K11 Owners Group

molerat · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 5:22 pm Post subject: Pinging

Hi all.
I just rode my bike from CO. to SoCal last week about 1300 miles (took some side rodes). The reason for the post is since I arrived I have been hearing pinging from the engine. Hard to tell where from. thought it was from behind the head cover. but then I thought maybe gas. I have always put 91 octane in and usually low octane is cause for pinging so now I am confused.
Question for the CA owners of LT's , is there something in the gas that would cause this, I know there is a lot of additives in your gas for the smog restrictions etc.
I am planning on the return trip on Friday and just wanted to make sure there is nothing more serious involved. It runs great like it always has just concerned about the unusual noise.

Thanks again everyone this site rocks and I hope to get home safe

Brian
_________________
Brian

1995 K1100 LT
1952 HRD Vincent Black Shadow, Series C

Sonu · Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2014 6:13 pm Post subject:

Hi Brian,

I've had my KLT in California since 2000.
I've never had any pinging issues.

Sanjiv
_________________
1997 K1100LT "Ziggy" _GarminGPS_Corbin saddle_K Guards _Hyperlights_Fog lights_Eastern Beaver Relays_Cee Bailey_4"speakers_Michelin PR4's_MoS2_Spiegler lines_TPMS_VDO

John Clauss · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 8:34 am Post subject:

I have heard of bikes pinging at high altitude when coming from low, but never the other way around. Odd.
_________________
1997 K1100LT
1975 R75/6

It will bring you so close to nausea, it will make you sick! - Big Al

molerat · Posted: Thu Oct 30, 2014 12:46 pm Post subject:

thanks, I guess I will just keep fingers crossed I don't get stuck in desert. Smile

Sometimes it sounds like it may be loose valves and seems to only do it when at high rpm's and I let off the throttle quickly.
_________________
Brian

1995 K1100 LT
1952 HRD Vincent Black Shadow, Series C

old guy old bike · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 12:12 pm Post subject:

Wonder if it might be something silly like the heat shield under your left foot. You would not have pinging when you let off the throttle. It only happens under load, mostly when you are lugging it.
_________________
1993 K1100LT
2003 K1200GT Gone but not forgotten
2014 Victory Crossraods

atlantaboblutz@live.com · Posted: Fri Oct 31, 2014 5:49 pm Post subject:

I'd agree ... I'd check for loose bits first (the rear section my fender came off on a recent trip when the top bolt came out). In combo - to eliminate gas... you could always buy a high quality octane booster to add to a full tank.

You didn't say if you tested by revving while on the center stand. You can hear quite a bit with a long screw driver against various locations on the engine and your ear against the other side.
_________________
Thanks,
Bob
Atlanta GA

'94 K1100 LT
'76 R75/6

molerat · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 4:45 pm Post subject:

I made it back to COS, with no problem, in fact it ran superbly as usual. Still have the gremlin noise though when letting off the throttle from a high RPM. I will try those item you guys mentioned when I get some time. I also forgot to mention my ABS lights came on(alternating, tried the reset but came back on after 1-2 hours of riding) and had to ride over 1000 miles with them on will search the forum for solutions.
_________________
Brian

1995 K1100 LT
1952 HRD Vincent Black Shadow, Series C

Jim · Posted: Sun Nov 02, 2014 7:23 pm Post subject:

Don't know about the pinging...

Check the clearance on the ABS sensors first.

molerat · Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2014 10:08 pm Post subject:

So I should change the title to "ticking", thats more what it sounds like and still a mystery...could it be the throttle bodies need adjusting?
As mentioned earlier it seems to mostly do it when letting off the throttle fast.

Checked clearance on ABS. seem ok. cleaned contacts but still no go. Will have to check codes if I can manufacture the tool.
_________________
Brian

1995 K1100 LT
1952 HRD Vincent Black Shadow, Series C