F4i vibration

Roadrunner17 · 06-29-2007, 3:59 PM

I have a 2002 F4i and it runs great with the exception of a slight high frequency vibration. It did not do it when I first got the bike and only started after I had about 7000 miles on it approxiametly. The vibration is more of a buzz then an actual vibrating or shaking. It is only noticable after about 5500 RPM. Below that RPM you really don't feel it or it just isn't there. It doesn't matter what speed I'm going or what gear I'm using. Last time I had it serviced the mechanic took it for a ride and said that was normal for a sport bike. Any suggestions on what might be the cause or what I can do about it?

Thanks
Keith

dattaway · 06-29-2007, 6:58 PM

Mine is very smooth like a jet engine spooling up. Something may have broken off on the crankshaft/piston or clutch assemblies.

129CBRider · 06-29-2007, 8:37 PM

Clean, adjust, and oil your chain.

Also, earplugs will eliminate it completely.

If you've never ridden with earplugs and a helmet, try it, it's surreal!

Surffrog · 07-02-2007, 3:07 AM

I second 129CBRider. That chain thingy can do all sorts of things that annoy; from vibrations to strange grating sensations. Also, while I don't use ear plugs as such, in-ear speaker plugs do much the same thing and you can listen to whatever you like.

129CBRider · 07-02-2007, 10:05 AM

Being old, (58) I just bought my first iPod and a USB digital turntable to record my old 700 album vinyl collection and convert it to mp3 so I hope to be trying the ear buds this week! Put new Pilot Powers and a steering damper on the 919 so it rides like a $20,000 bike now and I've been out every night on it frustrating the "600 club" for entertainment instead of watching mindless tv...they hate being undertailgated by an ugly black naked thing!

Roadrunner17 · 07-02-2007, 11:52 AM

Thanks for the suggestions. I clean and lube the chain regularly, but I will check its tension to see if its loose or tight. I do not think the ear-plugs will help as it is not such much a noise problem as a high frequency vibration that you can feel in the grips, pegs and even the gas tank.

Mine use to be smooth too so maybe something has broken. A friend of mine mentioned a problem common to Honda's that has to due with the timing chain tensioner that can cause vibration. Does anyone have experience with this issue?

dattaway · 07-02-2007, 11:58 AM

The timing chain tensioner sure can create a lot of noise, but vibrations are really felt when something is out of balance. The timing chain doesn't have a lot of mass to slap around, unlike a crankshaft/piston assembly.

129CBRider · 07-02-2007, 9:58 PM

The piece on the end of the timing chain tensioner floats on a pivot, I believe. The little piece rubs on the high points of the timing chain. It will be more noticeable at higher rpm when the timing chain is really moving. Honda reps will always tell you, "They all do that." My 919 has about 11,000 miles on it now and I can feel the same thing starting at around 4500 rpms. I've never red lined it so I'm pretty sure I haven't broken something. Also, the engine isn't rubber mounted like a Harley. If you look, it's pretty much just bolted as tight as possible to the frame, at least mine is...

129CBRider · 07-02-2007, 10:04 PM

I would say if it is the same at all rpm's and speeds, it is the drive chain.
If it comes and goes with certain rpm's no matter what gear you're in (or what speed) then it's the timing chain tensioner. Go here to see a schematic of the cam chain tensioner... http://houseofmotorcycles.bikebandit.com/partsbandit/oem_schematic_view~schem_dept_id~390141~section_de pt_id~1~section_dept_name~OEM+%28Stock%29+Parts~de pt_type_id~2~model_dept_year~2002~model_dept_mfr~H onda~model_dept_id~375134~model_dept_name~CBR600F4 .asp

Nxn_live · 07-18-2007, 4:09 AM

I had this happen on my 02 f4i, it started anywhere above 5k rpms, I swapped out the cam chain tensioner and it works fine now... only 60$ to fix. Was a little bit of a pain in the ass but not too bad. You can do it in 30 mins if you've got all the right tools and are mechanically inclined or you can take 2 hours including smoke breaks like me lol...

here is a link to a really good how to that someone else sent me when I had my problem.

BARF - Bay Area Riders Forum - F4i CCT Swap - pictures/directions

Hope that helps.

woodchuck · 07-18-2007, 5:34 PM

I will have to check this out because I have the same problem 5'500 to about 8,000 rpm . I thought about just gettig aftermarket pipe to hide noise this sounds cheaper. I have 2002 also 27,000 miles.

tiaanhnel · 07-24-2007, 6:49 PM

the F4i did have factory flaws on their cam chain tensioner from 2001 to 2002. Change it and see if the vibration is still there.
Its also good to change it because a loose chain can eat away pieces of the engine block and that pieces circulate with the oil through the engine the whole time till the filter picks it up some time later.

My fathers Honda CX 500 seized the crank because of a loose cam chain that chew off metal off the block and that again blocked the oil pump so the crank didn't get enough oil.