Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi there Total Motorcycle people!
I recently bought an 84 Magna V30 from a guy on Craigslist. I drove it 30 miles to get home and have been riding with no problems so far.
But once I got on the highway heading home, I noticed the engine made a strange knocking noise that was in synch with the normal engine sounds. The sound gets louder as I speed up, but I can still hear it when it's idling. It doesn't seem to affect performance, because the bike still runs beautifully.

Just for the record, I had to replace the chain to get it home and then later on I replaced the rear sprocket because the old one was worn out and was "gripping" the chain as it passed through. The teeth kind of grabbed on to the chain for a fraction of a second longer than they were supposed to. I took it to a Honda dealer and he advised me to replace the sprocket, so that took care of the gripping problem. He also said that the front sprocket might have to be replaced soon but it wasn't as bad as the rear one. The sound that the old sprocket caused was pretty terrible at slow speeds, but that disappeared when I replaced the sprocket.
I thought the noise might be the sprocket, but then I realized it also knocks while idling.
So now I'm here, asking for advice.
Thanks

Hello Philippus and welcome to the forum. Does the knocking noise get faster when you 'rev' the engine (while idling)? You might want to pick up a mechanic's stethoscope (I got mine at Harbor Freight for a couple of bucks) to help in locating the noise. I take mine with me whenever I go look at a bike to buy.
FYI I always change out the front and rear sprockets along with the chain, as a set.

Thanks for helping out!
Yes, it gets faster as the engine revs up, but it doesn't change frequency. It's a consistent knock that is in synch with the normal engine/exhaust noise
I took it out for a spin today after changing the sprocket yesterday, and I'm not sure if the knocking is louder or if the sprocket/chain noise was drowning it out. I hope it's the latter, because I don't want it to get any worse.
Thanks for the tip, I'm in the process of getting a new front sprocket as well

Have you changed the oil since you bought it? Do you know how long it sat
without use?

It sat for a couple of months, and no I haven't. Probably should have done that first. lol