Rattle on startup
 

I have just recently acquired a 96 XT600E, it's got about 30k km on the engine. On start up I get a rattle in the top end for a few seconds. Could it be a lazy oil pump or could there be anything else at fault? Could the incorrect grade of oil do this and what should the correct grade be?

Thanks for your help.

Tim

don't panic. this is normal.
it takes a few seconds until the oil pump has build up sufficient pressure to pump the oil through the crankshaft and up to the cylinder head. let her run idle for a minute before you start.
for normal use, 20W50 is absolutly o.k.
if you ride during wintertimes 10W40 might be better. keep in mind, oil temperature will not exceed 20-25°C while riding in rain with air temperature short above freezing point, no matter how hard you try!
have fun!
klaus

Thanks Klaus