New 2020 KTM 350sxf Loud Engine Noise

Sirlosealot
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Winter Garden, FL, USA
Edited Date/Time 11/3/2020 9:22pm
As the title says I have a new 2020 KTM 350sxf that seems a lot louder than my 2018 or any of my KTM 450's. The bike seems to run well and does what is should but its engine noise is noticeable. I have more than a few friends make comments about this. I'm planning on a trip to the dealer but I'm afraid unless its broken they won't be able to do much. The bike has about 3.8 hours on it. What should I look at or test? Thank you
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Paw Paw 271
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1/17/2020 8:54am
Most likely it is the cam chain tensioner as they are very noise.

Paw Paw
FGR01
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Fantasy
1/17/2020 8:59am
Most likely it is the cam chain tensioner as they are very noise.

Paw Paw
So, is it a problem that needs to be corrected or is that just the way they are and not to be worried about?
CarlinoJoeVideo
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1/17/2020 9:24am
The new bikes are louder, I noticed it for sure. No problems and I have 55 hours on my 2019 350. One thing I listen for is that when the bike is cold, it will be louder then once the oil gets to the top it will get slightly quieter, that means the oil pumps are working and its flowing.

Obviously if it's crazy loud or abnormal, check;
Valves
Cam chain (but isn't KTM auto hydro adjusted?)
oil level
oil delivery to the top end
2
erik_94COBRA
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1/17/2020 9:40am
My 2019 FC350 was loud AF for a few seconds after cold startup. It was the time it took for the cam chain tensioner, which is hydraulically actuated via engine oil, to start tensioning. After a few hours, it's not as bad.

When does yours make noise?
1

The Shop

JT410
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Auburn, NH, USA
1/17/2020 9:44am
Ive noticed the same thing on my 19 with 9 hours on it. It sounds like it has 80 hours. But feels and rides tight.
Sirlosealot
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1/17/2020 10:48am
Thanks Guys For The Replies. On my bike it didn't seem terrible but when more than a few people comments about it you start to wonder. I'll note if if gets better after it warms up. Most comment about it when I start it after sitting a few minutes from being on the track. Good to hear they are noisier. I'll check out those items.
mayzo
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1/18/2020 1:12am
Funny you say that as I think my 18 is noisier than my 12 was. I’m pretty anal about oil changes and tend to change it more than recommend (2.5-5hrs with a filter) by KTM. A couple of times I’ve pulled over when I thought it did sound right.
Still has plenty of power, runs well, sounds ok.
FGR01
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Fantasy
11/3/2020 7:35am
So, after this discussion a few months back, I noticed there are now multiple companies selling replacement cam chain tensioners for the KTM/HUS 250/350 to get rid of the stock hydraulically actuated one.

I've noticed on my 2020 FC350 that the excess noise from apparent lack of chain tension happens almost always if the bike is good and warm and I shut it off for just a few seconds or a minute or so to stop at the side of the track and then restart it. If I let the bike cool down for 20-30 minutes between motos it doesn't do it on the next start up.

I just bought one of these new Nihilo manual tensioners . I guess this is their Gen-2 version. The Gen-1 version required you to tap the stock oil jet and thread in a plug but this one does not.



Question: Can the stock tensioner be removed from the head on the bike? It's pretty close to the frame and looks like you might not have the clearance to get it out of there.
Factor E
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So Cal, CA, USA
11/3/2020 9:22pm
Yes
will come out
take allen cover off first, then outer housing tensioner will want to follow
use something to go through and hold tensioner back inside and remove outer piece
then tensioner will clear coming out
2
KTMN8
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El Dorado Hills, CA, USA
5/27/2024 10:52am
FGR01 wrote:
So, after this discussion a few months back, I noticed there are now multiple companies selling replacement cam chain tensioners for the KTM/HUS 250/350 to get...
So, after this discussion a few months back, I noticed there are now multiple companies selling replacement cam chain tensioners for the KTM/HUS 250/350 to get rid of the stock hydraulically actuated one.

I've noticed on my 2020 FC350 that the excess noise from apparent lack of chain tension happens almost always if the bike is good and warm and I shut it off for just a few seconds or a minute or so to stop at the side of the track and then restart it. If I let the bike cool down for 20-30 minutes between motos it doesn't do it on the next start up.

I just bought one of these new Nihilo manual tensioners . I guess this is their Gen-2 version. The Gen-1 version required you to tap the stock oil jet and thread in a plug but this one does not.



Question: Can the stock tensioner be removed from the head on the bike? It's pretty close to the frame and looks like you might not have the clearance to get it out of there.

Did the tensioner fix the problem? Mine makes the same noise even with a dirt tricks tensioner. 

40acres
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5/27/2024 7:47pm
KTMN8 wrote:

Did the tensioner fix the problem? Mine makes the same noise even with a dirt tricks tensioner. 

Does the noise improve after the bike is warmed up? Can you post a video? 

KTMN8
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5/27/2024 8:30pm

It makes the sloppy cam chain noise only when it’s hot. If I turn it off when it’s hot then start it up, it’s noisy for around 10 seconds consistently. 

FGR01
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Fantasy
5/28/2024 5:41am
KTMN8 wrote:
It makes the sloppy cam chain noise only when it’s hot. If I turn it off when it’s hot then start it up, it’s noisy for...

It makes the sloppy cam chain noise only when it’s hot. If I turn it off when it’s hot then start it up, it’s noisy for around 10 seconds consistently. 

Yes, that is exactly what mine was doing and the manual tensioner fixed it.  It also makes the bike feel a little faster, freer revving.  I assume there is less drag on the chain than the stock one.   10-secs is excessive.  Mine was only doing it for about 3 secs or so.   How many hours are on your engine?

KTMN8
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5/28/2024 5:52am

I only have about 50 hrs. It didn’t start doing this until I put on the 366 cylinder and sxf cams. Looks like I’ll be ordering a Nihilo cam chain tensioner. Thanks for the help. 

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