Recently I have noticed a sound from the bike ('11 250R) when driving.
It's not easy to describe, but is some sort of "scratching" noise. I hear it clearly
on my daily commute, mostly going at 60-65 mph.
When I pull in the clutch it stops immediately.

Some rotating parts seem to contribute to the sound/noise. It's not very loud.
(It reminds me slightly about a dog scratching himself intensely)
It's like a surface scratches another surface several times a second
(when going at the typical speeds metioned).

Immediately I thought it has something to do with the clutch itself.

The chain seems to be worn. I doubth that it's from the chain, but
using the clutch could maybe change the stress on the chain, which could
turn the sound off and on?

Anybody that have experienced what they believe is the same kind of sound?
Any idea about the source?
Thanks.

See if it still happens if you just touch the lever or just put slight pressure on it.

Worn chain will make a grinding scratching sound under load, and it can get pretty loud.

See if it still happens if you just touch the lever or just put slight pressure on it.

I'll check next time I'm out with the bike..:smile-beerglass:

Worn chain will make a grinding scratching sound under load, and it can get pretty loud.


Interesting what you say here, since I suspected that the noise was less when going downhill, which normally means little load.. I'll also lubricate it thoroughly next time, and see if that helps. Thanks. :smile-beerglass:

find anything?

find anything?

I took the bike for a ride, for a couple of hours, on Saturday. I noticed that the noise is diminishing as soon as I release the throttle, meaning that it seems to be there only under load.
It was mentioned that this could be the case if the chain is worn (which it is).

So, I guess it might be the chain. What I find a little bit strange is that I have the impression that the sound comes from somewhere in front of me, and towards the right. But, I guess my perception may be wrong, in this respect.

I will tell if I find out..
:confused:

It very well could be the chain. Do not fully trust directional sound when riding a bike except left vs. right. Measure you chain slack and you will know.

Interesting what you say here, since I suspected that the noise was less when going downhill, which normally means little load.. I'll also lubricate it thoroughly next time, and see if that helps. Thanks. :smile-beerglass:

this. Could possibly be ur chain. I currently dont have the proper tools to adjust me chain, every time i ride it hits the bottom part of the chainguard. makes me sad inside :(((

this. Could possibly be ur chain. I currently dont have the proper tools to adjust me chain, every time i ride it hits the bottom part of the chainguard. makes me sad inside :(((

Either get it to a shop & ask them to do it or get a paddock stand, 17 & 24 mm spanner/sockets, 12 & 14mm spanners & a pliers.

If the lack of a paddock stand is the problem you could have a couple of buddies lift the rear.

Recently I have noticed a sound from the bike ('11 250R) when driving.
It's not easy to describe, but is some sort of "scratching" noise. I hear it clearly
on my daily commute, mostly going at 60-65 mph.
When I pull in the clutch it stops immediately.

Some rotating parts seem to contribute to the sound/noise. It's not very loud.
(It reminds me slightly about a dog scratching himself intensely)
It's like a surface scratches another surface several times a second
(when going at the typical speeds metioned).

Immediately I thought it has something to do with the clutch itself.

The chain seems to be worn. I doubth that it's from the chain, but
using the clutch could maybe change the stress on the chain, which could
turn the sound off and on?

Anybody that have experienced what they believe is the same kind of sound?
Any idea about the source?
Thanks.

I picked up the bike from service yesterday. The chain and sprockets have been changed for new items. The noise is gone.
The previous chain did not stretch out, at some places. This made the scratching sound, when driving. It also lead to a very rapid detoriation of the sprockets.
So, the clutch was not the source, in my case.

Glad to read this post. I now know I need a new chain and sprockets, exactly what I thought. (:

:thumbup: