"scratching" noise when driving, depending on the clutch

Norway · March 26th, 2014, 02:52 AM

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.

csmith12 · March 26th, 2014, 04:27 AM

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

rojoracing53 · March 26th, 2014, 05:01 AM

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

Norway · March 26th, 2014, 01:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by csmith12

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..

Norway · March 26th, 2014, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rojoracing53

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.

mgentz · March 31st, 2014, 05:39 AM

find anything?

Norway · March 31st, 2014, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgentz

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..

csmith12 · March 31st, 2014, 01:51 PM

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.

Aggrotech · March 31st, 2014, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norway

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.

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

((

Whiskey · March 31st, 2014, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Aggrotech

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.

Norway · May 12th, 2014, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norway

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.

squirrelystar · May 17th, 2014, 08:28 AM

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

mgentz · May 17th, 2014, 05:38 PM

March 26th, 2014, 02:52 AM	#1
Norway ninjette.org member Name: S n 0 r r £ Location: Stjoerdal, Norway (San Diego, CA, USA, 2015-2016 , Bielefeld, Nordrhein Westfalen,Germany 2021-'22) Join Date: Sep 2012 Motorcycle(s): TMZ 5.952 "Tula" 200, Ninja 250 -Special ed. '11, ZZR 1400 (ZX14), Honda CB 1100 F Super Bol D'or Posts: 143	"scratching" noise when driving, depending on the clutch 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. Last futzed with by Norway; March 26th, 2014 at 02:54 AM. Reason: typos

March 26th, 2014, 04:27 AM	#2
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	See if it still happens if you just touch the lever or just put slight pressure on it. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

March 31st, 2014, 01:51 PM	#8
csmith12 The Corner Whisperer Name: Chris (aka Reactor) Location: Northern KY Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 250 (track), 1992 250, 2006 R6 (street/track), 2008 R6 (track) Posts: Too much. MOTY 2015, MOTM - Nov '12, Nov '13	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. __________________________________________________ Goal: Shake A Million Hands \| Look through the corners \| Track Day Prep \| Closest track? \| The Mid-Ohio School

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rojoracing53 Fast-Guy wannabe Name: Jason Location: Brentwood, Ca Join Date: Oct 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja250, 2011 RM-Z250, 2004 NSR50, Posts: A lot. MOTM - Jan '13	Worn chain will make a grinding scratching sound under load, and it can get pretty loud.

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