Noisy motor on start-up

Hi guys. A question for you re cam chains and type of oil (groan - yes another letter on the subject). I have a 2008 VFR (from new) and did not experience any noises from the camchain area whilst the weather was warm/hot (now done 12000 klms). Now that winter is here -5 to +5 degrees in the morning, I sometimes get a rather worring sound from the front camchain gear area on the front top right of the front cylinders - almost sounds like the chain is not aligned with the camshaft sprocket or a bearing is dry but it only lasts a few seconds. Another contributer mentioned that the chain and gears in this region are splashed with oil and on start up it may take a little time to get oil into the region. He mentioned going to a 10w40 oil after which he didn't have a problem with noises. I already use this grade of oil but am wondering if going to Mobile 1 5w50 might solve the problem. Such a wide ranging viscosity would suit year round temperatures but does anyone know if there are problems going to an oil of this type and whether it might cure the problem? Apologies for the length of the message.

 

Is your motorcycle being stored in a completely enclosed garage (preferably a heated garage)? Or is it pretty much exposed to the prevailing winter morning temperatures where you live?

In my humble opinion, if you're motorcycle engine is as cold as the temperatures you've stated, I'm thinking that there would be some pretty rapid and extreme thermal stresses by starting it up and then quickly warming up to operating temperature. If so, a thinner oil would be called for, but then again it might be wisest to park the bike for the winter rather than exposing it to such extreme temperature changes. Under such cold temps, running the bike may be an invitation to excessive moisture accumulating in the oil?

Hopefully others here with more knowledge will chime in.

 

I have no garage and I have stored my SV for 7 yrs outside covered exposed to weather temp swings and I had no problems but then again I did not start the engine in the winter.

 

Thanks Red Rover - you have made me think about engine oil warmers. Does anyone make devices that will heat up the oil in the sump in some way - maybe an electrically heated dip-stick for example. When I was in the fire brigade all our vehicles had electrical heated plugs in the sump that would disconnect when the vehicle was driven off. I don't intend leaving the premises at great speed but it is an idea. Any thoughts?

 

the viscocity of the oil you're using is too thick for winter temps. I would also recommend a 100%full synthethic motorcycle oil. I'ts not affected by the temps as much. Look towards a 5w-30 or 5w- 40. the 15w and 10w are going to be harder to circulate once cold. I highly recommend Castrol 5w-40 R4 motor oil.

 

Thanks for the tip will check out the oil, not sure i have seen that around here.

 

It the chains are still noisy you can retention the cam chain tensioners.