Strange sound at 70+ mph

DirtyBoy · January 28th, 2009, 10:55 PM

Whenever I am going over 70 mph and let off the throttle, the front end makes a kind of grinding/clanking sound. Applying the brake makes no difference until it goes below 70. The bike has almost 11k miles on it. I am looking for suggestions on what to check for. TIA

k-os · January 28th, 2009, 11:21 PM

I would check out your front axle. Try greasing it a bit and see if it helps.

kkim · January 29th, 2009, 12:16 AM

at 70mph, pull in the clutch and see if it makes the noise. That would isolate it as an engine or drivetrain/wheel noise.

DirtyBoy · January 29th, 2009, 03:16 PM

Thank you for the suggestions. If I hold the clutch in it doesn't make any noise. Any ideas what it may be? It's still under warranty but I really don't want to have to leave it at the dealer and have to drive one of the cages. If it's something relatively easy, i would rather fix it myself.

kkim · January 29th, 2009, 03:23 PM

So, could it be RPM dependant? What rpm are you turning at 70mph and above? Find that out, then try the same rpm and higher in 5th gear instead of 6th. Does it make the same noise?

Guinss · January 29th, 2009, 03:48 PM

when you go of the throttle is it a constant noise till your under 70mph? or is it just a single clonk when you go of the throttle?

find out what rpms your using when your going faster than 70mph, then try the same in a different gear. if its not rpm dependant, you can pretty much take engine of the list of possible faults.

im guessing drive-chain/sprocket problem. or wheel-bearings.

DirtyBoy · January 30th, 2009, 03:21 PM

I ended up finding the problem. It turned out to be WAY too much slack in the chain. The sound was from the chain slapping on the swingarm. Thank you all very much for the suggestions.

HKr1 · January 30th, 2009, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DirtyBoy

I ended up finding the problem. It turned out to be WAY too much slack in the chain. The sound was from the chain slapping on the swingarm. Thank you all very much for the suggestions.

CC Cowboy · January 31st, 2009, 01:37 PM

Mr. Dirty, a check of your tire pressure and chain should be done before each ride. Lube chain after ride while chain is still warm (hot if the ride was alittle more intense).

DirtyBoy · February 2nd, 2009, 12:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CC Cowboy

Mr. Dirty, a check of your tire pressure and chain should be done before each ride. Lube chain after ride while chain is still warm (hot if the ride was alittle more intense).

I lube my chain about twice a month (1k miles a month) which is why i am surprised i didnt noticed how much it had stretched. But you are right, I should check it everyday as I do with air pressure.

January 28th, 2009, 10:55 PM	#1
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	Strange sound at 70+ mph Whenever I am going over 70 mph and let off the throttle, the front end makes a kind of grinding/clanking sound. Applying the brake makes no difference until it goes below 70. The bike has almost 11k miles on it. I am looking for suggestions on what to check for. TIA __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

January 29th, 2009, 03:16 PM	#4
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	Thank you for the suggestions. If I hold the clutch in it doesn't make any noise. Any ideas what it may be? It's still under warranty but I really don't want to have to leave it at the dealer and have to drive one of the cages. If it's something relatively easy, i would rather fix it myself. __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

January 30th, 2009, 03:21 PM	#7
DirtyBoy ninjette.org member Name: Leo Location: Phoenix, Az Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 66	I ended up finding the problem. It turned out to be WAY too much slack in the chain. The sound was from the chain slapping on the swingarm. Thank you all very much for the suggestions. __________________________________________________ 49T sprkt/ EK gold chain/ Galfer pads and SS lines/120 frt 150 rr Pilot Powers/ GSX-R can/Desnorkled/ Raised needles/ Slider spools/ Cowl/ LED rear signals/ Fender eliminator/ Tinted lights / Emu seat

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January 28th, 2009, 11:21 PM	#2
k-os ninjette.org sage Name: Andy Location: Sheboygan, WI Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 1988 Honda Hawk NT650, 1989 Honda Hawk NT650, 1997 GSXR750 Track Bike Posts: 890	I would check out your front axle. Try greasing it a bit and see if it helps.

January 29th, 2009, 12:16 AM	#3
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	at 70mph, pull in the clutch and see if it makes the noise. That would isolate it as an engine or drivetrain/wheel noise.

January 29th, 2009, 03:23 PM	#5
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	So, could it be RPM dependant? What rpm are you turning at 70mph and above? Find that out, then try the same rpm and higher in 5th gear instead of 6th. Does it make the same noise?

January 29th, 2009, 03:48 PM	#6
Guinss ninjette.org guru Name: Simen Location: Norway Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 250R (Black) Posts: 298	when you go of the throttle is it a constant noise till your under 70mph? or is it just a single clonk when you go of the throttle? find out what rpms your using when your going faster than 70mph, then try the same in a different gear. if its not rpm dependant, you can pretty much take engine of the list of possible faults. im guessing drive-chain/sprocket problem. or wheel-bearings.

January 31st, 2009, 01:37 PM	#9
CC Cowboy ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Whodat Location: Ware Is.,MA Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): I pass the wind! Posts: A lot. MOTM - Mar '13, Jun '14	Mr. Dirty, a check of your tire pressure and chain should be done before each ride. Lube chain after ride while chain is still warm (hot if the ride was alittle more intense).