CRF300L Engine Rattle Info & Other Thoughts | Ride to the Top

What that rattle is on the CRF300L and why you needn't worry about it. While riding to the top of a local mountain I talk about that and offer other thoughts on the awesome CRF300L.

[@Scoottoots]

I forgot to say that I ended up using a Krieger manual CCT on my crf250l.

[@williamsalzmann2555]

Hi! I have heard people say definitively that the rattle "is the secondary air system", "is the springs in the clutch", "is the cam chain lifter". Everyone seems sure that their answer is the correct one. I have had the CRF230l, a 2013 CRF250l, a 2017 CRF250l and now the CRF300l. All of those bikes had the rattle. The engines on the 250 and 300 may have most things in common, but not the CRF230l. That was an entirely different, air cooled plant. It did, however, have the same secondary air system. I purchased a "smog pump block off kit" for it, removed that air pump system and the rattle went away. I don't know if that is the culprit or not, but the evidence has convinced me that it is. Just FYI.

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah, they all do it to some degree. I think it's a lot of things contributing. The 550 Performance guy feels it's piston slap and he has a tune that adjusts the timing to eliminate it. The PAIR system is part of it, I agree. Since this video I stopped the PAIR system from operating and it quieted it down for sure. I have since let it operate again and it's still at a level I can live with ;-)

[@danedoes8532]

The CRF300L is a real dual sport and the awesome thing about the bike is that people of all ages and years of experience can enjoy it. IMO a dual sport like this is a real ADV bike as it takes you to your adventure and through them! And it does both things really well. I would want to take an Africa Twin through the woods on a single track as it's too big and heavy. The CRF300L is so low weight that it´s easy to pick up, even in loose sand - and yes, I have had to do that a couple of times already :)

[@Scoottoots]

Those are good reasons to love this kind of motorcycle. Agreed!

[@Jmaninaz1]

Thanks for sharing this with us--just spectacular scenery in every direction it seems there, and so many cool dirt roads to explore. The 300l will give you a few projects to work on (#1 being the rear shock, I imagine), but it sure seems like it does almost everything well. That's pretty amazing for a budget dual sport!

[@Scoottoots]

Yup, that's the best part of it; it's a budget dual sport. Such good value!

[@lukefish7562]

@@Scott-dn1bk you chose correctly. 😀

[@lukefish7562]

@@Scott-dn1bk thick, deep gravel is my least favorite. I had my girlfriend riding my new 110 on it recently and it was hard at times for her. We’ve both had the front tire wash out so it’s best to avoid it while getting use to the bike and riding again. Position/weight distribution is key. Looking way ahead and having momentum is important as well and especially on my 450 throttle control with a lot of clutch depending on how steep the terrain. But you’ll get more comfy with every mile. Good luck and have fun! 🙂

[@brianrussellbrd]

Another really cool relaxing look at the CRF300L, I really enjoy your videos - Keep that wise older man vibe going!

[@Scoottoots]

That's so cool of you to say. Thank you very much Brian :-)

[@brianrussellbrd]

@@Scoottoots My pleasure - if you are ever heading the the UK and fancy a guide round London and the South of England drop me a line you'll find my email on my web site.

[@Scoottoots]

@@brianrussellbrd Oh I wish I could get back to England. I lived and worked in London for 6 years from 1969 to 1975. Haven't been back since. Thanks for the offer :-)

[@brianrussellbrd]

@@Scoottoots 1975 I had started work in London too - we might have even passed in the street! The offer stands should the urge be upon you!

[@Scoottoots]

@@brianrussellbrd Oh wow, you may be right. We may have crossed paths. Small world. Thank you. I will remember should I be in a position to venture :-)

[@budzilla6168]

Happy 4th of July! And thanks for talking about the rattling noise, you’re videos awesome 🤙

[@Scoottoots]

Thank you. Happy 4rth to you also :-)

[@Scoottoots]

@@Scott-dn1bk No, the 4th is not a special day in Canada. I however grew up in Windsor which is just across the river from downtown Detroit, so I totally get how special that day is to you guys.

