I have a low speed clunking sound coming from my kawasaki zx7r

Question

Hi Everyone,

When I'm driving at really low speeds, mostly coming to stops I hear a clunking noise. It doesn't matter if I pull the clutch in or anything and it seems to be getting louder. Chain is adjusted right and I tightened up everything on the bike to narrow it down. It almost sounds like it's coming from the front or directly below me. Any ideas what it could be or what I should check out? Thanks

Answer 1

pull your head off and check your top end for wear, then check your bottom end bearigs and freeplay in the crankshaft

Answer 2

Remove the cover and check in the countershaft sprocket area.

Get the rear wheel off the ground with a race stand and turn the wheel while moving parts - be careful not the get your fingers caught in the chain & sprocket.

Answer 3

Does it do it when you use engine braking or just coast to a stop? If not, then the problem is in your brakes. Check your calipers, rotors, lines, and pads. That would be less intensive as the other engine type suggestions.

If it does it even when you don't use the brakes, then it may be something engine related.

I had this issue and everybody told me it was the chain. i tightened it and it kept doing it. I had somebody else ride the bike in front of me and sure enough the chain was clacking on the swing arm. the tension of the chain sitting still was different then when running. I had to tighten it even more and it stopped.

EDIT: I still think it's something related to brakes / rotors.

Answer 4

is it a repeating cyclical sound or does it happen only once each time you're slowing down?  if it is the first, then it may be your bearings are spun.  that sound would speed up as the engine revs faster, but maybe your exhaust pike masks the sound.

if it happens only once when you come to a stop, and you use your rear brake, it could be that your rear brake caliper is not keyed into your swingarm.  surprisingly I have seen this alot on peoples bikes.