Suspicious noise when riding, any ideas?

[TheStudent]

Lately, as in over the last two weeks, I have noticed a noise when riding my bike, it's like an "on off on off on off" brushing noise. It's got a little worse so i'm now quite concerned.

My first thought is a warped brake disk, as the "on off" rate does get quicker with the bike, but to be honest, doesn't sound like it's as quick as the wheel if that makes sense. That made me lean towards the chain, i recently adjusted my chain, there is a possibility it might be a fraction too tight, could this cause it?

Any ideas anyone?

Thanks, Tom.

[G]

My sv used to do that. The CBR does as well a little bit......always assumed its not a big problem.

Worried me it may have been a warped disc, but honda said it wasnt, just friction from the front pads.

[Bear]

If the chain is too tight then adjust it so it isn't. It may or may not be causing your problem but it won't help chain and sprocket wear.

I'd be more inclined to think it's a binding caliper. If you can (get a mate to help)raise the front wheel off the floor and spin it, see if you hear anything then.

If it's warped discs you should feel it pulsing through the lever on hard braking, so I don't think it's that.

Obviously diagnosing a noise I can't hear is difficult, but give it a go. Let us know how you get on!

[TheStudent]

My sv used to do that. The CBR does as well a little bit......always assumed its not a big problem.

Worried me it may have been a warped disc, but honda said it wasnt, just friction from the front pads.

I would have thought this should be constant though, and not wavering?

[TheStudent]

If the chain is too tight then adjust it so it isn't. It may or may not be causing your problem but it won't help chain and sprocket wear.

I'd be more inclined to think it's a binding caliper. If you can (get a mate to help)raise the front wheel off the floor and spin it, see if you hear anything then.

If it's warped discs you should feel it pulsing through the lever on hard braking, so I don't think it's that.

Obviously diagnosing a noise I can't hear is difficult, but give it a go. Let us know how you get on!

I take it I need a front wheel paddock stand for that then?

[G]

I would have thought this should be constant though, and not wavering?

Thats what I thought.

It could be a binding caliper like bear says I guess but I would be suprised if honda hadnt picked that up.

My bike was sat for a long time before I bought it so its possible.

I will watch with interest to see if you sort it :cool: then I can lol

[hovis]

I take it I need a front wheel paddock stand for that then?




no,

put bike on stand pull bike towords you so the front lifts off the floor, then get a mate to spin the wheel.

this is not as hard as it sounds but be carful

or take itto a bike shop (local freindly one) and ask if they can have a quick look

[TheStudent]

UPDATE:

Put the bike on the paddock stand last night, first gear, clutch out, the wheel was kind of jigging rather than moving every so many seconds where it was freezing up. Looked at the rear brake disc and there is some scoring in it, so when I get back from a training course next week the back end shall be coming apart!

[Spanner Man]

Good morning.

Your chain would tend to 'snatch' when the engine is in gear on a paddock stand, as there's no load on the transmission.
By the sound of it the noise is most likely to be from one or more of the brake calipers, as suggested.

Cheers.

[TheStudent]

Good morning.

Your chain would tend to 'snatch' when the engine is in gear on a paddock stand, as there's no load on the transmission.
By the sound of it the noise is most likely to be from one or more of the brake calipers, as suggested.

Cheers.

Had it up like this loads of times, it's not the normal type of motion, the wheel is locking up, transmission is yanking it from freeze to freeze. Hopefully i will find something with the rear calliper.

[TheStudent]

UPDATE:

Just been playing around, including slackening off the chain, and the problem went away alot. Then I discovered the cause, a nasty tight spot in my chain! The tight chain has been exaggerating the effects of the tight spot.

Got to say, my chain is very oily, but maybe more gunky, noticed a few bits of red on it too, hence rust! :( So I could buy a new chain, and then new sprockets too don't I? OR.. remove it and brush it in parafin to clean it, then re-oil. I'm a bit of a novice, I was going to do the later first on Saturday.

My bike doesn't have a soft link in the chain I can find, so it looks like I'm gonna have to remove the wheel and what not. Anyone have any advice before the novice attempts to fix his chain with the help of Mr Haynes?

Thanks, Tom.