[@Scoottoots]

@@Scott-dn1bk Yes, I recall Detroit always put on a great fireworks display from a barge on the Detroit River. Windsor and Detroit had an equally good view.

[@Mjr1348]

Thanks for the great video. I want to ride so bad today but it’s 90 degrees and humid. It really takes the fun out of it. As far as the rattle goes. I have 250+ miles on and have not heard it probably because I ride with ear buds. Lol. My 250l , 450l both had it. No big deal.

[@Scoottoots]

Exactly; no big deal. That heat, and when it's coupled with high humidity sucks the life out of otherwise awesome activities. We're fortunate we have a very dry climate. Not fortunate when it comes to forest fires due to it though. Thanks Mike :-)

[@Scoottoots]

@@Scott-dn1bk I don't know of any rattle or strange noise going from 5th to 6th. I heard one person say that in comments, that's all. The 'rattle' you hear could be a number of things, but the Cam Chain Tensioner (CCT) can cause that on steady throttle (the subject of this vid), or it could be valve chatter. Either is normal for this bike. I doubt you are 'lugging' the engine causing it to ping in 2nd unless you are going uphill at a too slow a speed. One can start from a stop in 2nd quite easily without undue stress on the engine.

[@-HumanOnEarth-]

I recognize that mountain. Great place to ride and 4 wheel!

[@Scoottoots]

That's for sure. It's an excellent area :-)

[@1964mjc]

Welcome back to my feed after selling the CRF250L a couple of years ago... Anyway, I have a CRF250L and a “CBR300R converted” CRF 250 (300)Rally and I the 300 rattle kicks in between 5-6K rpm (the 250L does not) apparently the rattle is evident on the CBR300R series too... IMHO the 250L motor is “smoother” and less harsh (both motors have similar mileage)..I am confident both motors will go on for a long time (given regular recommended maintenance)

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks Michael. Good to back. Yeah, that rattle is so common on these engines. You're right, the 300 engine is more vibey. The 250 version is much smoother. And yup, we do hope the longevity is there. I suspect it is, since the 300 engine has been in the CBR for a fair while now, and they get pushed to the upper limits quite a bit more than a dual sport would.

[@lukefish7562]

Very nice work. I got back into riding this January after not riding since childhood. Got a 2020 250L and days later they announce the 300L so put a deposit down on that immediately. Then the 450 started calling me so I traded 250L in for 450RL while I waited on the 300L. Finally got mine and have 25 miles on it. Really anxious to see which I like better for mainly trails and dirt roads. I’ve imagined the whole time liking the 300L more. Thanks for the video. Keep up the good work. Be safe. Subscribed.🙂

[@Scoottoots]

Hey thanks. I've never ridden the 450L. I hear it's quite the bike on dirt. Bit more maintenance of course. Be interesting to know which you prefer after enough seat time on both.

[@lukefish7562]

@@ScoottootsI’ll certainly let you know. 🙂 wish you could ride a 450L/RL to tell me what you think of the two as the much more experienced rider but if I had to guess the 300L will be best especially for my main type of riding single track. Enjoy!

[@Scoottoots]

@@lukefish7562 I suspect the 300L will be a simpler, less involved bike to ride and maintain. The 300L is quite nimble so it should do fairly well on single track. The 450L of course would be the best performer if you were really pushing it off road. On the pavement, from what I gather, the 450L is not as friendly as the 300L in handling.

[@lukefish7562]

@@Scoottoots I rode my new 300L yesterday across my mountain on a dirt road and then back up on a paved road racing the rain. Had right at 25 miles on it and did about 30 yesterday and with all still stock it was a joy to ride! I obviously can’t say much for now but I can say right now is it just “smoother” or as you said much more nimble. Can’t wait for different tires. Thanks 🙂

[@lukefish7562]

@@Scoottootsoh and I hate maintenance so big ✅for 300L there. 🙂

[@5ebra1]

I enjoyed the video of the ride. Glad you are enjoying the bike.

