded auto cct.
Company is partsouq.com

I think that price seems quite good compared to others being bandied around.,

And as an adder to the email I have dam well pulled the thin spring set key out of one of them...hopefully I can re-set this unit to closed piston position.... I should learn not to f--k with things.

 

Please don't copy/paste the same reply in multiple threads (for future reference). Thanks.