Guys,

I have a 2010 TBTS, run close to 9K kms. The last 500 kms or so, the noise from the head is turning into quite a racket! Especially noticed when riding in B2B traffic. The engine starts sounding trashy, as the RPMs climb it kind of settles down, or may be the Exhaust note covers it up.

I checked with multiple garages, ASC and local ones, have got different stories and opinions. One RE ASC said its normal and to carry on, other mechanics suggested, a head overhaul quoting from 5K - 12K. Indimotard and Motoadda says its the Exhaust valve. Almost all of of them agree the Hydraulic tappets needs to be replaced as well. One mech in Shivaji nagar even went on to suggest doing some lathe work and installing adjustable push rods like the Ol CI engines.

I know we cannot eliminate the Tappet noise fully, but I am trying to at least arrest it to an extent so it doesn't get too obtrusive.

Now my question:

1. I know there are many changes that RE did on the USE head 2013 onward, so is the new head a direct fit onto the old UCE ? (I am not going to change the head right away, I am asking so in case there is a head swap needed I'd rather get the new one.)

2. will replacing the Hydraulic tappets alone make any change ? (folks who did this change might help)

3. I have the Goldstar Exhaust installed, could it have contributed to the wear on the exhaust valve ?

4. A mech suggested shifting to thicker engine oil, his recommendation was Veedol, he had a DS500 running on it and was pretty silent, any one uses Veedol or any other thicker oil ?

Any inputs will be appreciated.

P.S. I did try to scour through the thread but couldn't locate specific answers or may be they are buried somewhere in the 300 odd pages.

1) Yep, Direct fit

Awesome, thought so.

2) They might. There are many different parts that fail earlier than hydraulic tappets, because as per RE they should last 2 lakh KM ODO, with proper oil changes.

2Lac kms! I ll need to check the timing gear as well, they are known to make a racket as well. The problem is most mechs either dont want to touch the bike or they want to replace half the bike!

3) Definitely possible. Without proper tuning, Aftermarket exhausts will wear off exhaust valves sooner.

I want to switch back to stock, but the old bazooka type ones are hard to come by in neat condition. Shivaji Ngr mkt has some, but mostly scratched and rusted. RE has a nice looking off road exhaust for the new TB, but the mounts are different. I guess I'll buy that and mod the mounts to suit.

4) Try it, it helps. No harm. Get Motul or Veedol 15W50.

What do you suggest Min / Semi / Full synth for the above ?


Tip: Usually in RE one part failure leads to a chain reaction where soon other linked parts soon wears off and lead to huge bills.

Thank you for the quick reply! some counter questions in bold

Guys,

Can anyone provide the regional manager's number or email ID (Bangalore Area), Their customer service is pathetic, they are yet to respond to my emails.

Finally got my speedo console replaced with a new one.
Khat sound from front end has also been rectified. Supervisor at the workshop told that it is because of temperature change, and royal enfield uses 2 grades of oil for the shocks i:e light grade for winters and high grade for summers.On further asking about, he told that this case is only with royal enfield bikes. Though I was not satisfied by his funda behind this. I suppose the grade remains same for the shocks, as per my experience with other bikes
Point me if I'm wrong.

Finally got my speedo console replaced with a new one.
Khat sound from front end has also been rectified. Supervisor at the workshop told that it is because of temperature change, and royal enfield uses 2 grades of oil for the shocks i:e light grade for winters and high grade for summers.On further asking about, he told that this case is only with royal enfield bikes. Though I was not satisfied by his funda behind this. I suppose the grade remains same for the shocks, as per my experience with other bikes
Point me if I'm wrong.

I am too hearing the oil funda for the first time.

So, perhaps RE indeed has its owners change even fork oils based the seasons? Fork oils usually have weight grades and that's about it. Engine oils being multi-grade, some have winter grade and some have summer grade, technically speaking. Fork oil having winter and summer grade is as sarcastic a funda I've ever come across in recent years. I just can't help but giggle

But anything is possible with RE. You just never know.

Cheers!
VJ

Hi Guys ,

I bought a second hand Thunderbird 350 2013 model. It has a different silencer and handlebar. I want to do some mods on it but first i have to bring down the vibrations. So i hope someone can identify the silencer on the bike from the picture and tell me whether that causes more vibrations. Same for the handlebar. I am asking because some of my friends have claimed that getting a different handlebar and silencer have sometimes increased the vibrations on their RE's.

Also it would be helpful for thunderbird owners to share their experience in reducing the vibrations.

Guys I need help. Since a few months a funny sound is coming from the front side of my bike. Similar to metal parts having some kind of friction. It would sound something like the sound of a squirrel. I asked the service centre regarding this and they say it is from the front wheel that the wheel bearings need to be changed. I highly doubt this as my bike is just a year old and have completed 10000 kms. Also the sound comes even when the bike is stationary, which makes me wonder how can the sound come from the wheel bearings. Another thing I noticed yesterday when parking my bike in the garage was that the sound would come only when the engine is running. I'll specify the scenarios when the sound would come and when not.

1. While riding the bike sound will come.
2. When the bike is stationary, off the main stand and engine running the sound would come while turning the handlebars both ways.
3. When the bike is stationary, off the main stand and engine turned off no sound would come even after turning the handlebars both ways.
4. When the bike is on the main stand no sound would come regardless of engine running or not nor by turning the handlebars both ways.

This is very confusing for me as I don't understand the logic of the sound. Please help.
Thanks in advance.

From the description you mentioned I feel the sound is from your main stand rather than Engine or wheel. Check the spring tension and lubrication.