[Michael]

Just curious, I picked up my CBR 250 yesterday, and now have 80km's on it. Riding it normally, not winding it up etc. Have not passed 6500RPM as of yet. My question is, when cruising at around 5500RPM, i definitely hear some sort of valve tick/noise going on. Anyone else experience this?

Perhaps you have identified the problem, which should be sorted at the first service.

 

[Michael]

It's only got 60 miles on it, can't be the valves already.

Not the valves as such, could be the tappet clearance.

I have seen reports of tappet noise on some bikes on other forums, which is fixed up at the first service.

The reason that there is a valve clearance check at the first service is because the first miles are effectively a shakedown. Once everything is settled in they check the tappet clearance, and replace the shims if necessary. Once that is done there is a inspection scheduled every 16,000 miles. Chances are that no more adjustment (actually replacing shims) will be required for the life of the engine.

 

[Michael]

I agree..Tappet noise...been hearing others complain about it also on other forums
....one even wondered if honda would finally admit a problem and issue a recall because of the shims

I don't know that it is really a problem.

Shims come in different thicknesses, and an appropriate one is installed to give the correct gap. The engine builders might get it right when they assemble the engine, or the gap may need to be adjusted with a different shim at the first service, after the engine has settled down.

To my way of thinking, the first service should be free (included in the price of the bike) because of that. It is in some countries. It is really the final stage of assembly, so should be the responsibility of the manufacturer.

 

[Michael]

Another thought is that it could be weak tensioners. Again, I only hear it at 5000rpm. At that point, it comes in and out like bb's in a can. If the tensioner is controlled via oil pressure, that could be the culprit. I have read that the 600's have this issue, and most people end up putting manual tensioners in them to rid the clacking noise.

Could be that too. Whatever, it should be sorted at the first service. If it is a worry, get it looked at sooner. It should be part of the deal when buying a new vehicle.

The guy who overhauled the engine of my 14 year old Dream 100 left me in no doubt. If there were any problems, he would fix them, at no cost to me.

If a little one man and his missus workshop can take responsibility for for their work, surely Honda and big dealers can do the same.

 

[Michael]

Well, I have 200km on the clock, and the rattle is still there. I popped open the valve cover today and found the following; the intakes are on spec, the exhausts are tight. Spec for exhaust is 0.011 plus/minus 0.001. My exhaust valves are at 0.008. Too tight. Guys at the dealership told me to keep riding until I get to my 1K, then adjust. As long as I have some clearance I should be okay.

True, just don't ride too hard until it is adjusted. Well done on investigating, and sharing. I reckon your bike is going to be fine.

Our macho "hard break" proponents like to go on about sealing rings, or whatever other technical sounding waffle. But "running in" is more about a shake down period before inspecting and adjusting, more or less the last stage of building.

I wonder what response this gets? Flame away guys!!