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks, and yes, I sure am :-)

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

There is also an interesting repeating noise at 5000-6000 on fifth gear, in dealerships they said almost all hondas doing it(which i don’t believe 😃)

[@Scoottoots]

Depends on what kind of noise coming from what location, but the most common engine noises are the CCT, the valve chatter (which is very evident on the 300L), and the PAIR system on some models. Thing is, valve chatter for instance is normal to hear on many models, and if you stop hearing it, the valve clearances are getting tight and need reshimming. If the noise you hear is not the rattle sound from the CCT, it's most likely the valve chatter, but again, that's pretty normal. If it's something else, then...?

[@EEEEMMMMKKKK]

@@Scoottoots In dealership when i started to talk about it the guy was able to reproduce the noise with it’s mouth 😃 So i was sure we talk about the same thing. He told me its resonance of parts. It’s realy only at specific rpm and 5th gear.

[@Scoottoots]

@@EEEEMMMMKKKK Yeah we have to remember we're sitting on an engine. Unlike driving a car where the engine is divorced from us, riding a bike is, noise-wise, more like sitting in the car's engine compartment. I imagine we'd have plenty to speculate and worry about :-)

[@lukefish7562]

@@Scoottoots 😆👍🏽good point

[@dnx789]

Nice video, well ridden, been looking at the negatives on these as alot of people have already put them up for sale , maybe they thought it'd be an enduro grade machine.

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks. Yeah, this bike is not enduro-ready. It's a wonderful bike; very well designed... except for the suspension, especially the shock. The KLX300 is better out of the box for performance in that regard. The 300L will be the better bike all round after the suspension is sorted. Will cost dollars, but worth it I think.

[@spydie]

That's funny. Cam chain noise. I just got a Kawasaki W800 with a bevel-drive gear for the cam. That's such a better design (why don't more bikes have that?). Valve adjustment or timing never changes from cam chain stretching, and no chain or tensioner noise. Reminds me of the problems with my previous KLR650 and that terrible cam chain tensioner that plagues every KLR650 eventually.

[@Scoottoots]

Yes, it seems a rather crude system when you really think about it.

[@ryaandnice]

- Casually chatting while bumbling up a beautiful mountain road I'd have to travel hours and hours to try to get to something similar. Envious here.

[@Scoottoots]

Hehe, yup, bumbling for sure :-) I do like where I live. Thanks Ryan.

[@zamdrang]

Mine sure does it, even with ear plugs it's very loud, and without plugs it sounds very unhealthy. I agree it's in the top end, I think you're right about the CCT. I can hear the valve train too, but to me that's an expected/normal almost pleasing kind of noise. The rattle is neither. Interesting though that it doesn't do it neutral, only while under load. I'm not fully understanding why that would be the case if the source is the CCT.

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah I hear ya. Over time my engine noise has increased and I don't think it is the CCT as it does it under load or not under load and at any rpm. It's a metallic chatter that drowns out other noises and is very irritating. I'm thinking it's valve train noise. When spring is here, prior to warranty running out I'll ask Honda tech to test it.

[@zamdrang]

@@Scoottoots Same, seems to be getting worse with more miles. First warmish day I get I'm going to take it in. Whether they do anything about it or not at least it will be documented. Interesting you are hearing it it with no load. Mine at 800 miles is still load and throttle position dependent. Seems a mechanical source wouldn't be dependent on either. What keeps me from just ignoring it... Besides the $6500 I dropped... is that not every bike does it. Watching KZbin videos of both models, and a brief jaunt on my son's Rally, I don't hear anything near the racket I get from mine.

[@Scoottoots]

@@zamdrang I guess we'll both get a better perspective on this when we get them checked. As you say, it's important at the very least to have it documented.

[@DemetriusDemarcusTheThirdJr]

@@Scoottootsfigure anything out?

[@Scoottoots]

@@DemetriusDemarcusTheThirdJr Not sure if I have or not, as it has quited down to acceptable-to-me levels. The guy who owns 550 Performance figures it's piston slap and he can tune it out with changes in ignition timing. I've slowly modded mine and perhaps that coupled with time and kilometers (13,000) has changed things to reduce the rattle.

