Hitchcocks Forum

HI, have trouble with my bullet? going along as you do and then get a rattle from the bike but as soon as i pull th clutch in it stops then nothing for a while then same again...checked primary drive chain adjusted correctly and still seems too do it...a bit baffled by this I checked and nothing seems too be loose?Please help..cheers

What model/year?


Loose cam chain? Faulty water pump? Cracked torque converter, Acetylene generator leaking...

I think Tim's ideas are probably right... but have you checked a dead easy one, it's not the clutch lever itself? Good luck, Chris

Hi Tim, She is a 2002 4 speed kickstart 500 bullet....

Mechanical or cycle parts? Vibrations can arise and cause fittings like chain guards to start rattling; make sure all ancillary fittings like mudguards, tool box's, chain guard etc are not loose...


Easy to check mechanical things are; Crank shaft nut, clutch nut, either loose will cause clattering?


Oil supply to the rockers? Check Ex rocker in particular for slop/wear, (loosen of the tappet to check rocker wear) or signs of over heating?


Worn valve-stem end caps: the end caps can and do rotate, wear dimples in the hardened end caps will cause a lot of 'tappet' noise, often cyclic and always worse when the motor is hot.

Keys rattling on the handlebar ??

I don't think it'll be a faulty water pump.....