Hello all :grin: Not been on for a while, been busy getting some miles on the bike recently, I had a medical driving ban shortly after getting the GTR so I am making up for lost time. Getting used to having to change down for overtakes now and the brakes are fantastic and I've lost both my chicken strips, I love it, just a bit worried about the bike!
I backed the bike out of the garage this evening to give it a quick wash and I noticed a squeak/grinding noise coming from the rear wheel area so, I put it on the main stand and spun the wheel and it sounded pretty bad, grinding/crunching noise. I got the bike washed and spun the wheel a few more times and the noise seems to have gone, I am thinking it might have been a small stone that got lodged in the gap between the shaft/wheel, I have been on some freshly chipped roads today grrrrrrr!
I took it for a quick spin to help dry it off then put it on the main stand in the garage so I could spin the wheel, that's when I noticed the rear wheel wobbles. Looking at the dust cover around the shaft, there looks to be a good 1mm of movement when you push the wheel side to side.
I would expect this is not normal but I have to ask! I've had shaft drive bike before, but never really noticed any wobble. Could it be the wheel bearings failing?
Paul
From your description I would hazaed a guess at wheel bearings. I take it you have checked that the wheel spindle nut is tight and the wheel is not loose on the spindle/axle?
Cheers mate, yep I am a bit of a nerd when it comes to torqueing up, I even mark up the nuts with a white paint stick. Its so very sad but I just can't help myself lol
I'll strip it tomorrow and see what I can see.
Possibly a bit of corrosion on the rear disk and a bit of muck on the pads?
my first thought was dirt on the rear disc which after a lay up can make quite a worrying noise when moving the bike around, however if as you say the rear wheel has side movement then I would suggest you thoroughly check it out before riding again :yes:
If it's making crunchy grinding noise,then it will be the rear wheel bearing,had mine go at 8000m it sounded awful,then went silent , then after a few days it started again and there was movement in the wheel , good news is it's only a £20 fix , what's the comment on change down for overtakes is it a 600 lol , get yourself up to squires tonight can have a look then if you like. , :biker3:
the GTR is a 5 speed bike with OD 6th, this means you need to adopt a slighly different riding style,
The GTR has plenty power.
Quote from: O.C. on July 28, 2016, 07:27:00 AM
the GTR is a 5 speed bike with OD 6th, this means you need to adopt a slighly different riding style,
The GTR has plenty power.
:agree:
Quote from: O.C. on July 28, 2016, 07:27:00 AM
the GTR is a 5 speed bike with OD 6th, this means you need to adopt a slighly different riding style,
The GTR has plenty power.
:agree: Indeed on normal single carriage way roads I doubt I use OD gear, the bike feels much better in 5th, OD normally gets used on open motorways and dual carriageways.
All engines have a sweet spot in the rev range....normally the optimum revs is specified in the engine specs section. Riding at the right revs/speed and the correct gear for all given circumstances ensures you are always in the right gear at the right time. For nice rural twisties at national speed limits, 3rd gear is about right, for faster curvy roads maybe take fourth. By running at the optimum revs ( in whatever gear) will not lower your MPG, but will probably enhance it, and your engine will be singing all the way... :clap: :clap:
Quote from: iamkwackers on July 28, 2016, 11:40:51 AM
All engines have a sweet spot in the rev range....normally the optimum revs is specified in the engine specs section. Riding at the right revs/speed and the correct gear for all given circumstances ensures you are always in the right gear at the right time. For nice rural twisties at national speed limits, 3rd gear is about right, for faster curvy roads maybe take fourth. By running at the optimum revs ( in whatever gear) will not lower your MPG, but will probably enhance it, and your engine will be singing all the way... :clap: :clap:
Good points there.
If you practice this technique and watch the current mpg you will see that iamkwackers is correct........................................again :mfr_lol:
Quote from: O.C. on July 28, 2016, 11:42:52 AM
Good points there.
If you practice this technique and watch the current mpg you will see that iamkwackers is correct........................................again :mfr_lol:
He's a wise old sage and can certainly ride a bike. Just don't tell him that I told you :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
we would never hear the end of it :mfr_lol:
:mfr_lol: :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
Thanks for all the comments. I removed the wheel yesterday and I would have to say the bearing is knackered, there was loads of greasy bits splattered all over behind the seal and it was difficult/rough to turn. Its only one that's gone (brake side) but I'll do both at the weekend.
Give me a break over the gearing lol. I've had Triumph triples for the last 11 years and the Explorer for the last 3 and that thing just goes in any gear at any revs, its got loads of torque and is probably lower geared than the GTR.
Still, the GTR is by far the best and most confidence inspiring bike I have owned, it loves corners and with the laminar lip, its now great on the motorways too.
Paul
Well Vixer, fault found, now good luck with the fix, I am sure you will do a good job :yes: :yes:
All done, no more wobbly wheel.
I've got to admit though, I couldn't get the bearings out, believe me I tried long enough, anyway, I went to a dealer i've known for years for him to show me how to do it, its amazing what the right tools and a bit of knowledge can do.
Less than half an hour and the old ones were out and new ones in. For what they cost and how easy they are to do, they ought to be a service item lol.
Been out round north Lincolnshire, Goole and York this morning and we're back in business.
Good news, glad you are sorted now :smiley: