Hello all,
Thanks for the site! I have spent the last 3 nights, just searching, reading and learning, but still had questions that I hope you can clear up.
First of all, the bike is a 2003 Kat 600, 23,000km with no maintenance history. Seemed to run well when I got it (great when warm) and have since changed the oil & filter, plugs and air filter. Problem is, that after buying the bike/tires and safety, money is tight and I need to know if I really need a valve adjustment ASAP, or if it can be put off for a few weeks.
The problem is that when I start the bike, there is a knock in the engine at low idle when the engine is cold. It disappears under higher rpm revs and after about a 7-8 min ride. Then the bike idles and sounds great. There never seems to be a problem with acceleration.
I know that the valves should be checked and probably adjusted, but I must take it to my local dealer and would like to put it off for a couple of months if possible. I am hesitant to open up the engine myself although I have downloaded the manual.
The bike runs great, it is just that initial knock that bothers me. It that the Kat's nature, or is that an overdue valve adjustment? Also, it only like to start with the choke off and a twist of the wrist. Will not start with full choke either until I give it a shot of gas?
Sorry for the long post. It is a new bike and I don't know all it's proper sounds yet and do not want to drive it, if there is a chance I could damage it.
What would be the first signs that you need a valve adjustment?
Thanks
jokerz73
Thanks for the site! I have spent the last 3 nights, just searching, reading and learning, but still had questions that I hope you can clear up.
First of all, the bike is a 2003 Kat 600, 23,000km with no maintenance history. Seemed to run well when I got it (great when warm) and have since changed the oil & filter, plugs and air filter. Problem is, that after buying the bike/tires and safety, money is tight and I need to know if I really need a valve adjustment ASAP, or if it can be put off for a few weeks.
The problem is that when I start the bike, there is a knock in the engine at low idle when the engine is cold. It disappears under higher rpm revs and after about a 7-8 min ride. Then the bike idles and sounds great. There never seems to be a problem with acceleration.
I know that the valves should be checked and probably adjusted, but I must take it to my local dealer and would like to put it off for a couple of months if possible. I am hesitant to open up the engine myself although I have downloaded the manual.
The bike runs great, it is just that initial knock that bothers me. It that the Kat's nature, or is that an overdue valve adjustment? Also, it only like to start with the choke off and a twist of the wrist. Will not start with full choke either until I give it a shot of gas?
Sorry for the long post. It is a new bike and I don't know all it's proper sounds yet and do not want to drive it, if there is a chance I could damage it.
What would be the first signs that you need a valve adjustment?
Thanks
jokerz73
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