Gen 1 Fazer 1000. Sounds like a bag of nails when clutch pulled in...

[Just Fazered]

Just recently got my Gen 1 Fazer 1000 and wonder why when the clutch is pulled in - in 1st gear, the bike sounds like it's got a loose bag of nails inside. Is this normal?

All works okay and no issues when riding it. Been riding V-Twins such as RSV1000, VTR1000 and SV1000 for years and never noticed anything like that on them, so wonder if you guys can set the record straight?

Cheers!

[Falcon 269]

Welcome.

They're usually noisy in neutral with clutch engaged but when you pull the lever it quietens down.  Your symptoms are different, though.  Is it only first gear that creates the noise?

What's the age/mileage of the bike? 

How are the chain and sprockets?

[Just Fazered]

Thanks for that... it's only 1st gear I'm hearing it, from selecting 1st moving off from standstill to changing down through to 1st while on the move in traffic. Not quite sure what to make of it, and it doesn't seem right.

No malfunctions (yet), although I'm not sure if its a sign of something about to expensively go tits up?

It's a 2004 / 04 with just over 19,000 on the clock and most of it's service history from new. It's a UK bike with 080 under seat. Chain and sprockets pretty new - less than 1,000 miles old.

Not sure what else to add really. Engine oil / filter as fresh as the chain and sprockets!

I'm hoping it's easy to pinpoint, although I'm not so sure? 

[unfazed]

Chain to tight??????

[Falcon 269]

What happens if you select second gear at a standstill?  Same noises?

Check front sprocket is on properly.  If the old retaining tab washer wasn't replaced with the new C&S, it may have broken and allowed the retaining nut to back off.

[Just Fazered]

Okay, I will check that because it's something I wasn't aware off. Thanks.

[PieEater]

Whilst this doesn't fit totally in with your symptoms other than the bag of nails noise and the proximity to the clutch, I thought I'd throw into the mix that the automatic cam chain tensioners can fail. There were some scares a while back which resulted in a number of us ditching them and fitting manual tensioners. I seem to remember that you can 'reset' / check the automatic tensioner in case it has stuck and is not operating properly which might be worthwhile. Undo the 10mm bolt at the end of the adjuster and use a flat bladed screwdriver that will fit down the barrel to find the slot at the end of the piston, make sure that it freely turns in both directions.

[Just Fazered]

Thanks for the heads up with the cam chain tensioner. I will delve in to my Haynes manual and see if it's a job I think I can do, or whether it's a job for a mechanic as I'm not overly confident with such matters. 

[b1k3rdude]

Where abouts are you located, suggest get another FZS1000 owner to have a listen or take for a spin.

I'm down in Hertfordshire.

[Just Fazered]

Sorry, been away.

I'm in Shepperton. That's near M25 Junction 11 or 13.

Also near M3 junction 1 at Sunbury Cross where the A316 from London becomes the M3 Motorway.

If anyone lives near here and can spend a few minutes doing a comparison - give me a shout, that would be great.

Cheers

Ray.

[b1k3rdude]

you a PM.

[Just Fazered]

Thanks b1k3rdude - message much appreciated, only just seen it as I've been off sick, and that's the best excuse I have!!  Will message you back soon with contact details, although I am away in Kent this weekend.

[vinnychoff]

As others have said, could be gears, clutch, chain, sprocket. I also had a bellagio that I thought had big end bearings going. Only when I started the bike and touched around the bike did i find the front fairing was vibrating on the frame. this made a sound similair to a fault on the engine.
Could be another thing to look at or have some one look at your bike while putting in gear.
Vince

[Just Fazered]

Here's a link to a short video on my Facebook page so you can hear the sound, although it's less of a bag of nails now!!  https://www.facebook.com/ray.wilkins.528/videos/vb.672608803/10153660213558804/?type=2&theater&notif_t=video_processed

[unfazed]

Cannot see the video 

[Just Fazered]

Oh, that's a pity. If you'd care to pm me your email address, I can paste a link to it there, and I won't try and sell you any PPI 

[Just Fazered]

Guess what.....it's not clutch, although pretty well all signs were that it was the clutch thrust bearing.

Comical really, last week the bike was starting with ignition on and when clutch lever was pulled in!!

Yep, you read it right: Ignition on, pull clutch lever in, and bike starts. Still sounds like bloody clutch rattle 

Thanks to all who helped out, it's much appreciated, and stop smiling at my misfortune

[unfazed]

You have a PM