[@kennyd6933]

Have a theory on that noise. Can’t remember where I saw this but they were saying the oil screen in the engine catches debris and restricts oil flow to the top end. Pieces of gasket sealer etc are being caught by the oil screen. My 250l had that exact noise for years. After my Last oil change the rattle disappeared. Kinda makes sense to me that something in the screen may have dislodged and moved back into the lower case after the last oil change. Just a theory but would be interesting to pull the screen and see if there is debris in it.

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks for the suggestion. That can happen for sure, though in my case it's highly unlikely to be a cause since it made the noise from after the first 600 miles or so. Not impossible the screen could be partly blocked but not probable either. Getting at the screen requires pulling the entire side cover off. Not something a person would want to do unless they are servicing the clutch. Oddly, the noise on mine has greatly diminished lately. These are known to be noisy engines, that's for sure.

[@kennyd6933]

@@Scoottoots Have been think about doing the crfs only heavier clutch springs for sometime. If I do I’ll pull the screen while the cover is off and see if there’s anything in it. I chased that noise for years and even put a new cam chain tension in and didn’t help. Noise has always came and went and now seems gone after last oil change.

[@JohnRocheleau]

@@kennyd6933 Hehehe, it's like chasing ghosts. On my 250L, now long gone, I solved the rattle on steady throttle by installing a Krieger manual CCT. mine was definitely cam chain noise. On this 300L I think it's a combination of valve chatter, cam chain, and who knows what. Fortunately it has calmed down for the last few weeks now. Good enough for me. It'll always make noises. I'll not let what are left of them irritate me :-)

[@hatfunnytv]

Hi, are you using Honda oil? Some people has commented in other videos that changing the oil to a different band solve the rattle, I am planning to put Motul 5100 Synthetic Blend 10w30, do you think that motul is a good oil?

[@Scoottoots]

When I did the first service I switched to Motul 5100 ester based synth blend. The engine sounds about the same to me after the change. I like Motul oils. I use Motul 7100 full synth ester in my cb650f and used it also in my crf250L. I switched to the 5100 for the 300L because I wanted to stick to 10W 30, and it is hard to find in the 7100. The 5100 is made with Honda specs specifically in mind so I think it'll be a great oil for this bike. Best to change it out every 6,000 kms rather than the extended frequency the owners manual suggests. Just my opinion of course.

[@josephpotterf9459]

All the nails and such probably coming from people burning skids at the party. Well done video thanks. Next ride up take a magnet with and do a sweep. :)

[@Scoottoots]

That was my first thought but I didn't see evidence of that. They were in such abundance and strewn over so evenly, it look purposeful. Thanks Joseph :-)

[@keesverhagen9227]

A beautifull bike sir.👍 At the top you were watching out for glass. But did i hear it correctly ? That it was full of needles ? Needles like injecting heroine ? I own a KTM1190R and in two weeks i am going several weeks to Sweden. A few day's before i go i will change the rubber into something with more knobbies . Not so great on the road but when riding alone i want to minimalise the crashing part. When it has rained places that can easily be ride with allroad tires sometimes becomes way more hazerdous suddenly. I am also an old dude and have been riding for more then 45 years on this planet. All acros the world. I have my experiences. So tires with decent grip can save you from situations where otherwise you can become completely helpless. I still love my big beast. The power it gives you on the tarmac. It's a blast really. Sadly i can not afford 2 motorcycles and a car. I live in the Netherlands and owning a vehicle is extreme expensive. A vehicle cost twice the amount of money compaired to lets say Germany. And three times the amount if you would buy it in the States. But afterwards you also have to pay taxes for just owning it. If you ride it or not that doesn't matter. And with a car and two bikes every month i have to pay 500.00 euro's. 450.00 dollar just to own them. Every month. My government are just criminals. Really they are. And we aint have seen nothing yet because they will use the climate change to take our last penny. Our freedom will be gone and also our ability to live because you need several jobs just to stay in live. If i would buy the CRF300 Rally it would be with the knowledge that in the end it will become my last resort to transportation. Cause in time i would need to sell the car and the KTM. This is what our jear future will bring us. And if you would ride it in winter due to the salt they put on the roads it would corrode away in one winter. Because the salt gets everywhere in the bike. But it would be great to own this little nice bike. Getting me to places where otherwise you could not go. And takijg it slow and sturdy. No haste, just take your fun. Honda did a great job. But they would be better if they would offer different sub categories. F.e. the Rally version should come out as what it is now. But also one that is complete stripped. No forkslrings and no afterspring. So people can buy their own. I think that the majority will change the springs. And maybe not directly after purchasing the bike but definitly after some time. Could you ride it as it is with luggage for a 2 week trip ? I think not from what i have read. When you buy this bike and want to use it also for vacation or that big trip where you always dream of then you have to take into account that you have to pay another 2000 dollars in the end. Making it not a cheap bike in the end. So if they could deliver one without the stuff that you defenitly would replace this would be a great thing. Also for the climate change.😇 Although i think that it is the to late. Our planet is already lost. We have gone beyond the point of no return already. We are even far beyond that.

