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I noticed on Sunday while on my way home from a day out the bike sounded - 'tappet', for want of a better word

Washed her today and took her for a spin to blow the water out of the nooks and crannies and brakes, as you do and again thought it just didn't sound right but worked without fault. I checked the oil when I got home and it needed a top up and took a litre of oil. Are these known for using oil ? Should I look at anything in particular, is it possible the rings could be worn even though its only done 8,500 miles ?

I'll keep a more dedicated eye on the oil from now on.

Any advice much appreciated

I would not worry too much about that John. If the oil level was low then the engine will sound different. Keep an eye on the oil level and look for tell tale signs of oil being burnt by the exhaust smoke colour. It is a cliche but they really are robust engines. The oil pump is crank driven and when the oil gets really low it really does make a clackety noise generally with an oil warning light!! Don`t ignore that

I remember doing an oil change on my 8valve Griso, there was a type specific oil, i did a yorkie thing and put different spec in, ( a semi synthetic mcycle oil) Fired her up and our lass said "that sounds different" It did. I drained it out put right spec in and it sounded familiar again.

There`s one nobber I know who would not be able to know what his HP2 engine sounds like cos his exhaust is louder than any Harley i have come across.

Who could that be Chris? I suspect you’re just trying to get your own back?

Cheers Chris.

No oil light lit

I always wear ear plugs on my bikes, for the wind noise, but pottering about lately into town, shopping etc I've not bothered and this helped me notice the rattle. Hopefully all ok, i'm sure it will be.

I'd like to hear that HP2

Boxer engine?..mineral or synthetic oil? They don't like synthetic till well run in.

I've always used Semi-Synthetic in my bikes for years now, the clutch can slip on the XJR due to Fully Synthetic and for road use Semi is fine

BoxerCup R wrote:Cheers Chris.

I always wear ear plugs on my bikes, for the wind noise, but pottering about lately into town, shopping etc I've not bothered and this helped me notice the rattle. Hopefully all ok, i'm sure it will be.

:

The advice generally on Boxer forums over the decades is, if you can't hear the rattles with earplugs it should be ok... mine being the exception, I can hear the noises but i've given up worrying. I even bought a spare engine at one stage but never got to use it. I did change the pushrods for the newer style one piece versions but it didn't help , checking the end float of the rockers may help and personally for my bike, synthetic oil has helped but I've only used it in recent years with high mileage.

Thanks for that Nigel, appreciate the info Mate