Strange noise...

[ARH]

Popped out to the local shop today and skipped putting in earplugs cos it was a short trip.   Noticed a 'wizzing' noise ( only way I can describe it), coming from the chain area.  Hopped off and had a look but couldn't see anything obvious... noise was only there when moving, increased/decreased with speed in all gears, no change in intensity in different gears, seemed to related to road speed rather than gear/engine related.  Sound is 'cyclic' - I noticed that more when slowing to stop.  First thought was chain, but it's only done around 500miles and is well lubed.  Checked rear tyre just in case... no sign of it rubbing or fouling anywhere.  Didn't have time to dig deeper and will have a closer look on Saturday.  So... my learned brethren .... any ideas?

I'm hoping to god it's not the bearing behind the front sprocket!

[seth]

Sticky pad on rear disc maybe or even the way the chain is wearing on the thick rubber pad on the swingarm near the pivot a new chain might wear differently to the old chain.

[KiwiCol]

Put it on the main stand & spin the wheel & have a listen.  Or start it on main stand & run through gears listening for the noise.  You could narrow it down to chain or engine / rear wheel related this way.

[Blubber]

Wheel or sprocket carrier bearing?

Tightened the rear axle nut properly? ( alignment issue)

[Hooli]

Put ya earplugs back in!

[gsxbarmy]

Thanks no most options covered above - rear sprocket bearing a possible culprit. Also check rear caliper, that one brake pad not sticking on slightly, as the pistons do get gummed up

[KiwiCol]

Ha Ha,    going by the "Likes", Hooli has the right answer!!   

[Hooli]

Chains do make a noise even when in good condition & if it's at a frequency your earplugs block then it'll seem really loud riding without them. So I was 50% serious with that answer.

[Speedy1959]

I have an engine stethoscope (Yes really)..
I checked my sprocket carrier bearing using is..Total silence from the bearing . . . But removed the rear wheel after just to be totally sure.. Yep smooth as silk.

If you REALLY want to alarm yourself then have a listen to the various areas around your engine with one of these gadgets.. You can use the handle of a screwdriver against your ear but believe me the proper gadget really amplifies how your pride and joy speaks to you !!

[ARH]

Thanks everyone... especially Hooli for that 'gem' 

Will be checking over the weekend so will let you know how I get on 

[grog]

Hooli is correct. i always ride with ear plugs except a quick trip to servo. that little trip scares me with noises. plugs back in, all normal. zinging noise to me is a perfectly lubed, adjusted chain. beautiful.

[Notty]

A stethoscope? How do You get your helmet on over those ? You been playing doctors and nurses again Simon ? 

[Speedy1959]

A stethoscope? How do You get your helmet on over those ? You been playing doctors and nurses again Simon ? 

Not at all expensive..
Mine is like this....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B001C0RYPG/ref=asc_df_B001C0RYPG53548951/?tag=googshopuk-21&creative=22110&creativeASIN=B001C0RYPG&linkCode=df0&hvadid=232020729251&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=4448496370632481465&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9046573&hvtargid=pla-420702612639&th=1&psc=1

[ARH]

Speedy - looks pretty good... but it would make me completely paranoid!  A bit like looking for a disease diagnosis on the internet 

[Speedy1959]

Once you accept that the engines chattering to you is normal its really quite fascinating how different sounds come from the different areas of the engine..

Its almost

A L I V E   ! !