[@Scoottoots]

Thank you Kees. No, at the top I was saying it was full of 'nails.' The lowlifes who inject drugs would never have the energy or desire to hike up to that elevation and it is too rough for most cars. I have heard about the expensive nature of owning a vehicle in your part of the world. Some friends who moved back to Norway a couple decades ago, had their Dodge Challenger shipped all the way there in advance of their move, so they could sell it for a high amount. That must feel quite restricting, having those monthly tax fees for owning a vehicle. The CRF300L and the Rally are undersprung for those who push the pace and riding environment, or in the case of the Rally, pushing the weight of luggage. I think the shock is the main culprit. The forks are not too bad. Enjoy your riding, and I hope you get sorted with the right bike, and less government fees to contend with :-)

[@keesverhagen9227]

@@Scoottoots Hello sir, I have put my mind on a Rally for sure. And creating a lot of stuf for it myself. I have a decent workplace and a lot of tools to create my own stuff. I will create an extra fueltank on the back for it. Like Camelbag does but then from alumium. So it can atleast hold another 6 liter.The springs will indeed need replacing. I have already contacted Hyperspring and as soon as i get my bike i will leave it there for a couple of weeks so they can do the measering.In 6 months ii will have created the ultimate adventure bike. And in the next year i will take of with it for a 4 month journey. Through Turkey, Iran and from there i will go up. Taking in every day in joy and riding slow. The CRF fuel economy is also great. And this is a huge benefit. And also that the bike is nimble and light. Goodbye to the much to heavy beasts. Have a good ride Sir and stay safe during your travels.💪

[@Scoottoots]

@@keesverhagen9227 Oh wow, that's awesome you can do all that. You will end up with a great bike for the use you will put it to. Enjoy, and have safe travels :-)

[@broda76]

This famous rattle comes from secondary air system - exactly from reed valve. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3XTZ5V-mcice6s Nothing to worry. It is part of Euro-2 emission standard for better burning fumes.

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah I saw that video from Jake, but the rattle/chatter I have is not the 5,000 rpm rattle everyone talks about. Mine is at any rpm under load or no load. That said, the PAIR system reed valves may be a cause, though it sounds pretty loud at times to come from such thin metal as the reed valves. I'm no longer too concerned about it though. I had my Honda Mechanic ride it and he felt, yup it's noisy but it's a result of the engine design and not to worry.

[@MASKINA]

Inspirational.

[@Scoottoots]

Cheers :-)

[@claretbuck1882]

Awesome bud cheers 👍🏻

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks :-)

[@mrsmel269]

nice exploring !!! we love our brp !!! #livetoride

[@Scoottoots]

Great way to get grounded and destress :-)

[@markcollins5026]

Man, shake, rattle and roll !

[@Scoottoots]

Hehe, yes indeed. I'm all shook up, uhuh :-)

[@markcollins5026]

@@Scoottoots man, like Elvis !

