DR-Z400S owners

[hyonline]

Do any of you Z owners have a knocking noise from the engine which occurs only during acceleration or when climbing a hill? My Z sounds like it is knocking when the engine is under a load. I checked the chain for chain slap, and that ain't it.

 

[HP500]

I've got an '02 and do not notice any strange noise. It will "chug" if in too high a gear at slow speed, but engine seems fine. I did have a problem with the kick stand saftey switch cutting out on hard bumps/whoops. Sounds stupid, but maybe a higher octane fuel? Doesn't hurt to try. I always run premium just for the heck of it.

 

[DualSportr]

Detonation, I absolutely agree.

If you're at sea level (or close to it) regular fuel would be dangerously low on octance for the DRZ. I agree with HP500, try some premium and the sound will most likely disappear.

 

[hyonline]

The owner's manual says 87 unleaded will do, but I do run 91 premium in the bike. I had a 91 and 94 DR350 and each emitted a somewhat similar noise, the oil pump gear on those bikes drives off the crankshaft, and during power stroke the gear will rattle some. Removing the side case and putting a slim shim on the shaft took the wobble and rattle away on both those bikes. Just wondering if the new Z has the same set up. I'm just an old guy who remembers when bikes were jetted with the biggest carbs and jets one could fit on the ole air pump of an engine, so these newer CARB bikes with water cooling are new to me.

Oh for the days of when I could actually hang on to and keep the rubber side up on my Husky 500XC firecraker of a bike. Almost hovering over the sands of what was once the East Mojave desert.

Any ideas are appreciated.