Exhausts and Engine » Rattle and Hum

Rumble or thrum

This could be nothing. But I'm letting a noise on the RS get into my head a little.

The bike has done about 44,000 miles. It's a late 2015 that I've had the pleasure of owning from new. The past few years since warranty I've done all the servicing myself, even down to camshaft alignment and replacing the shaft drive with a near new one (that has significantly less vibration).

All is good. The bike seems a little less 'perky' but that could simply be down to the fact that I'm doing more miles on my CBR600RR and many of those are on track with all that brings. The bike has had all its regular oil changes, filter changes and plugs etc. even more regularly than needed. Shaft is greased and good. She is well looked after but ridden as she is meant to be.

I'm noticing a deep rumble. A sort of a slightly hollow rumble. I don't think it's cam chain or tensioner related. Too deep sounding for that? It's a steady state thing and doesn't seem to relate to a specific gear or rpm. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse.

The thing is, it might always have been there and it might just be that I'm focussing on it and letting it worry me.

Does anyone have something similar?

Peter

Try to determine if it’s engine related.
Get up to a decent speed on a good road and drop into neutral and coast.
Wheel bearings give a nice rumble when on the way out. The drive shaft will still be rotating but not under load
Having to wear a helmet doesn’t help with noise location. Do you know a friendly farmer with a decent stretch of private tarmac?

Alan

I think it's the change of bikes Peter, I tend to hear strange noises on my RS after I've been on my viffer and vice versa.
Also the RS sounds different with an empty tank than full,I get a droning in my ears too but I cure that by turning the intercom off.

Or find a new pillion rider

How old / worn are your tyres?

Download a noise spectrum analyzer app for your smartphone, then make a few runs with the phone mounted to the tankbag or bars. If there's a tone, you'll see it.

My tyres are good as is the wheel bearings. If I had to guess I’d say it sounds more like a gearbox issue. I’ll ring the changes with speed and gear and see what gives. A gearbox bearing perhaps although it might just be normal and I’ve become fixated on it.

My bike is almost exactly same age and mileage.

If I ever ride a short distance without my ear plugs it sounds like the bike is rattling itself to death.

But when I'm cruising normally it just purrs along happily.

I'd guess it's "just a feature".

I always wear earplugs. Ultimate Ear fitted ones. I think I’ll just have to live with it. If it gets worse I’ll worry. I’ve not changed my helmet either. I’ll try different riding scenarios and see what gives.

I did 120 miles on the bike today. A glorious if slightly chilly day and a stunning ride. I had a test to conduct and went from Kendal to the Nook Cafe just outside of Alston, meaning Hartside was enjoyed too.

After the test I headed across the 'tops' to Midleton In Teesdale, then off to Brough, Sedbergh and home. Stunning!

The bike was really good. I couldn't really hear any of my rumbling. The riding was spirited and seldom sat at one speed or in a single gear for long. With the clutch in the bike is silent and any noise that there is, isn't gear related.

So the next time I find myself fixating on it I'll blame it on ADHD and try to let it go.

Peter

Apologies for complete digression ———————

I just got home from 3 nights in Windermere - a 4 wheel trip with dear wife.

Enjoyed a Friday boat trip on Coniston after the Ruskin museum. The full Donald Campbell story.

Yesterday enjoyed a car-less day (dodging showers) with a stroll to the Windermere Jetty museum followed by a blissful refreshment in sunshine outside a nice pub.

Glad you’re enjoying the Lakes.