Help With New Noise ...

[JimMoore]

Hi guys,

I noticed a new noise on my 2001 R1100S for the first time today. Starting at between 75 and 80 mph I get a high-pitched metallic humming. It goes away if I slow down. It happens at the same speed, regardless of gear, so I don't think it's rpm / engine related. Brake usage has no effect on the noise, so I don't think it's brake related. The ABS is working fine.

It doesn't come on slowly as I accelerate. It's like a light switch. It's no noise, no noise, no noise, then noise. It doesn't happen every time I reach the speed either. Maybe 90% of the time. It does not change in pitch as I change speeds.

Any thoughts? My first thought is wheel bearings. I think I can eliminate the alternator and alternator belt because it's speed-related instead of rpm related. Right? I don't think it's brakes either. Tires are a thought, but the sound is pretty metallic and it doesn't change pitch or volume when I turn the bike.

I plan to pull the wheel this weekend. Will a bad bearing be obvious using the "stick my finger in the hole and turn it" test? I can't say I've ever felt a bad one.

Thanks in advance,

[ckcarr]

Been to the dentist recently?

[twodear]

I've had bad bearings (in the front wheel at least). It wasn't bad just once in a while, it was bad all the time. It was audible at all speeds, a speed change resulted in a frequency change.

the source could be wind speed or some harmonic issue from some mechanical item other than the motor. I'd look for a body panel that is coming loose.

[wswartzwel]

face shield buzz

[JimMoore]

Hi guys,

Thanks for the info. I'm starting to think this is much ado about nothing. It was windy yesterday. The noise happened at about 65 mph going into the wind and about 80 mph with the wind. I've managed to convince myself that it is just something rattling around at a specific (wind) speed. I probably should have figured it out quicker, but the "metallicness" of the noise was pretty unnerving. I'll take a look around the front end when I get a chance to see if I can find anything loose. If not, I'll buy some better earplugs.

Thanks again,

[Nitro]

Brush your teeth with Marvel Mystery Oil next time you hear strange noises.

[bradzdotcom]

like mister wswartzwel, i'm going with aerodynamically based.
and i'll take "fairing" for $500, Alex.

maybe one of the two little screws found behind the roundel are loose or lost.
next time out, wrap your legs around the bodywork and give it a squeeze.
that not only helps answer the question, but entertains the brain-dead cagers around you.


i like bill's suggestion too. face shields do the darnest things...

[Bob Hancock]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

like mister wswartzwel, i'm going with aerodynamically based.
and i'll take "fairing" for $500, Alex.

maybe one of the two little screws found behind the roundel are loose or lost.
next time out, wrap your legs around the bodywork and give it a squeeze.
that not only helps answer the question, but entertains the brain-dead cagers around you.


i like bill's suggestion too. face shields do the darnest things...

Agree with all the above. The few times I've ridden a bike I'm familiar with, without ear plugs I get all kinds of worries. Strange sounds, rattle, whine, wheeze. Put my plugs back in, all is good. So I suspect it's wind vibration related and you might be able to find it at a lower speed without your plugs. Just a thought and since I don't have many these days, I needed to share.

[ckcarr]

The strangest noises occur when you've gone through an altitude change and your ears won't clear. Sounds like the engine is about to blow up...

Guess that's not a factor in Florida though...

[wswartzwel]

CK, In your case it could be a matter of which bike you chose from the garage.

[bykemike]

Pick an empty road and ride without your helmet for a few miles (that was my noise).

[ckcarr]

Originally Posted by wswartzwel

CK, In your case it could be a matter of which bike you chose from the garage.

The older I get, the louder the Harley is..
Thought it would work the other way.

[bradzdotcom]

this will give you an idea of the various noises your bike makes when coasting:

downhill, one-way road, la tuna cyn.

and the guy going "oh sheet!" is stage 1 scott....last guy i passed.

quiet bike - YouTube

[wswartzwel]

Ah.. the trouble with being so fast... Nobody would ride with you anymore unless you don't use the engine. Self imposed handicap? or did the group toss your keys so they can keep up.

[bradzdotcom]

self imposed.
not sure, but i think maybe i gave the key to someone before they all left.
i went down that hill a few years before and though it'd work.
there's also a stretch on that naciemento/ferguson road (big sur) where you can do it. going west, turn the key off as you pass the campground. it'll take you all the way to the bottom. think i have video somewhere.
and there's a spot on hwy 33 too. area specialist motoyoyo would have a better idea of where it is.

coasting is fun.

[John Lyon]

Originally Posted by bradzdotcom

coasting is fun.

My Hodaka could out-coast a Yamaha DT1 (175, I think, but does it matter?)

[bradzdotcom]

sure does matter. coasting is more about picking lines and maintaining corner speed than about the weight or size of the bike.
i think it was stunt road on the ocean side of malibu where i got passed on my RD400 by a guy on a bicycle.
thought i was going fast.
turned out...not so much.

[BCRDave]

I couldn't agree more with you Brad (so what's wrong with me now?)
coasting is one of the best ways to really learn how to ride your scoot; as you said, picking the right lines, staying off the brakes, weight shifting. We used to do it all the time on La Honda road, and also the road down to San Gregorio, and a few other roads going both down the west and east sides of Hwy 35, right in Nils backyard!

and yes, coasting is fun!

[kpolito99]

I think you need to purchase a louder aftermarket exhaust.

[bradzdotcom]

but i like the weird noises it makes when it's coasting.

sounds almost like a steam engine to me.

gotta get me one of those wooden train whistles...

most of the noise is the rotors, calipers, pads, etc...
the clacking sound is the improperly adjusted side stand stopper, not stopping the side stand from slapping the fairing.
the remaining sound is wind or little pebbles whacking the fenders, fairing, etc...