Shaft rattling

I've experienced a rattling that seems to come from the drive shaft, but I'm hoping it's nothing of concern.

I recently changed the oil in the motor, final drive and gear box.  Bike (2007 1100) was on a lift.  After changing the oil I briefly ran it while on the lift before double checking and adjusting the motor oil level.  The rear wheel was running with no resistance of course.

There was an irregular rattling/metallic sound, somewhat like popcorn popping, which seemed to come from the drive shaft area.  I've not heard this with the bike running on the road, so I'm hoping this is just because it was running on the lift with no load, and not because of my diminishing hearing while riding.

There was no issue with the oils - no filings on the magnetic drain plugs, and the oil in the final drive and gear box was clear. I've had no issues when riding of any kind, and we just finished our 7,700 km US state capitols trip with no problems.

I'd like to believe there is no issue here, but does anyone know if this rattling is the sign of a problem, or is it just what happens when the drive shaft turns with no load on it?

I took the shaft off about 2 years ago and greased all the bearings so that's already been attended to. If this rattling is normal there's no point in taking it apart again.

Thanks
Eric

Was the bike in gear when you were running it?

Pete

maybe check the splines for grease...

Nah! Synchronize the throttle bodies and or raise idle and drop it on the ground.
Jap 4 cylinders will sound like a chaff cutter due to clutch basket rattle when the TB's are out.

Yes, it was in first gear when it was rattling. It was quiet when in neutral, and any problem or rattle was only there when the rear wheel was engaged.

I lubed the splines when I greased the bearings.

Eric

Well there ha go. Of course it will rattle if it's in gear and not under load! Firing intervals are 270 and 450 degrees. Just don't do it!

Pete

Thanks Pete!

Eric