[@petercburgess]

Thanks for the very informativt video, a week ago i bought a CRF 300 L to try some TRT Trans Euro Trails, i am still waiting for my yamaha Tracer 9 GT to arrive. There are not many dirt roads here in Denmark apart from the gravel roads to all the farms around here, my own included but there is a labyrinth of small twisty roads over the whole country. I have done 351 kilometers when i got home this evening and I have completely fallen in love with this little bike, I am now going to put a luggage rack on so can throw some camping gear over and when the Covide restrictions are lifted, take a trip north to Sweden or Norway. With regard to the noise you speak of , when i am in 6 gear at a steady 80 klmh, there is a constant pulsating noise from the transmission which i am going to mention when i have the 1000km service, is that the noise you are talking about ? I envy your location.

[@Scoottoots]

Sounds great. The bike will suit what you have planned for it. Enjoy. No, the noise you describe is not the infamous cct rattle. You would hear that coming from the top right backside of the engine. The noise is a light metallic rattle akin to a bag of marbles but metallic. Good that you are getting it checked out. Your noise may be drivetrain ; chain and sprockets can cause the strangest sounds.

[@trocpulse4059]

i NEED to get me one of these

[@Scoottoots]

Yes you do :-)

[@azdesertdog]

Every bike has it's "weird noise" contingent. I don't think I have seen one like the CRFL club. It makes me giggle.

[@Scoottoots]

Hahaha, yes the CRFL's are 'special' in that way :-)

[@chadgilbertson3071]

Great video. I have a short clip of my bike making what i hope is the chain rattle. Is there anyway you could watch it and comment?

[@Scoottoots]

You have one 15 second video on your channel and it has nothing to do with motorcycles.

[@chadgilbertson3071]

@@Scoottoots sorry I just uploaded the video. Its there now

[@Scoottoots]

@@chadgilbertson3071 Just watched it. To my ears it sounds good. Just normal noises from that engine. Not to worry :-)

[@MrTench8]

I don't think you are entirely correct about the rattle. I believe it may as you say be emanating from the chain tensioner but the root cause i believe is the fuelling which causes the engine speed to chatter or fluctuate rapidly causing mechanical backlash noise. Increasing or decreasing throttle when it occurs changes it.

[@Scoottoots]

I don't think that's it. Mixture wouldn't cause fluctuations like that, and I cannot imagine the injectors displaying such a fuel feed issue. Most likely is: a decrease in the rattle when increasing throttle would be consistent with CCT noise caused by a somewhat loosely tensioned chain (typical for this engine whether the 250 or 300 version). The increased load on the cam chain when you throttle on tightens the slack on the forward portion of the chain's run, diminishing the noise. I'm pretty sure it's a combination of valve chatter and CCT noise. The dominant noise I hear on mine sounds like valve chatter. The PAIR system may also be a factor.

[@johnharris7756]

Tuned ECU from 550 performance stopped the rattle

[@Scoottoots]

Since this I did get a stock improved ecu from 550 performance, but it didn't change the rattle. The engine is much quieter now after a lot more riding. Wear in just the right spot perhaps.

[@johnharris7756]

I also did full exhaust so maybe just don’t hear it? Idk I’m convinced it was a fueling problem as it did run lean

[@Scoottoots]

@@johnharris7756 According to Maverick at 550 Performance, the rattle is caused by piston slap. He said in his later tunes he eliminates or reduces the noise by adjusting ignition timing to alter where the main pressure wave hits the piston. Perhaps your tune is done that way. I wouldn't think a lean condition would cause a rattle except if it were exceptionally lean, causing detonation. That wouldn't be happening on these engines though, as constant detonation would destroy the engine in short order.

[@dualsportadventure]

Hello Scoot Toots. I've isolated that rattle/clatter on video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noLWf2uIndWtiqc . Is your bike sounding like this too? Is that normal? Doesn't seem to affect performance.

