Hey everyone.. after riding around almost every night for the last week since I got my ninja (2004 w/9K miles) at first I wasn't sure but now I am convinced that the bike is making a noise it shouldn't be making, but only from 5K to 6K rpms. So here is the story -- apparently the bike sat in a garage for about a year, without being ridden or started even once. I had a mechanic check it out and he said that while the carbs were fine (to his surprise) the valves were making some kind of noise. So I had him adjust the valves and also change the oil. There was also no rust in the tank, thankfully. Now, whenever the bike is in the 5K to 6K range, it makes a metallic buzzing sound. I know what a car sounds like when it pings (predetonates) and my gut tells me the same thing is happening here. Maybe something is wrong with the timing mechanism? I will try to upload a sound clip later.

By the way, I know now I shouldn't have taken it to the mechanic. A day or two later I obtained the service manuals for these bikes and I realized how easy they are to work on (relatively) and I also became aware of the active online community and numerous resources. I could have done all that work myself and saved a good chunk of change! [:@]

 

The 250 ninja engine does have a relatively loud valve train. It will always have some metallic chattering from the valve tappets. Since you just got your ninja, maybe you're not used to this sound. But do get a sound clip. I'd like to hear it for myself. You might be right, maybe it is making an unusual noise.

 

My 07 zx6r does the same thing. From about 4-6k rpms is when it is most dominant, but can be heard very lightly at idle. I've met a few other guys with ninja's and theres does the same thing. As long as it isnt a REALLY LOUD distinct ticking noise I think you're fine.

 

Different ride for me, but my ignition switch rattles at those rpms. So it could be other than the engine that is making the noise.

 

Try hitting it with a hammer. You have a 50/50 chance of either fixing the problem, or making it worse. I like those odds!

 

But seriously, I kind of doubt that it's detonation.