New member from Belgium

[John Deere]

Hi everyone. My real name is Pierre. John Deere comes from an other passion I've! I'm 48 and live in Belgium.
I've owned many bikes: Yam DT125, XS250/400, Honda CX 500, CX500 Prolink, CX650, Africa Twin and Varadero (I don't know these last two were imported to the US?).

I'm currently looking for a comfortable bike to drive to work, but not too expensive.

I've seen a 92 FJ1200 today. It looks in good condition but need a good service + brakes + tyres.
My question: I noticed a little metalic noise, "click-click-click...", on the left side of the engine, just below the cylinders (crankshaft?).
That noise increases with rpm but clutching or gearing doesn't make it go away.
Any idea of what it could be ?
Thanks in advance.

[Ratchet_72]

CX500's huh?  I think I like this guy!

[Arnie]

Welcome John/Pierre,

The ticking noise seems to be present in most FJ's.  No one has ever found an identifiable cause for it.  It might be the starter chain hitting on the slipper shoe, but that is just a guess.  In any case it seems to do no harm.

Cheers,
Arnie

[Dan Filetti]

Welcome here Pierre.  I believe folks will tell you that noise is normal, stay tuned.


Dan

[jvb_ca]

Welcome Pierre..
I fixed all my weird noises....I wear earplugs...


Cheers...Jake

[doright1]

It's supposed to make that noise, uh, right guys?

Welcome!

[Mark Olson]

turn the idle up to 1200 rpms. 

I don't  hear the ticking at 7000 

[John Deere]

Well, it looks like you're not "over-worried" by all those littles noises 
I was asking because, when I bought one my CX, 10 years ago, it was making noise.
Ok, much much more noise. She was rattling at constant speed.
Verdict: timing chain (which was not a surprise to me).

[Chris B]

Yes I have heard this ticking noise too and wondered what it could be I thought maybe it needs a valve adjustment however as others have already said it doesn't seem to do any harm and a valve adjustment is a serious maintenance job to take on.  I've decided to enjoy the bike and ignore the noise I suppose if the tick turns into a clang or clunk I will have to take action

[higbonzo]

Hey Pierre,

Welcome.

If the bike you are looking at runs out good, it is probably the valves.  Even in the original articles on the FJ they talk about the valves ticking.  But, they also said it leave your thoughts when you get the bike up to speed.  And this is seems to be the case because I have never heard anyone complain about the ticking over 70 mph.

Later, Phil

[threejagsteve]

Hello, Pierre, and welcome!

My '91 has made a similar noise as long as I can remember and I've owned her since new; but do check the valves - not a big job if they're OK; it only becomes a big job when adjustments are needed.  

[RichBaker]

Welcome John/Pierre,

The ticking noise seems to be present in most FJ's.  No one has ever found an identifiable cause for it.  It might be the starter chain hitting on the slipper shoe, but that is just a guess.  In any case it seems to do no harm.

Cheers,
Arnie

At idle, the clutch rattles and the cams move side-to-side, causing some ticking noises...... all normal, per the owner/service manager of my LYS.