Pulsing, rubbing noise - front brake?

[ccampbell]

I went for a nice ride yesterday - probably the last really nice day of the year here. It was the first time I've really been able to get it out and stretch its legs since purchasing it. (2005, with ~3500 miles) I was pushing it harder and sustaining some higher speeds than my usual commute to work. Nothing crazy, just some nice open road riding and lake sight-seeing.

I starting hearing a noise I hadn't noticed before. It was kind of a pulsing, wha wha wha wha sound. I pulled over at one point and checked everything over and couldn't find anything wrong. The bike was running great and felt fine, so I continued to ride. The noise continued the whole time. It was mostly noticeable starting at around 40 to 50 mph, and much more so when I would pull the clutch and coast, probably because the engine would get quieter.

When I got home I thought to put it up on the center stand and rotate the front wheel. I can hear the front brake rubbing a little at a certain point during the rotation. Seems likely that this is my noise. Has anyone else experienced this, and what is the solution?

Thanks!

[08ninja250]

Same thing happened to me on my 08' I wore the brake pads down to the metal. check the pads and if thats not it you might have a warped rotor, check if your rotor is straight.

[Bleak21]

Hmm not sure what's up ccampbell. At the moment I'm a noob so I usually ask the questions .

Separately, I've been hearing a whiisssssssshhh sound at higher speeds in 5th and 6th gears when accelerating. Maybe it's related?

[Apex]

Originally Posted by 08ninja250

Same thing happened to me on my 08' I wore the brake pads down to the metal. check the pads and if thats not it you might have a warped rotor, check if your rotor is straight.

I agree. Pads or rotor.

Just take a straight edge, ruler or whatever, and check along the rotor at different points. If the rotor is gone, might as well change pads while you are at it.