I like to consider myself fairly efficient with the search function of these forums, though I can find plenty with similar issue characteristics they don't seem to be the same issue.
I've got an 06 wee, 16K miles.
The noise, as mentioned in other threads, sounds like a cam chain gone bad in a Honda. Like a tin can off BB's rattling at a ultra high speed frequency. And only under load between around 5-6k rpm. Noise seems to be coming from rear engine, mid bike, possibly more so from the right side. Near the shock almost. I'm a stickler for noises in any of my vehicles, and I've ridden an 04 and 09 wee that didn't make this sound.

I tore into her today looking for answers, so I started at the front and worked my way back.
Not the wind screen, mad stad, GPS mount, extra keys on my ring, bars or controls.
Not the fairings around the tank or headlight.
NOT the givi high bar crash bars. (Took them completely off and same noise.)
Not the skid plate.
Not the hwy pegs, foot pegs heel guards.
Not anything under the seat or tail.
Not the plate, rear fender.
Not the pelican cases or the mounts.
Not the chain. (Just put on fresh front/rear sprockets and chain 500 miles ago and the noise was there prior as well.)

The only things I can think of is the Leo Vince header from the rear of the engine (ran out of light i.e. heat, in the garage before I could pull the entire system and put in the stock unit.) -Bike came with this pipe setup, though I do have the stock setup.
Or the cam chain itself is shot.

This is my 23'rd motorcycle so I'm not a complete idiot, but this has got me stumped. Any thoughts on what I may be missing?

Appreciate any info.

tool kit.....?

some wrenches in my tool kit were hitting that 'just right' frequency and would rattle round making the most odd sound, much like you describe......a long shot, but hey...could also be a loose nut or bolt trapped on top of the engine, or some cover that can trap such a small loose bit....and lastly, check to see if your chain guard, or inner fender is loose. Either can make quite a racket if a touch loose.

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"Side effects may include: Mild kidney explosions...Testicular cranberrying... And Rectal hallucinations."

Chain guard. Good call. That I didn't play with.

I'm reading the Vee has occasional cam chain issues but not so much on the Wee. Is the cam chain a long shot?

Maybe a valve.....

Maybe my blinker fluid is just low

In case for whatever reason a picture might help.

given the ANVIL LIKE reputation of the WEE, i would look at NON-STOCK components

i.e. the after market exhaust system, any non-stock items you can remove & any open/hollow echo chambers you can stuff w/ insulation

maybe cram a wad of PINK PANTHER STUFF between the muffler & the heat shield

maybe a bungee around the chain guard

maybe removing ALL tools, under the seat & in the tube

just ponderments from a different part of the country

as a side note: the similar noise i experienced on my f-350 was resolved by replacing the catalytic converter & associated shield

best of luck, you'll need it

sw

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Everyone crashes. Some get back on. Some don't. Some can't.
--------------------------------------------------------
steve
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'05 WEE (LRW)
'99 DR TREE FIDDY SEX
plus several BRAND X

Not the chain guard.

Are you referring to the heat shield on the upper end of the pipe? There is no such shield on the Leo system. Is there another one deeper in somewhere?

never had one to cut open(they're kinda expensive)

next ponderment is the license plate

i do know sounds/vibrations have a funny way of making you think they are coming from somewhere they're not

maybe i'm just out in left field

been accused of living there, in the past

maybe that's why i aint got no friends

sw

__________________
Everyone crashes. Some get back on. Some don't. Some can't.
--------------------------------------------------------
steve
--------------------------------------------------------
'05 WEE (LRW)
'99 DR TREE FIDDY SEX
plus several BRAND X

On mine I was hoping it was coming from the factory drive chain. I was pondering changing the chain and probably sprockets hoping a replacement would improve the issue.

I've always hated (OK, strong word) the sound especially when I pull away or drive around another brand of bike that sounds especially quiet. I actually was embarrassed last summer riding near a newish Honda that sounded like a well tuned sewing machine.

Rick

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Think we may have found the culprit. Went to my preferred dealer which is 3x's farther way than the local one. They think its the Leo Vince header, somewhere along the run of it has broke loose the inner wall of the pipe. Had the same issue on a ktm 950 I had, only on the stock pipe. There's no exterior heat shield like our DL's have stock, it's done with a 2 wall system in the header.

Anyone know if you can buy just Leo headers?