Problems with EX-W 530

[phxatc]

Hey everyone. I have a brand new 2009 XC-W 530. First off I have only put about 4 hrs onto it and wow, it handles amazing and has loads of power. Now on the bad side. I have noticed a nasty rattle emerging from under the tank and in between the radiators. Does anyone have any ideas? I removed my aftermarket rad quards, cooling fan, everything thats not originally there. but the rattle continues. Its only after the motor heats up, and under an open throttle. Second prob. This bike is next to impossable to start with the kick start. Is this normal? I literally have to put the kickstand down stand up on the bike and hammer down the kickstart lever. then it will sometimes start in the first three kicks. If I do it the normal way, standing on the ground. then it doesnt even come close to turning over. Half the time it doesnt move, or makes clicking, and grinding sounds as it goes down. I came off an yamaha WR450 and it kicked over easy. Please help.

[bajadog]

Okay I don't have a XC4-RC4 based bike, but I asked some folks that do, and here is what they say:

"rattle ? that's a tough one .... quick things that come to mind ...
check all the electrical boxes on the frame ... ? steering stem bolt / nut
inside radiator spacer ... ? did we check all the fasteners ? see anything
shiney from rubbing / bouncing ?

hard to kick start ?? NO KIDDING
I couldn't hardly start my 2009 either .... kicked it once in the time we
lived together .... compression .. tough to turn over
my 2010 isn't any better .. may be harder to kick over than the 2009
A old guy like me .. loves that majic button ....
and if you aren't careful .. you will bend / break the kick stand ..
better to use a box or big rock to stand on ...
and hey let us know what the rattle turns out to be ...
good luck"

"Before he rides it anymore pull off the valve cover and check the cam well, incl. the ADC (automatic decompression cam) and cam retainer. "

[phxatc]

Thanks for the info. Yeah I guess they are notoriously hard to kick start. I did check all the connections and lose pieces for the rattle. Its definatley chassis oriented and not in the engine. I gave up and took it into the shop. Its still under warranty, let them figure it out. Ill post up what the problem was if they ever find it.

[bajadog]

Good call.

I have not had a bike under warranty for so long, I forgot about that avenue.