Bike Noises and general question on oil

[Dave B.]

I haven't had the bike for long and now that I'm getting used to it I've a few questions that may have been covered previously. I've read through most of the topics however some of them they do tend to go off on a tangent and don't always give specific answers.

The first question is regarding front-end noise, which could be described as whirring, howling, wind noise or possible brake binding or bearings.

The brakes seem to be fine and there is no play in the front wheel. I have a Metzler Z6 Roadtec fitted to the front, is this likely to be the cause as I have read reports that it may be tyre related, if so why BM's as I've never experienced it on any other bikes?

Second question is the fuel pump. Is it normal for it to be noisy, with a constant tone, (not rough or anything else just there all of the time).

Third question relates to rear end squeak, when the bike has been running. It's ok when riding, the bike seems planted with no handling deficiencies however when I go to put it in the garage after riding, there is a definite squeak as I sit on the seat, (could easily be mistaken for a squeaky seat), which is swing arm related. Is this normal or is it early indication that the rear end may need a strip and lube or further investigation.

Last but not least, dare I say it oil. I'm sure that the last owner has topped up the engine with 10W40 semi synthetic just before I bought it. Given the cool temperatures and the fact that winter is approaching would you leave it or change it to 20W50. I have found a supply of Duckhams Q 20W50 which is a mineral oil that meets the correct oil spec, SF, however this is a classic engine oil for older engines that generally use oil. Given that the boxer is an old design and it does have a reputation for using oil, would this be suitable and does anybody else on here use it?

I hope that I haven't asked too many questions however when you've got a new bike you like to make sure that everything is ok without paranoia setting in.

Thanks,
Dave

[Paul]

Hi Dave,

Regarding the fuel pump, when was the fuel filter last replaced? It could be clogged, therefore working overtime to squirt the fuel through. It's normal to hear a bit of fuel pump noise as the tank is nearing empty, but if you're getting that with a full tank, I'd change the filter and check that the breather lines are not blocked. While you are at it, drain the tank and clear out the debris and water that seems to collect in there.

Hope this helps, cheers,

Paul

[throttlemeister]

hihihi he said the o word



I would use 20W50. As you can see in the diagram in the owners manual, most people will have already stopped riding by the time it is necessary to replace 20W50 for 10W40 in the boxer engine.

[JoeC]

I use Duckhams - meets the spec and is cheap price. Get 5 litres for less price that you would 4 litres of bike oil.

[Gromit]

hihihi he said the o word



I would use 20W50. As you can see in the diagram in the owners manual, most people will have already stopped riding by the time it is necessary to replace 20W50 for 10W40 in the boxer engine.

+1 on every point.

[gus]

Hi
The rear end squeak may be the rear paralever pivot bearings.Check for play in those by getting the rear wheel in the air and check for movement.Very little lube was applied when fitted at the factory and they can quickly wear.
Do a search on how to replace "pivot bearings"
gus

[Ade B]

Hi
The rear end squeak may be the rear paralever pivot bearings.Check for play in those by getting the rear wheel in the air and check for movement.Very little lube was applied when fitted at the factory and they can quickly wear.
Do a search on how to replace "pivot bearings"
gus

Would second this, mine had same symptoms and were then replaced at last service. Originals were shagged.

Ade

[horse27]

Yep, I would say the front end whirring/whining/wind noise is the Z6s ... I have the same tyres fitted (great tyres by the way) and have never experienced such a noticeable sound effect. Seems to get worse as the tyres get worn as well. I'll be reaplacing mine soon as they are shot so will be interested to see if it gets "better" ... cheers, H27.

[Bender]

I have noticed that you can clearly hear road noise on the R1100S like no other bike I've ever ridden.

You get used to different noises with different surfaces in the car, but never heard it on a bike before...

[Dave B.]

I'll be changing the oil at the weekend.

I've checked the gear box and final drive oil levels and they're fine. I've also checked the front and rear wheels for play as well as the suspension linkage and they're all rock solid, with no play or movement.

Although I'm not too happy with the noise, (strange as it is), I can only assume it's coming from the front tyre as everything else works as it should.

The fuel pump does make a bit of noise however after speaking to the former owner he's advised me that it was like that from the day he bought it so I'll do the proper thing now and give the unfamiliar noises a damn good ignoring and get on with riding the bike

Thanks for your help.
Dave