[@Scoottoots]

I listened carefully to your video and I don't think that is a problem CCT. It would be different and a lot more to it. I feel the noises you hear are valve train noises and typical of this engine now that it is stroked and using different intake cams than the 250 used. That's just my opinion of course, so do get it checked if you're concerned.

[@hazcat640]

It doesn't matter that you paid a premium for the Honda name based on their self promoted quality and service. It's just a rattle, live with it, don't pick on Honda, they're great (said the fan boy).

[@Scoottoots]

Yeah I think that's what I'm saying in the video. It's just a rattle and usually of no concern, except when it's serious as it was with my 250L. I'm not picking on Honda.

[@hazcat640]

@@Scoottoots That's exactly what you're saying and you're perfectly wrong. Did you miss the sarcasm in my post? Honda charges a premium for their product, they should deliver a premium product not a rattle can.

[@Scoottoots]

@@hazcat640 I probably missed the sarcasm because it isn't warranted. Honda did not charge a premium. They underpriced it if anything considering the improvements they made from the 250L, that was in itself a great value. You won't find a comparable motorcycle retailing for less. And the rattle? Lord knows I understand about that. I had 3 OEM CCT's fail in my 250L. And I do mean FAIL, as in to point where the chain could have jumped teeth on cams. So I'm not the guy who blindly defends Honda. Realistically though? What happened to my 250 was the exception. Usually, people hear what they think is a rattle, as in 'problem,' but there are all sorts of noises in almost every thumper regardless of manufacturer. Valve chatter is a common one. On some engines if you can't hear the valves they need re-shimming. It's impossible to build a reliable motorcycle like this -- at this price -- and not compromise someone's expectations. It isn't a BMW or a KTM. Now that's where you'd pay a premium, both for the bike and the maintenance.

[@awatts222]

I cured my engine rattle with belray thumper synthetic ester blend oil

[@Scoottoots]

Good stuff. I switched to Motul 5100 Ester based oil but haven't noticed any decrease in valve chatter noise, etc. I used to use Motul 7100 Ester full Synthetic in the 250 and that quieted things down some; excellent oil but found it almost impossible to get the 10W 30. No one carried it, so I used 10W 40. In this bike I want to stick with Honda's recommended 10W 30, so that's why I went with the 5100. It's formulated with Honda specs in mind. I'll look into that Belray product. Thanks :-)

[@guzziguy2011]

Sooooo, “I had to replace the Cam Chain Tensioners three times on my CRF250L”……but nothing to fret? Are you on drugs, dude?

[@Scoottoots]

Maybe if you actually listened to the video you'd get it. Like I said, mine was an extreme situation, likely caused by a flaw in the engine casing on my bike in particular, so nothing to do with the average rattle from the cct. I sited my situation with the 250L because it informed me about the CCT and the common rattle a lot of owners hear.

[@zefautino]

Not beating hard on you but... That camera is horrible. You can get a cheap camera with decent quality stabilisation. This makes me dizzy.

[@Scoottoots]

Thanks for the feedback. I think in this video the stabilization appeared choppy in sections. All in all though it performs excellent. Stabilization is usually smooth. This route was very rough in parts. Check out a few other of my videos. I think you'll see the stabilization is normally quite good.

[@zefautino]

@@Scoottoots I did. Yeah, not as bad. I have a chepo China camera, although a decent China camera, and it is only not able to stabilise the video if attached to the bike at high RPM (7k +), but even then it only wobbles (twilight zone style 🤪), it doesn't create that shaking in this video. That was my comparison point.

[@Scoottoots]

@@zefautino Yeah i get it. It's not perfect for sure. I've had my issues with it, but I like this camera for many reasons. High among them is the 6 hour battery life and low profile on the helmet. The color rendition and saturation are descent as well.

[@zefautino]

@@Scoottoots 6h! I get 1h30m in 4k...

[@Scoottoots]

@@zefautino That's pretty good for 4K compared to most cameras. I never shoot in 4K. Don't seem to feel the advantage. I shoot in 2.7K because at that resolution (compared to 1080p) Y/T uses the VP9 codec to process the HD, resulting in higher quality final video.