Hitchcocks Forum

This is driving me crazy.
I have already checked Tappets,tightened cam pinions,changed engine oil (Motul 5100 15W50 Semi Synthetic) and oil filter. The noise is constant and only a bit lesser in early morning or during cold start.

The local Royal Enfield mechanincs are saying that this noise is coming from the Cylinder Head and I have to replace it with a new one.I am very much confused. The spare part of Standard 500 costs Rs. 8626/- while for Classic 500 it is Rs.11,800/. Too costly affair.
A much cheaper option is resetting it through Lathe Machine. But rate of success of it in my locality is questionable.

Another group of mechanics are saying it’s normal, hydraulic tappets cannot be adjusted, and the valve/rocker arms playing with a cluttering noise is also normal when oil becomes hot.

I am very much confused.

The bike has run 24200 kms. Absolutely smooth,starts instantly.



Here is the link:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/12TM...ew?usp=sharing

ssg: You need to tell the year and model of the motorcycle to get a meaningful answer. Any work done with a lathe will remove metal, which will result in even more noise. Hydraulic tappets in automobiles are quiet, not so with Royal Enfields, apparently.

This may, (or may not,) help:-

The mechanical noise levels in any Enfield engine are liable to be obtrusive. As annoying as it is, it is quite ‘normal’ and often there is little can be done to reduce these noise levels. Valve gear is a major culprit. Noise levels vary greatly from one bike to another – quality control and lack of consistency of parts are major causes of these variations. Alloy engines (like the EFIs) transmit and amplify mechanical noises to a greater degree than iron engines. The rubber strips pushed into the fins on the alloy EFI motors are intended to dampen ringing in the fins. (I guess you have these rubber strips fitted.)

Buying a new cylinder head is no guarantee of a cure – the new head could be even worse than the one you have. I don’t think there is a practical way to solve the problem. As the bike seems to be going fine in every other way I suggest a pair of ear plugs!

ssg, it is when there is no mechanical noise is the time to worry. (I won't start my Honda CX500 Custom without wearing earplugs because from an engineering point of view the engine has sounded like a washing machine full of nuts and bolts ever since is was found in the back of someone's garage back in 1996.)
I have also given up worrying about the various rattles, and semi musical sounds coming from my Electra X is, because I suspect:- "They all do that Sir."

It’s a 2014 Royal Enfield Standard 500 cc UCE motorcycle.
You are absolutely right...wondering why do the hydraulic valves remain silent in car and behaves just opposite in Royal Enfield. i have decided not to change anything. When others are happy with noises then why shall I try something else?And that too without any gurantee.
Ear plugs or good padding of helmet definitely will be the smart choice.

By the way I like to know if there is any engine oil which can reduce the noiises to some extent.
Synthetic oils flow faster but definitely will enhance the noise. The oil filters also play a vital role. Do you suggest any brand?

If there’s no mechanical noise on a UCE engine it isn’t running....It’s shim adjusted ohc engines that shouldn’t be overly quiet. The rubber inserts do nothing to dampen the noise of the UCE engine; like many others I’ve removed mine with no noticeable impact on engine noise at all. Higher viscosity (thicker) engine oil can reduce noise but at what cost in engine life? An all alloy air cooled engine will be noisy. Listen to a BSA Starfire or a pre-unit Triumph Tiger 100 if you want to hear a noisy engine.... Just st wear ear plugs.

Hello there---------- do you have a fairing fitted ??..this will definitely amplify ANY noise that the engine makes...........Are you sitting on the bike when you hear this noise ??...........Try sitting alongside so your ears are at the same level as the cylinder head...Can you hear the SAME noise now ??