Tires make a squishing sound

[Proteus]

I've noticed lately on the highway (in stop-and-go traffic) that my tires are making a squishing kind of sound. It gets louder when I accelerate and then blends in with road noise.

Is this normal? Does it mean anything? Am I just crazy?

[micoulisninja]

have you checked your tyre pressures when tyres are cold ?? hope you are not using any tyre-polishing products....

[jkv45]

I'd check the tire pressure first.

If that's OK, I'd get the tires up off the ground and spin the wheels to see if you can duplicate the noise.

While the rear wheel is up, check that the chain doesn't get too tight at any point in the rotation.

[Panda]

wear earplugs.

[Proteus]

I check the tire pressures once a week - I'm running 28 front and 32 rear.
I'll see what happens with the wheels off the ground, but it really sounds like a tire contacting road noise.

Not using any tire-polishing products - I don't really know what that is!

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I check the tire pressures once a week - I'm running 28 front and 32 rear.
I'll see what happens with the wheels off the ground, but it really sounds like a tire contacting road noise.

Not using any tire-polishing products - I don't really know what that is!

I wouldn't think it would cause the issues you mentioned, but you might want to bump the pressures up some. 28/32 is about as low as you want to go, and I don't think there's any advantage in it.

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by jkv45

I wouldn't think it would cause the issues you mentioned, but you might want to bump the pressures up some. 28/32 is about as low as you want to go, and I don't think there's any advantage in it.

I put them at 28/32 based on the manual - what does bumping the pressure up do?

[Alex]

28/32 is fine, bumping it up a bit for preference is also fine within reason. It's unlikely that tire pressure has anything to do with what you think you're hearing.

[micoulisninja]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I check the tire pressures once a week - I'm running 28 front and 32 rear.
I'll see what happens with the wheels off the ground, but it really sounds like a tire contacting road noise.

Not using any tire-polishing products - I don't really know what that is!

have you greased the front and rear wheel axles recently ?? they need greasing from time to time....if that is the case, raising wheel off the ground will eventually duplicate the sound, like our friend above mentioned....

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I put them at 28/32 based on the manual - what does bumping the pressure up do?

Adding pressure generally makes the tire firmer, wear better, but heat-up slower.

Your size and type of riding will have something to do with the pressure that's best for you also.

Try going to 30/34 and see if you feel a difference.

As Alex noted, it would be really odd if that cured the noise issue.

[Proteus]

Well I'm about 210lbs and commute 2 hrs total each day. I tend to ride pretty hard on surface streets but take it easy on the highway.

I haven't greased the axles, I'm going to check with the wheels up tonight and maybe try higher tire pressure.

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Proteus

Well I'm about 210lbs and commute 2 hrs total each day. I tend to ride pretty hard on surface streets but take it easy on the highway.

I haven't greased the axles, I'm going to check with the wheels up tonight and maybe try higher tire pressure.

I think you might want to up your tire pressure then. maybe even to 32/36 and see if it feels more responsive. You may see better tire life also.

[Proteus]

Originally Posted by jkv45

I think you might want to up your tire pressure then. maybe even to 32/36 and see if it feels more responsive. You may see better tire life also.

I think I'll try this as well, but being new to motorcycles what exactly does "more responsive" mean?

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I think I'll try this as well, but being new to motorcycles what exactly does "more responsive" mean?

It just means it responds to your inputs quicker and more accurately. A good thing, unless it gets "nervous". I don't think making that amount of pressure change will take it that far.

[Proteus]

I inflated up to 32/36 last night.

What a difference it made! I get what you mean by "responsive" - I feel like it's much tighter and doesn't walk around as much. I feel much more confident in my grip and leans. It feels WAY better now.

The sound is still happening, but I noticed this morning that it only happens on one stretch of the highway. Maybe it's something to do with the road surface?

I haven't had a chance to get the wheels off the ground (still have to figure out how to do that with the tools at my dispoal).

[jkv45]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I inflated up to 32/36 last night.

What a difference it made! I get what you mean by "responsive" - I feel like it's much tighter and doesn't walk around as much. I feel much more confident in my grip and leans. It feels WAY better now.

The sound is still happening, but I noticed this morning that it only happens on one stretch of the highway. Maybe it's something to do with the road surface?

I haven't had a chance to get the wheels off the ground (still have to figure out how to do that with the tools at my dispoal).

Chances are that's what it is then.

I'd still check the chain adjustment. That's something you need to do regularly anyway. Here's a good video with step by step instructions - http://canyonchasers.com/video/chain.php

Because you said you were new to cycles, here's a good source of info for general maintenance and adjustments - http://faq.ninja250.org/wiki/Main_Page

[micoulisninja]

Originally Posted by Proteus

I inflated up to 32/36 last night.

What a difference it made! I get what you mean by "responsive" - I feel like it's much tighter and doesn't walk around as much. I feel much more confident in my grip and leans. It feels WAY better now.

The sound is still happening, but I noticed this morning that it only happens on one stretch of the highway. Maybe it's something to do with the road surface?

I haven't had a chance to get the wheels off the ground (still have to figure out how to do that with the tools at my dispoal).

No need for tools...you can sit up the bike by leaning it towards the sidestand side as if you wanted to drop it, (while still holding it carefully by the handgrip) until it lifts the rear wheel and spin it with your leg, then change your grab and lift front wheel while sitting bike on sidestand and rear wheel to do the same with front...
it will be easier and safer to get a friend to help you, at least to get to spin wheels fast enough... they should spin rather easily and not stop right after you stop applying force...

[Proteus]

Thanks for the tips. I know I'm due for a chain lube as well.