mailee66 Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 I have a 1998 Hornet 600 with 18000 on the clock in pretty good nick. I recently changed the brake pads all round and had the wheels powder coated and a new set of tyres on. I have just noticed recently a knocking/rattle coming from it when I am riding slowly or on the over run around 20-30 MPH. I can't actually tell where it is coming from other than below the tank area. The bike runs fine and starts first time with no problems so far. It has had an oil and filter change and although the oil was black it was clear of any debris. The rattle/knock does not appear in neutral only when the bike is moving and is still there when the clutch is pulled in which makes me think it is something on the transmission. All wheel bearings are new and fitted correctly and the chain is adjusted as per the manual and the wheel seems to be in line according to the notches on the swing arm. Does anyone have any idea what may be causing it? Quote
Tiggie Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 check simple things first before pulling engine to pieces I had a really strange squeaking noise once that I was convinced was my front brake. Turned out to be one of the bolts on the chain guard was a little loose causing it to rub against the frame Quote
Tango Posted June 8, 2016 Posted June 8, 2016 Sorry, just read that the chain is adjusted ok...... Quote
Grumpy Old Git Posted June 9, 2016 Posted June 9, 2016 Sorry, just read that the chain is adjusted ok...... But is it?The tension should be set with the bike loaded - i.e. lay across the seat and check the tension (or get someone else to check with you sitting on the bike).Over-tensioned chain can cause a 'rattle'. Quote
nicklucey Posted June 9, 2016 Posted June 9, 2016 Sorry, just read that the chain is adjusted ok...... But is it?The tension should be set with the bike loaded - i.e. lay across the seat and check the tension (or get someone else to check with you sitting on the bike).Over-tensioned chain can cause a 'rattle'. Should it still be even if the manual says 'put the bike on its centre stand...' ? Quote
Grumpy Old Git Posted June 9, 2016 Posted June 9, 2016 On the centre stand, the bike suspension is 'relaxed' and if the chain is set to 1/4 inch vertical displacement, then it will vastly different in 'normal use' - How does it say the tension should be checked (when on the centre stand)?There is a You-Tube vid of 'seeting motorcycle chain tension) which is quite informative. Quote
mailee66 Posted June 9, 2016 Author Posted June 9, 2016 Well according to the manual it states to put the bike on the side stand. There is no mention of having weight on the bike and there is no centre stand so I just followed the instructions from the manual giving the chain about 1" of slack in the centre of it's run. Quote
Stu Posted June 9, 2016 Posted June 9, 2016 some are done on the side stand some are done with weight on the bike Quote
mailee66 Posted June 14, 2016 Author Posted June 14, 2016 Well it looks like I may have found the cause of the noise. Front wheel bearings! these have recently been replaced by me when I had the wheels powder coated. I have fitted a few bearings in the past so don't think it is my fitting of them. One side is really notchy and makes a clicking clonking noise when the wheels is spun. Have to admit they were cheap ones from the internet and it looks like they are made of cheese. I have ordered a new set from Wemoto at twice the price so should be good quality this time. Going to fit them on my next day off so will keep you posted what happens. Quote
mailee66 Posted June 15, 2016 Author Posted June 15, 2016 I changed the bearings today and then went out for a ride. The noise has gone I am happy to say. I would never have believed it was the bearing from the noise it was making as it was more like a heavy aluminium knock/rattle, I was almost convinced it was something in the gearbox. just goes to show you can't rule anything out with noises. Quote
Stu Posted June 15, 2016 Posted June 15, 2016 glad you found it yeah sounds can travel and sound as though they are coming from somewhere else! Quote
Tango Posted June 15, 2016 Posted June 15, 2016 Glad you found the problem mate........cheap bearings are cheap because........ Quote
Grumpy Old Git Posted June 16, 2016 Posted June 16, 2016 Glad you fixed it.i had a 'squeak' every time i hit a bump on the Rocket - Thought it was the rear suspension. When I started to remove the panniers to check, I found that a bolt had not been fitted all the way through to the pannier frame and the subsequent movement when 'shocked' caused the squeak! Quote
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