Anyone ever come across pre-ignition in 400 ?

[avalon27]

I recently changed my K4 650 for a K9 400 with only 4000 miles on. On take off (only) and on the odd occasion accelerating uphill I hear a faint tinkle - lasts a second or so, and sounds like my old Mk 4 Cortina did when it pinked in the 1980's - we used to rotate the distributer to adjust in those days.

Its a non ABS bike. Anyone any thoughts - or could it be something else.? If pinking, would super unleaded or an additive help?
Bike runs superbly otherwise, in fact pleasantly surprised at the performance.

Thanks
John

[pikey]

Good comparison

[Richard400B]

My Burgman 400 no ABS does that. Soft tinkle during set off, then goes when above 10mph. It also sounds like it hates being at around 25 to 35..

[Data]

Not had a tinkle on moving off on mine! But a very minor rattle from the variator rollers at tick over. All normal. For you, as this occurs uphill when you move off it is most likely the clutch spings etc taking up the drive. What year is it? How many miles? Has it been serviced recently with a new plug, air filter etc. Are you the original owner from new? Has the bike been run on 97 or 98 ron petrol for any length of time? I will say the tranny on these can make a variety of noises and it's all perfectly normal even when on the move. It's possible it could be momentary 'pinking' taking off on an uphill section. You could try some fuel system injector cleaner, as it may be the injector, valves and combustion area are a bit dirty. If the bike has been run on high octane that could also be a reason for any pinking. The Burgman 400 does not like high octane, stick to 95 ron. The high octane will carbon up the exhaust valves and burn the valve seats over time leading to poor performance and indeed, pinking. And yes...they do fly for a 400 don't they. I've never had so much fun on a bike, except maybe riding the GTS300 Vespa...it's a close call though between the two. I got rid of my Vstrom 1000 and GSX1400 for good reason! No fun!

[avalon27]

Thanks - Richard - at least that sounds reassuring, not just mine! Yes it is a bit vibey around 3000 rpm - but it is a chunky single - so I am reasonable forgiving there - I just give it welly.
Data - thank you - K9, first Reg 2010, 4000 miles, just got it. You confirm what I read on US site re NOT using high octane, so that is a no no. Don't know if previous owner used it. I will try the cleaner I think and ride it and see how we go.

This is my 4th Maxi - Silverwing, 650 Burg, 500 Piaggio (foul weather hack) and now the 400. I could not really fault the Honda or the 650 Burg - and if i were doing the long trips and miles I would still still be there with one of them, but I also pootle into the City sometimes and the 400 is very agile there, and less bulky for my aging frame. I still have a Kwak cruiser for the hot days (800) and enjoy that too - been there and done the American (and German, Italian and Brit) enjoyed most really at differing times of life. The Scoots are just so easy to live with though, versatile, fun and practical.