Something just doesn't seem right. Perhaps I'm imagining things or overreacting, but I'd like your guys opinion...
I keep hearing a rattling noise almost like pinging (sounds like a marble in a paint can), but it occurs at certain RPM's. Giving more or less throttle gets rid of it, and it doesn't matter if it's under load or not. Maybe it's just a loose bolt somewhere?
If you figure it out let me know ASAP! I have a similar rattle coming on as I open up the throttle. Backing off makes it go away, and riding harder either also makes it go away or simply drowns it in other clatter; kinda hard to tell.
If I back off throttle then accelerate extremely gingerly, I don't hear it.
But this is happening at low throttle openings, like 1/3 or so, and on flats, downhills, and uphills alike. When I really hammer it going up a hill in 4th/5th it doesn't make this rattle (or at least it's masked by the exhaust note and other engine noises) or any other distinct ping.
I am really, really confused. It sounds like Snidal's description of ping, but lacks the metallic high pitched edge some others have told me is associated with the phenomenon. And it doesn't seem to be affected by altering the ignition timing in either direction.
Indian riders claim it's a variety of things, including the sound of lash in the cam gears. (Which, they further claim, will lessen as it breaks in...first time I've heard of break-in resulting in closer tolerances! Must be metal shavings from elsewhere accumulating between the teeth and welding themselves in place.)
But I'm not sure it's an ignition timing issue anymore. I can't find higher octane fuel, or toulene spirits to add octane to regular gas: paint thinners come in old water bottles so I don't know what's in them, and I can't exactly find an MSDS or anything at the roadside shack. Had been hoping to see if higher octane would have an effect based on Ace and others' advice. (Just as a test, not as the cure necessarily.)
For what it's worth, though, my bike also likes to die off during sudden stops but there's no ka-chunk or other loud noise associated with it.