'11 1200RT noise/heat at the rear wheel

[klumbsh1]

First let me say this could very simply be just new owner paranoia kicking in so bear with me. At this point I have a whole 800 miles on a new 2011. Long story short I am taking it in a few days to do the 600 miles service. I noticed today that the rear caliper is significantly hotter than the fronts can still touch but barely. What led me to this was a faint noise coming from the rear end that isn't the brakes dragging or anything similar to that, more of a hollow constant most noticeable in the 35-40 range like something is potentially dragging but i know its not the pads. It isn't strong just something i noticed.

So now I am paranoid about everything. I did let it cool and tried a few varying rides to see the effect include limited or not use of foot brake. Long story short rear caliper seems to heat up the most if i maintain a constant at the 35-40 range for a few minutes and gets right up there, the Rear pumpkin is leaching heat from the caliper but is significantly cooler, and the discs themselves seem to be at relatively the same temp both front and rear just comparing by touch (I know not the most accurate but you get the idea).

anything specific I should look out for and have the dealer check, beyond saying hey it makes funny noises. Hell new to RT land maybe this is just the way the final drive sounds for all I know. Any feedback would welcome and appreciated.

[greenwald]

Three things you will want your dealer to look at, which I list in degrees of impending 'seriousness' :

1) A caliper may be 'stuck,' causing it to hang up on occasion and generate excessive heat / noises.

2) Have the rear disc checked to make sure it is true - a problem some time ago (usually the front rotors) with 'warpage.

3) Have the final drive evaluated in detail. Not what you want to hear, but a super-heated rear brake caliper was the first warning sign of my final drive failure last year (complete FD replacement resulted).

Good Luck!

[klumbsh1]

Thanks, I move the appointment up to this afternoon! I am really hoping it is new to RT paranoia, but I will certainly make sure to ask these questions as well as check for some of it myself.

Much appreciated!

[klumbsh1]

While at at dealer getting my 600 mile service they I rode a couple of different RT's along the way (in addition to gps mount etc), sufficed to say its all in my head. Just going to ride and enjoy. Love this bike.

[Retarded Jarhead]

I had to laugh with you (not at you), well; maybe!

We overthink these things so much it's funny!

I just got back for about 800 miles in 2 days and was going to go over the thing with a microscope. Thankfully I got really busy and realized there are no puddles under it, the tire pressures are good - just ride the darned thing@!

It is suposed to be fun!

Don't mind me - this is a self-reminder!

Have a GREAT Day all!

[1analguy]

...I did let it cool and tried a few varying rides to see the effect include limited or not use of foot brake...

Are you aware that the brakes on the RT are plumbed such that the rear brake is automatically applied along with the fronts when you pull the hand lever for the front brakes? There is no way to use the brakes without using the rear brake...

[klumbsh1]

Are you aware that the brakes on the RT are plumbed such that the rear brake is automatically applied along with the fronts when you pull the hand lever for the front brakes? There is no way to use the brakes without using the rear brake...

Yes.

[Polarbear]

Twice has happened to me on two bikes in the last 3 years. The rear brake pedal adjust is toooooo tightly adjusted and can be adjusted in about three minutes. Both times i was on a road trip and the rear brake was dragging slightly and would indeed get worse. I got lucky to find it right away. Seems a lot of the bikes are set to tight from factory and a few miles from new, they get into trouble. All mine needed was this adjust. Randy GSA1200 and KLR650, both new bikes.