Engine noise

[Snorkel]

Well following on from "Dominator or SLR" I took myself off yesterday to view my first bike, a Dominator.

On the negative side, I didn’t buy it, and it was an expensive trip.

On the plus side I really liked the bike and I think that that is the one I will settle on.

Now the reason why I decided against buying was the engine noise. Now I know this is a question that cannot be answered in print, we have to use our ears, but I just wondered if anyone could give me a general pointer in the right direction. Now I’m no mechanic but I have had my moments. I more or less know the sound when there is a problem with big ends, little ends, tappets etc and I think I know the sound of main bearings, a deep rumble. This engine by the way is alleged to have done 44000 kilometres.

The noise I encountered was like a strong swishing swirling sound. No knocks or clucks, just this constant mechanical noise. This was very prominent at tickover speed. There will always of course be some background mechanical noise when an engine is running, but this was quite excessive compared to the other bikes I own.

Now as I do not know this engine I am left to guess. Assuming this engine has a timing chain, I imagine that could be the cause.

The question I would ask is this: Is this engine known for any particular peculiarities? Is it normally a noisy engine, and this is something to ignore, or on the contrary, is it quite the reverse. All engines sound different and what would be considered noisy in one would perhaps be considered normal in another. I know this engine is of an old design, so is it perhaps just unrefined?

Any pointers would be appreciated. I think that perhaps my best policy is to try to find other owners and have a listen.

[Snorkel]

Just had an idea and went on youtube. Found this clip which I think answeres my questions.



To be honest the noise was not dissimilar. Nevertheless that does sound a tad noisy.

[tramp]

only way you`d know if its noisy would be to compare to another running, but as its Air cooled will be noisier than watercooled engines.

sounded fine to me bit like a sewing machine going about its buisness but in all honesty its your money and these bikes aint cheap on the continent and theirs bound to be more for sale dont rush as it could prove very expensive.

how about buying in the uk , were just a flight away

[Snorkel]

how about buying in the uk , were just a flight away

Many do, but it can become a bit of a minefield. Unless you are buying an expensive bike, which I'm not, the savings verses the aggo are just not worth it. Also it depends how far you live from the ports and where you buy the bike.

There are plenty of Doms here its just the SLR's that I've found hard to track down in my area. Now that I think I have settled on a Dom things should be easier.

I was just surprised at how much extra noise that engine makes. I think the video has answered my question. If I were in the UK I,m sure I could have tracked one of you lot down and got some first hand advice.

I think I'm on the right track now so I'll see how it goes.

[Recycler]

The one in the video sounds fine to me.