Had an 06 since 06 ..and since day one there has been a slight rattle on start up ..That rattle has increased to a point where it now sounds nasty and takes a while to go away when warming up ..Only happens when the bike has sat for longer than a couple of hours..Any fixes ?? Could it be an oiling issue ..as in no oil getting to the timing chain on startup? Could a change to synthetic help ??
Also I might add I recently had a wierd electrical fade ..that is the bike showed the battery was suddenly down to 9 volts. The bike had stalled out and it was then I noticed the reading. I barely got it to re start.After that ..everything was fine ..My brother has been having the same thing on his '07 ..any ideeeers?

* Last updated by: painterdude on 6/29/2012 @ 6:08 PM *

You may have a cam chain tensioner issue. Search this forum for APE CCT... I seem to remember more than one member here had the exact same complaint.

* Last updated by: hagrid on 6/29/2012 @ 6:25 PM *

+1 APE sounds like your cam chain!

thanks guys ..think its narrowed down to the cam chain and a need perhaps for a look at installing an ..APE+ going back to synthetic oil.
The electrical deal could be a a worry as sometimes those things are gremlins that take forever to figure out..Better do it soon cuzz I am going cross country in a couple of weeks.
g

* Last updated by: painterdude on 6/30/2012 @ 2:22 AM *

Painter, how are things up in BC, been awhile since we last heard from you?

Hope all is going well!

hey there:
Things are good ..I hope all is well with you down in those sweltering parts . Hope your kids are doing well.
As for our fam everyones married and doing well- popping babies. Art is doing well inspite of the recession.
Presently I am getting ready for another long haul on the 14. My brother has one now ..and we travel together. We have been thinking of going to Rosewell and Carlsbad ..but thingss are rather hot down there so we may run north through the Rockies and possibly on up to Alaska. Still arranging routes. Its always a blast. Did a run to Vegas and beyond last year. Humm you can keep Vegas..
How's work going for you ??
Give me a call sometime if you feel like it . Would be good to catch up .
God bless
graeme
* ps ..whatever happened to 1bad??

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/12/2012 @ 5:53 PM *

While you're at it, check your charging voltage. If it's above 13.2 or so your battery is probably getting bad.
If it shows battery voltage while running, your reg/rec or stator has a problem.
Mad

My running bat voltage is normally 14.0....but I wish I knew IF that's the actual VOLTAGE OF THE BATTERY....OR...the voltage being fed INTO the battery while running.I never have been able to truly know exactly what that disply is showing. I know turning the key on will give a battery voltage read.It's NOT at 14v when I turn it on.13 something...yes...but not 14 or higher.But most of the time...it's running at 14.0 or higher.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/12/2012 @ 1:56 PM *

top end rattle seems much much better with an oil change..not that I really needed it . Castrol 10/40= quiet cam. Could be however that the cam chain tensioner simply moved forward one more notch..whatever ..quiet is good.
Just changed out the battery ..seems to have fixed things electrically speaking.
thanks guys
g

* Last updated by: painterdude on 7/12/2012 @ 5:09 PM *

Get a voltmeter. Touch it to the battery leads when the bike is off. should be at least 12.7. Now start. Should be at lease 13.2 and rises when you add gas. Also, if , when starting, the voltage drops by appx 2 volts, you have a battery with a bad cell.

Mad