DARN YOU - I hear something. First off, the rattle, starting around 3K rpm does continue over 4K rpm. At that point it is still there but the wind and engine noise covers it.
Rain let up, sun out and a bit windy when I left. No helmet or hat so I could hear best as I can. Empty road with no distractions. Watching the rpm's I immediately heard a rattle sound that started around 3,000 rpm. Soon as I backed off the throttle it stopped. Well maybe not instantly but it does stop. Tried that upwards of 4,000 rpm and when the throttle is backed off, it drops down after maybe a few seconds or less. Then I got an idea.
When it was rattling, a rattle that is neither a high pitch nor a low pitch, just some kind of fast rattling sound, I started probing bike parts. First, I thought it might be something in the belt drive but then reached down with the left hand and pushed on those panels next to the parking brake. Really think that rattle sound changed and maybe instantly stopped. Yet, the sound also seemed to be coming from the throttle side of the bike. Did not try cruise control on, (2022 Sport) but tried to lift my right foot and push on the panels below the throttle. That also seemed to change the sound from that side.
Conclusions. It is a very minor sound yet distinctive when you listen for it. Now, darn you, I will have to turn off my brain so I can enjoy the ride. It just may be related to BOTH panels above or on either side of the engine. Possibly just loose plastic panels that could be quieted by putting the bike on cruise and pushing down on both sides at the same time. Only issue there is you would need a third hand to steer the bike. All this leads to my conclusion summation.
Nuts to it. To me it is no big deal. Back in 1975 I switched from my Harleys, BSA's, Triumphs, Honda fours, Royal Enfield and AJS's to a 750 BMW and then more bikes, many of which I have today. Gary Loukes was the salesman and he gave me some advice. "Do not listen to the bike ... just ride it". I remember valves tapping and moving on the rockers during my first solo ride through Central America - far from physical and mechanical help. Told myself what Gary told me. Same thing when a friend took me on an airplane ride over Lake Erie. Out over the water he said the engine will go on "automatic rough".
Think I'll have a beer. "Life goes on until you're gone but the road goes on forever". Enjoy the ride.
