Hi All,

Just wondering if anyone, especialy the more in-tune with your machine types (Honda Mechanic), has payed much attention to the sounds from your Rubicons transmission? I notice that when there is very little load on the engine, say coasting along a level road at mid speeds, there is a slight tick-like sound from the bike. I can make it appear or disappear just by adjusting more or less fuel. Take some strain on the engine, sound goes away. Let off gas just enough to keep with the pace, tick is there. Now by a tick, I meant a slick one. Like taping finger nails lighty on a table. I wonder if what I am hearing could be the individual hydrostatic piston pumps taping the swash plate in the tranny as the should be under normal operation. It is not something that I am worried about, but would feel better if more people had it, and better yet knew what it was. It kinda makes sense for that to be it because if you add fuel to increase torque the pistons are pressing firm against the plate, let off the gas so that barely any power is required to maintain speed, the pistons are just taping the plate. Be like peddling a bicycle down a steep hill, pretty soon your legs will not be able to keep up.

Any thoughts for a curious Honda rider?

Thanks,
Bruiser

 

I won't be much help but mine does the same thing. Always has. I have a 2004 with 2,200 miles and its still running like new with only the prescribed maintenence being done. The sound caused me concern too, however, when I took it back to dealer for its initial service the mechanic advised the sound was normal (didn't ask him what it was like I should have).

 

not sure I've noticed what you're talking about, but I'll be riding with another Rubicon this weekend and I'll let you know if we hear the same

 

I think know what you are talking about. If it is, a friend's makes the same noise too. Don't think I would have paid any attention to it if I didn't read your post as I noticed it when it was new, but have considered it normal. Not sure if it is the pistons hitting the swashplate.