Yam XT600 Tenere Engine Rattle

[OlyLo]

I'm thinking about possibly buying a '80's Tenere 600 (high 30K miles), although I have been told by the dealer that it has a slight engine rattle.

I havent seen the bike yet, and don't have any experience of the Tenere - can anyone tell me whether this is a common fault or what it is most likely to be and likely costs to repair (if indeed it requires repairing)?

Thanks in advance!
Oly

[mario agius]

hi there most big singles rattle make noise but ask him to give you a quote for repair ! is it cheap ! why wont he repair before selling . good luck either way

[OlyLo]

Cheers mate, but it is being sold by a salvage company, hence they don't fix bikes. Any ideas what the problem could be...or do you think it's just what it does?

[Chrispy]

Hi Oly,

It really could be a multitude of things from "piston slap" to big end bearings gone. I don't think anyone would be willing or able to diagnose it without hearing it in person. On the plus side I've just rebuilt an '83 Tenere for a pommy mate who is, as I write, riding it around Victoria and NSW for around 4000Km in the sun!! I rebuilt the whole top end at a cost of around $800 or 350 sterling for a rebore and forged piston, new cam chain & guide, new exhaust valve inserts and the seats & Valves re-cut, plus all the new gaskets. plus a few hours of my own time to pull it apart and put it back together. It's a beutifull bike now and a joy to ride. So if you think it's worth it take a chance...

Chrispy

[OlyLo]

Cheers Chrispy, but if it were the big end or piston slap it would be more of a knock than a rattle wouldn't it? I was thinking as it is decribed as a rattle that it would be more likely to be along the lines of valve issues etc?

Just trying to figure out what the most likely 'common' faults are with these machines before I view it.

Cheers,
Oly

PS - great looking bike!

[Martynbiker]

The rattle.... being of a higher frequency, may mask lower frequency sounds such as slaps/knocks.........'
Caveat Emptor...buyer beware! if u don't know about engines, take someone with you who DOES and never ever under any circumstances part with hard cash unless you have heard it run until it is good and hot.....at least 10 minutes or more. unless its real cheap, and if its a Salvage yard, I doubt they are givin it away.......

Martyn

[bruken]

The rattle could be insignificant if it is caused by a worn cam chain or worn woodriff key and so forth, but if the cam has worn it's seating you are in for a whole new head. Personally I would try and identify where exactly the sound is originating. If it's at the top and the cam, run for a mile, because chances are the oil hasn't been changed regularly and you may soon be in for a whole host of other problems.

[bolla]

I cant help with the rattle
but do you know how the salvage company got hold of the bike , has it been stolen recovered or used as a field bike if so it could have had a hard life.
I would also suggest you get some one else to have a listen before parting with cash, salvage companys are generally not cheap.