Noisy Motor

ama · 09-22-2008, 05:26 PM

I hope this question isn't too stupid......my 690 Duke has developed a "rattling" sound in the motor that only happens at part throttle......not on acceleration or deceleration, just when the throttle is cracked. It sounds suspiciously like a cam chain slapping against the inside of the engine case because it is too loose. The bike has only 700 miles on it and is going in soon for the initial service. Does the 690 motor have a cam chain? Has anyone else had this problem? Is it adjustable?
thanks for any answers, ama

Morpheous · 09-23-2008, 09:19 AM

I am at 3000 miles and mine does that at 4K rpms consistently. Sounds like piston slap sort of ? but I think I agree its probably cam chain loose. Hard to tell . Its bothersome though for sure. Sounds like clacking angry bees in there..LOL Are the 690s prone to abnormal cam chain tension loss?

Bri690 · 09-24-2008, 01:47 PM

Hey AMA, you've been to the dragon & back, did you ever have your motor looked at for this noise? Mine seems noisy too, I just figured a single is less refined than the Honda V4 that I just sold.

ama · 09-24-2008, 01:57 PM

Mine's going to the dealer next week for the breakin service and to investigate the noise. It's exceptionally loud to the point that I was hesitant to ride it, but didn't have much choice. The noise didn't seem to affect the power or running of the bike which leads me to believe that it might me the cam chain. The dealer says that the cam chain is hydraulic, not manually tensioned, so maybe the tensioner is the problem.
ama

ama · 10-02-2008, 03:29 PM

Hey, Morph..........my Duke's at the dealer as we speak for the 700 mile service. He speculated at first the the noise might be the slipper clutch assembly, but after hearing it, concurred that is sounded like cam chain noise and that most 690s had similar sounds. He is going to check all of the valves and the cam chain tension (hydraulic internal device) anyway......more on the outcome later.

By the way, he is also installing the KTM/Akropovik exhaust system, remapping the computer, and installing a 42 tooth rear sprocket as well.

ama

Morpheous · 10-03-2008, 02:33 PM

Wow ama, that thing will be decked out and should really pull. I have the 15T up fron on mine and it is better for sure.

cdo1uk · 10-04-2008, 02:52 PM

mine rattles a bit.... not that bothered as i have heard a lot of other 690's that do it to. i think its just a trate. getting mine back monday after the Akro system put on mine too, and i have a 15t front sproket and have trouble keeping the front wheel down.... actually i dont, i just lift it up.

ama · 10-06-2008, 08:04 AM

bad news, Morph et al; it appears that my noise is caused by bad roller bearings on the rocker arms on the camshaft. My dealer found this problem when he got into the head to check the valves at the 700 mile service. He put a call in to KTM on Friday to see how they want to deal with this problem and if they have seen similar conditions on other 690 motors. I'll keep you updated.
ama

ama · 10-07-2008, 03:09 PM

got the word from my dealer today; KTM is shipping a new camshaft and rocker assembly including roller. Apparantly, the roller scored the cam and both needed replacement. This is what caused the noise in the top end. KTM is doing the right thing and shipping all the necessary parts asap.
ama

Morpheous · 10-07-2008, 04:15 PM

AMA, thats good news, but now the question is is this prevalent or isolated to your bike? Yikes! Have they indicated that this could lead to any type of recall or preventative failure replacement due to the bearings being faulty?