NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
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NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Hey folks,
I was out for a ride the other day on my wee vfr400 & when I was coming home I noticed a loss of power & a rattling sound from the engine?!
I took the bike home & checked her over to see if anything had came loose, but couldn't find anything. I checked the oil level also & It was just bellow the full line.
I left parked the bike up until the next day, I then started her up with no issues. She ran fine with no noises etc for around 5 or 10 minutes then the rattle noise returned
.
Has anyone else on here experienced this issue & beable to point me in the right direction to diagnose this please? Thanks.
I have added a clip capturing the noise on my YouTube - Linked bellow -
https://youtube.com/shorts/0s73j-DFNhA? ... kjzDXU-hHM
I was out for a ride the other day on my wee vfr400 & when I was coming home I noticed a loss of power & a rattling sound from the engine?!
I took the bike home & checked her over to see if anything had came loose, but couldn't find anything. I checked the oil level also & It was just bellow the full line.
I left parked the bike up until the next day, I then started her up with no issues. She ran fine with no noises etc for around 5 or 10 minutes then the rattle noise returned

Has anyone else on here experienced this issue & beable to point me in the right direction to diagnose this please? Thanks.
I have added a clip capturing the noise on my YouTube - Linked bellow -
https://youtube.com/shorts/0s73j-DFNhA? ... kjzDXU-hHM
Last edited by Dave8106 on Tue Mar 11, 2025 8:37 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- CMSMJ1
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Are you sure this is internal - not something loose?
Clackety clack - or just a rattle?
Clackety clack - or just a rattle?
IMPERATOR REX ANGLORUM
The V4 is the law..
NC30 - No9 - my old mate
The V4 is the law..
NC30 - No9 - my old mate
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Link doesn't appear to work. Maybe a valve sticking. Did engine reach operating temperature during the 5 or 10 minute run and the engine ran rough once the rattle started.
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Sorry, I have now re-uploaded the video on my YouTube channel - https://youtube.com/shorts/0s73j-DFNhA? ... kjzDXU-hHM
It doesn't sound like something loose to be honest it's more of an internal engine sound.
It doesn't sound like something loose to be honest it's more of an internal engine sound.
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
A sticky valve would be my first guess, I would also check the gear drive and the carrier for cracks/loose.
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Sounds a bit tappety/valvey. You may also have a vacuum leak as it appears to hang revs.
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Can you describe the loss of power?
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Yes, There is some loss of power also feels like she's running on 3 cylinders & revs are hanging.
Before this tapping noise the bike reved normal & had full power no signs of a vacuum leak.
Thanks
Before this tapping noise the bike reved normal & had full power no signs of a vacuum leak.
Thanks
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- Bike owned: AR 125, NC30
Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Other folks on here are far more experienced and qualified than I am but of it were my bike I'd start with a compression test.
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Re: NC30 Engine rattle/noise.
Hey guys,
Just a wee update, had the valve clearances checked & a compression test done also all where 100%.
But the tapping sound is still there think it's further down the engine, Possibly the gear drive or shell?!
Just a wee update, had the valve clearances checked & a compression test done also all where 100%.
But the tapping sound is still there think it's further down the engine, Possibly the gear drive or shell?!