Bought a 2004 Daytona 955, but is it supposed to sound like this?

Hi, first post here looking for some advice.

I've just this week bought a 2004 955i SS (18,000 miles), what a stunning bike and despite being my first bike in 14 years it's remarkably easy to ride.

Only trouble is the noise coming from the engine and gearbox, I'm just not sure if it's normal or not.

I wouldn't say it's loud but there is definitely a low rumble, sounds like it might be from the gear box. Pretty hard to explain really. Doesn't seem to be one noise either, can be different depending what you're doing.

I suppose my question is, "Is this normal for a bike of this age, am I just being fussy? Or have I bought a knackered bike?". I appreciate this is a hard question to answer over the Internet, but would like to hear people's thoughts and suggestions.

 

are you able to put a short video clip up of the sound it makes?, that might help some of the guys determine if it's normal.

 

Thanks Dougie, will do. I'll get the GoPro out tommrow as it's really only bad when riding.

 

I appreciate this isn't a great first contribution on my part. As I never did get round to trying to record the noise.

However after looking into it I've improved things. The noise was more of a wuring from the gearbox side, rather than the engine side.

First thing I did was change the oil. The bike had only covered 200 or so miles in the last 6 years and the last oil change was 6 years ago. So an oil change was long overdue.

I also noticed the chain was too tight. I read on another forum there should be 35-40mm of play in the middle of the chain, there was approx 20mm! So I adjusted that, which was very easy to do.

A definite improvement and seems to be good now. Although certainly not one of the quietest bikes I've ridden, but guess that's part of their character.

 

Hi Richard, glad to hear that things are improving for you. If it were me I would be doing another engine oil and filter change in the very near future.

My reasoning is that if the bike had not really been used over the last 6 years then the oil definitely needed changing, as you have done. However you will never get all that old oil out at one go. Yes it will have been diluted by the new oil you put in, but that will have also 'corrupted the new oil.

In your shoes Iwouldbe doing the following:

1. A new engine oil and filter change;

2. A new air filter;

3. Definitely new brake fluid - it is well overdue.Normally changed every 2 years;

4. Check/clean/replace the brake callipers and pads;

5. Replace the engine coolant - well over due.

6. Check/lubricate/replace all wheel, steering and swing arm bearings;

7. Replace the tyres - it doesn't matter how much tread they have, if they are at least 6 years old, they are way past their best just due to age.

 

Thanks Dave.

The rest of the big feels fantastic, the brakes, suspension and steering are super smooth and solid. I'm sure just becuase they "feel" okay it's no guarantee they are, but gives me confidence.

I actually bought the bike from a dealer so I did have some confidence that the basics would have been checked and carried out.

It's possible they changed the oil before selling me the bike, but they certainly didn't change the filter as that was very old, for this reason I doubt they changed the oil either.

I think over the next few weeks I shall be learning how to change the various fluids: engine coolant and brake fluid.

Brakes look good and signs of coperslip, so I imagine they've been looked at, pads have plenty of wear left.

 

As Biglad mentioned bring upto date the maintenance, I had to do this on my speed triple. I found some things are often overlooked more than others as more labour intensive than say changing the oil. As mentioned the suspension linkage, the coolant and the often overlooked fork oil.

As re. the engine noise it just getting used to and been aware of what the normal healthy sound is. I found the speed triple amazingly quiet but I've come from a history of Kawasaki 4's namely 9's and 7's, now they are mechanical and will happily clatter even when healthy.

 

Thanks Shamus13.

Sadly none of this is important any more as my bike was stolen last week.

 

Bad luck Richard, castrate em if they're found!!

 

Sorry to hear that Richard, gutted for you. Hope if it's not recovered you get a payout sharpish to get back on the road.

 

Oh $hit, sorry to see this, I hope it turns up in 1 piece quickly or you get paid out soon and get back on the road.