Rattling noise chain side M 696 Help!

[drkhorse]

Hello All!

I've got a 2009 Ducati Monster 696, with about 8,500 miles on it. Over the past 2 weeks I've noticed a slight rattling noise coming from the left side (chain side) of the bike. The noise is like a jingle as if something is loose like a bolt or something like that. I've checked and tightened the bolts but I cant seem to find anything loose. I did some searching on the forum and people with similar issues have said to check the chain. So I cleaned and lubricated the chain (a LOT!) with Dupont teflon lubricant, cause it did seem a bit dry. Then I checked the tension of the chain and it appears to be to spec. I put it on the side stand and measure the chain slack from the bottom of the swing arm at about the midway point of the arm just after that plastic rail, and it came out to about 42 mm which is in the range the manual recommends.

But after doing all that the noise is still there. The jingling happens mainly when I let off the throttle and pull in the clutch and coast (it jingles the most when I'm between 30-40 mph). It also happens when I go over bumps and pot holes, which is again why I got the impression something was loose on the bike.

Does anyone know what this could be? Or what I should try next? Is it time for the new chain at 8,500 miles or is the issue not the chain at all? At this point I don't what speculate on what it is. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[ducpainter]

It still sounds like chain noise.

Rotate the wheel and check the slack in several places. You'll probably find a spot that is looser.

Never adjust the chain below the minimum recommended slack in the tightest spot.

[drkhorse]

Hey ducpainter,

Thanks for the response. When I took the measurement, I actually rotated the wheel till I found the tightest part of the chain, then I took the measurement. And as I mentioned it still came out to be in the range that Ducati recommends in the manual. So if I measured it anywhere else along the chain, with will give mean a looser measurement. So what are you suggesting? That I adjust the chain tension on the bike and loosen it more all around?

[Slide Panda]

It still sounds like chain noise.

Yep - Also when checking, ensure that the chain is tight across the top side, thus as much slack is available on the bottom side. IF the chain isn't in that state, your measurement isn't reflective of the state of the chain.

IF you've never adjusted the chain at all in 8,500 miles I'd be gob-smacked if it wasn't in need of some adjustment.

[drkhorse]

So again, just to be clear on what you all are suggesting I do. I'm going to go ahead and remeasure the chain tension again, because you all think its too tight is that what you all believe is going on?

[ducpainter]

Hey ducpainter,

Thanks for the response. When I took the measurement, I actually rotated the wheel till I found the tightest part of the chain, then I took the measurement. And as I mentioned it still came out to be in the range that Ducati recommends in the manual. So if I measured it anywhere else along the chain, with will give mean a looser measurement. So what are you suggesting? That I adjust the chain tension on the bike and loosen it more all around?

I'm suggesting you adjust it at the tightest point to the minimum spec.

I think it's too loose.

[Slide Panda]

I think it's too loose.

+1

Chains do not get tighter without human intervention. But they will become loose (longer) as a normal side effect of their use.