Metallic rubbing sound ...

[motofranz]

I am running out of possible solutions to remedy this noise from my '02 R1150RT.
Maybe someone in this group has had this happen ,or can pin point the problem.

I changed tires on my bike to Metzler M1's.
Since then I have a metallic rubbing noise that starts about 42 MPH,and is related to the bikes wheel rotation speed.
It is more noticable with my helmet on.
Thats all I did was change the front and rear tires!
I have had the front wheel off about 5 times now trying different ways to find the problem.

Front brakes are not cracked.
Removed the speedo cable and rode the bike.
Replaced the front wheel according to the BMW manual.

My next move is going to be getting the tire changed to a different Metzler,and replacing the front wheel bearing...... donno...

Any comments or suggestions would be very much appreciated.

[PhilScrivano]

I have the same year make model and tires on my bike. I am also chasing down this metalic noise. I notice it when I wear a half helmet. I was not associating it with the tires, but I could be wrong.

Actually, am looking for two noises. One is the one you described and the other is a noice I hear at idle that sounds like a mechanical part failing. I am new to Oilheads. I owned an airhead for 10 years and have not heard this type of noise before.

So far I have adjusted the valves which quited down the engine noise a lot. My next idea is to get information on checking the valve chain drive tension.

[lorazepam]

Do you feel a vibration? Are your calipers and rotors in good shape, and not damaged by someone installing the tires? Just a thought. The rotors can be warped and not cracked.

If the noise is related to wheel speed, does it change when you shift gears, or remain the same, as if due to a wheel problem?

If it changes when you shift gears and accelerate, I would look at the engine and not the wheels.

If the wheel bearing is bad, you should feel movement if you rock it from side to side, with the front forks held steady.

[Ozonkiller]

ABS sensor rubbing, maybe?

[kbasa]

Originally posted by PhilScrivano
I have the same year make model and tires on my bike. I am also chasing down this metalic noise. I notice it when I wear a half helmet. I was not associating it with the tires, but I could be wrong.

Actually, am looking for two noises. One is the one you described and the other is a noice I hear at idle that sounds like a mechanical part failing. I am new to Oilheads. I owned an airhead for 10 years and have not heard this type of noise before.

So far I have adjusted the valves which quited down the engine noise a lot. My next idea is to get information on checking the valve chain drive tension.

The cam chain tensioners are hydraulically operated so you don't need to do anything to them.

M1s? I had a pair of those on my R11S and they were pretty noisy tires. That may be what you're hearing.

You know those are pretty high performance sporting tires, right? I only got 1500 miles out of a rear, riding my S in the canyons here.

[sgborgstrom]

Would it be possible the wheel got "flipped" when you changed tires? This would put the right-side rotor on the left side ditto the left. Now the brake pads are wearing to fit the "new" rotor. I put new pads on my K last week and it is making some interesting noises when backing into the garage.

Steve

[motofranz]

Well, I learned one important lesson....don't take your tires to a back yard motorcycle shop to get the tires changed.
I am going to the BMW DEALER from now on .I don't care how long it takes to get my wheels back.!!!

I don't think the wheel can be flipped because of the speedo works,etc.
I didn't mark the tire rotation on my wheels B/4 I gave them to the guy.
That's all pretty straight foward isn't it :dunno

I'm not a mechanic,I just ride 'em. :)

[kbasa]

Can you flip the wheel? Doesn't it have a speedo drive on one side that keeps that from happening?

[BouncinBob]

Originally posted by KBasa
Can you flip the wheel? Doesn't it have a speedo drive on one side that keeps that from happening?

And the ABS ring if so equiped.

Bob Malehorn
Ohio

[sgborgstrom]

Should have gone up to the garage and looked...the front wheel on the oilhead really only goes on one way.

Steve

[PhilScrivano]

I went with the M1 rear tire because the front had 50% life on it. I have found it to be real scary on wet pavement. When this set wears down I will change to a less aggressive more touring type tire set.

Learning that the timing chain has hydraulic lifters I will cross that idea off the list. I have been riding an '80 R65 for the past 10 years and am familiar with each "noise" from an airhead and what causes it. I am wondering if these new noises are just typical to an oilhead and the particular tires.

In a few weeks I will be attending the 49r Rally in Auburn CA. I plan to listen to other oilheads as much as possible.

Thanks for all the responses.

Phil

[kbasa]

Hey! I'll be there. fish and Greg too!

Bring that thing up to the sheep pens and we'll all listen to it for you.

[lorazepam]

Is fish looking for a date in the sheep pens?:D

[jdcoffman]

I just got back from a 4300 mile trip, went east to Skylanedrive-Blueridge parkway-Deals gap and a visit to my sister's house on Hilton Head (snob ) Island. Before I left I thought it would be good Idea to replace brake pads and in my haste I know that I bent, warped whatever the left front rotor. Just using to much muscle pulling and slightly twisting the calapiers to get them off. It produced that metalic sound on every revolution. Shoot my front wheel would hardly spin freely after I messed up this little job. I rode it and tested the brakes then I would ride, careful not to apply the front brake and sure enough the left front rotor would be a little warm to the touch while the right one was cool. It didn't seem to over heat much. I went on my trip and after the first 500 mile day I didn't hear the squeaking any more and my left rotor was no longer dragging.

Sea Pines Plantation on Hilton Head a gated community does not allow motorcycles within their primises.