ASK THE MXPERTS: WHAT IS THAT HIGH-PITCHED SQUEAL COMING FROM MY CRF450?

Dear MXA,  
    I recently purchased a used 2006 Honda CRF450. Before taking my first ride, it emitted a high-pitched squeal. When I restarted the bike, the noise was gone. But, on my next outing the noise returned. Any ideas on what the problem might be?

The high-pitched squeal is coming from your kickstarter idler gear. The problem is that the oil level in your engine is too low. The check hole on the 2006 CRF450 is in the wrong place. The CRF check hole leaves you about 200cc short on oil. The only real fix is to drain the tranny and pour in the correct amount from the owner’s manual.

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