2012 RT Clattering noise when under load

[LouW]

I have a 2012 RT-S SM5 22000 miles 998. I purchased this bike in March and have put on about 3000 miles. I’ve had a lot of motorcycles but have to say I really love this Can-am. I hear a noise that sounds to me like a valve clatter. I don’t hear it during a slow acceleration. But if I open the throttle halfway or more I can clearly hear it in 1st and 2nd gear during acceleration. No noise during cruising.
I’ve heard this noise for all 3000 miles and it has not gotten any worse. It sounds like it’s coming from the left side. Is this normal?

[davev1pa]

check the front left drive sprocket for wobble....and check belt tension

[safecracker]

If it is coming from the left side under acceleration, it could be your belt has started to go bad. Mine was doing what yours sounds like it is doing. Check the cogs on the belt, they could be going bad. Check alignment also. Good luck, Bruce

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Just a thought .... the V-twin Spyders need to be above 3000 rpm's for the clutch to be FULLY engaged .... what rev's are you shifting at ???? .... Mike

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Just a thought .... the V-twin Spyders need to be above 3000 rpm's for the clutch to be FULLY engaged .... what rev's are you shifting at ???? .... Mike

His is an SM5. Manual clutch. Not an issue.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

His is an SM5. Manual clutch. Not an issue.

..... Yep I missed that !!!! ..........Mike

[LouW]

Thanks for advice. I’ll be checking out the sprocket and belt tension.

[BajaRon]

The noise can bounce around in all that Tupperware. I too would look at the front sprocket and check belt tension while you're there. If it is valve noise, it should give it too you regardless of gear. It would be an RPM thing. It should even give it too you sitting still. Though probably at a lower volume,

Your front sprocket would be more gear specific than RPM related. The only thing that doesn't fit is that it has not gotten worse. I would think a sprocket issue would be getting noticeably worse in 3,000 miles.

I would also ask what oil you are using. This could make a difference. It is even possible that you need a valve adjustment. Though this is extremely rare.

Let us know what you find.