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Grinding noise

bigun

bigun

Joined May 2009
134 Posts | 0+
South Witham, Lincolnshire
Hey up chaps,

After a bit of advice. My bike is making a grinding noise down by the swingarm (hard to tell when riding though). To explain, if you roll the power on at around 4000rpm, it picks up no bother but grinds for about 1000rpm. Rather like the chain or the clutch. I liken it to a mountain bike when you're changing up the big rings on the front.

It seems to have got gradually worse and did it pulling away from a junction earlier. Fine at 5000rpm + though. I'm sure my Falco didn't do it. Gearing is 16/45 and chain/tension are fine. Is it chain, gearing, camchain or clutch or am I just panicking about nowt?

Any advice appreciated!! Its under warranty like but the garage I bought it from is 200 miles away so can't just pop in.

Cheers

Bigun.
 
No, chain and brakes are spot on. I did think the chain might be loose hence it getting gradually worse but its fine.
 
Is the suspension dogbone free as these can rust up or mudguard hitting rear tyre which can happen with certian makes of 190.
 
Don't think its the mudguard. Good call on the linkage, will have a look at that. I've got a niggling feeling its the clutch or thrust bearing but never having had one go before on any of my bikes/cars I don't really know what to expect.
 
What condition are your sprockets in?

They could be hooked slightly or the chain could be dry?

If the sprockets and chain are OK and the carrier nuts on the rear are all tight then I wonder if it could be the clutch release bearing on its way out.
 
I'll try a different lube on the chain at the weekend and see whats what. I use Profi Dry Lube which has always been excellent though.

I'm beginning to suspect thrust bearing like.
 
bigun said:
I'll try a different lube on the chain at the weekend and see whats what. I use Profi Dry Lube which has always been excellent though.

I'm beginning to suspect thrust bearing like.
Click to expand...

Put the bike on the paddock stand and apply generous amounts of WD40 to the chain while spinning the wheel round, ride it for around 10 miles and then add your Profi Lube when you get back. (Chain warm) :thumbup

I take it that you have checked the front sprocket hasn't come loose? :eatcorn
 
I'm going to check the front sprocket tomorrow. I had that come off on my Falco at 70mph on the A1. Not pretty I can tell you hence being a little paranoid!
 
Cheers m8. Kniow what torque it is per chance?

Anyone think my 16/45 gearing is weird and might be causing the problem? Was on the bike when I bought it but thinking a winter change to 15/43 might be on the cards.
 
I wonder if some numpty has fitted a wrong pitched sprocket for the chain??

50Nm on the wrench mate on that front sprocket bolt with plenty of 243, make sure that you clean off all the old crap and it's oil and grease free before refitting it.
 
Thanks m8. Def some things to look at there.
 
Profi dry lube is ok but it doesn't actually lubricate the chain as such it's more a kind of anti sieze protective barrier. You might want to think about using some Wurth High Performance Dry Chain Lube as this is a far better product in my opinion as it actually offer some lubrication to the chain
 
Do yourself a favour,ditch the dry lube it's useless. Wipe the chain with WD40 and then apply EP90 gear oil sparingly when the chain is hot.
 
Cheers fellas. Have lubed the chain today as it did seem rather dry. It did seem better on the driveway test but gonna have a short run out tomorrow and see what its like. While I was playing with it though I got the distinct impression it could be rear wheel bearings or sprocket carrier bearing. All seem nice and tight but as I'm planning to get the wheels powder coated over winter, they'll be coming out anyway. I'm convinced its not the clutch etc now tho.

Checked the front sprocket too and thats ok. Its a 17 tooth which runs the chain very very close to the housing. Reckon that might have to go the journey. 17/45 seems a strange mix!

Cheers for the advice so far boys, much appreciated.
 
17/45 is unusual, but better in my opinion than going 15/42 as some do. Having a small front sprocket means less contact with the chain, higher stress and faster wear. From what I've read most people go 16/44 to lower the gearing as a good compromise, but if you're happy with your setup, I can't see a problem with it.
 
I've been thinking about going for the 15/42 as it'll pick up better from lower revs and makes it easier in town. I had 15 on my Falco without ill effect on chain wear etc and it made it a lot better to ride. Decisions for the winter rebuild I suppose!
 
15/42 is virtually the same gearing as 16/45
the theoretical top speeds with a 190/55 tyre are:
15/42 = 158.5mph
16/45 = 157.8mph

so not a lot in it mate, I admit that the wear/ chain stretch issue isn't a major one, but as you already have the 45T on the back....

there's a real handy gearing calculator here
http://www.gearingcommander.com/
:thumbup
 
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