Rattle and Hum

[sanemancured]

Rumble or thrum

This could be nothing. But I'm letting a noise on the RS get into my head a little.

The bike has done about 44,000 miles. It's a late 2015 that I've had the pleasure of owning from new. The past few years since warranty I've done all the servicing myself, even down to camshaft alignment and replacing the shaft drive with a near new one (that has significantly less vibration).

All is good. The bike seems a little less 'perky' but that could simply be down to the fact that I'm doing more miles on my CBR600RR and many of those are on track with all that brings. The bike has had all its regular oil changes, filter changes and plugs etc. even more regularly than needed. Shaft is greased and good. She is well looked after but ridden as she is meant to be.

I'm noticing a deep rumble. A sort of a slightly hollow rumble. I don't think it's cam chain or tensioner related. Too deep sounding for that? It's a steady state thing and doesn't seem to relate to a specific gear or rpm. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse.

The thing is, it might always have been there and it might just be that I'm focussing on it and letting it worry me.

Does anyone have something similar?

Peter

[Motorhead1977]

Can you post an audio file of the sound? Be a big help.

[sanemancured]

The noise is only when the bike is moving. I’ll see what I can do. 

Peter

[Ray]

...and still there if you pull the clutch?

[Grumpy Goat]

Rumble or thrum
...
All is good. The bike seems a little less 'perky' but that could simply be down to the fact that I'm doing more miles on my CBR600RR and many of those are on track with all that brings.
...

I'm noticing a deep rumble. A sort of a slightly hollow rumble. I don't think it's cam chain or tensioner related. Too deep sounding for that? It's a steady state thing and doesn't seem to relate to a specific gear or rpm. It doesn't seem to be getting any worse.

Just wondering ... did you start noticing this since getting the CBR600RR? Huge difference in the two engines are you are riding the 4-cylinder more (which would also explain why the RS appear to be more sluggish ... compared to by Tiger I have the reverse impression, although the Tiger is no slouch).

Sounds like your RS is maintained even better than my 60k+ 2016 RS (also mine since new) and I have no perceived rumble or thrum issues. I expect it would be a challenge recording that such that we'd hear a problem.

[maxredline]

I get mechanical noise but so do Ducati's. The bike runs fine so I have put it down to engineering.

[sanemancured]

I did 120 miles on the bike today. A glorious if slightly chilly day and a stunning ride. I had a test to conduct and went from Kendal in the UK Lake District to the Roman site and Nook Cafe just outside of Alston, meaning Hartside Pass was enjoyed too. A great length of biking road.

After the test I headed across the 'tops' (the isolated moors) to Midleton In Teesdale, then off to Brough, Sedbergh and home. Stunning roads, sunshine and great views!

The bike was really good. I couldn't really hear any of my rumbling. The riding was spirited and seldom sat at one speed or in a single gear for long. So lots of accelerate, brake corner.. With the clutch in the bike is silent and any noise that there is, isn't gear related.

So the next time I find myself fixating on it I'll blame it on ADHD and try to let it go.

Peter

[Grumpy Goat]

Thanks for the update, but if you're like me, I bet that it will be in the back of your mind every time you ride it now for the next little while ... 

[DrDave39]

Try singing louder. Always works for me!

Dave

[Luma46]

I have always been annoyed with the rattle of my 2017 RS, comparing it to my previous air/oil cooled hexheads that were very quiet. However, once the bike gets going and engine is under some load, most of the noise goes away.

[Grumpy Goat]

I have always been annoyed with the rattle of my 2017 RS, comparing it to my previous air/oil cooled hexheads that were very quiet. However, once the bike gets going and engine is under some load, most of the noise goes away.

I found the same but when I mentioned this to a buddy of mine who was next to me he says that it sounded fine. I double checked whether he was hearing the rattle can effect and he said no and said it sounded smooth especially when underway. Conclusion is that the rattle can sound is mostly heard by owners close to their own bike but not so much by others nearby. 

There may be some truth to that, actually, because the few times I was standing by while someone else rode my RS away, it sounded just fine … sweet actually. Weird. 

But I suspect that’s not the rattle the OP thought he was hearing … or maybe it was …

[DrDave39]

I hear a slight rattle that sounds like its coming from the windshield area as I accelerate from a stop. No other times, and I've tried holding the windscreen with my left hand and it doesn't change anything.  Gremlins.....

[Luma46]

While ago I started hearing high pitch rattling/buzzing sound that I couldn’t locate and that drove me crazy. It turned out to be a vent on top of my helmet that got loose and vibrated in closed position. Always something “interesting”…

[maxredline]

While ago I started hearing high pitch rattling/buzzing sound that I couldn’t locate and that drove me crazy. It turned out to be a vent on top of my helmet that got loose and vibrated in closed position. Always something “interesting”…

Was It a few year old Shuberth? I had to return one of the two I bought. I thought the horn was on at hwy speed.

[Grumpy Goat]

Was It a few year old Shuberth? I had to return one of the two I bought. I thought the horn was on at hwy speed.

I thought they were supposed to be quiet.

[Luma46]

While ago I started hearing high pitch rattling/buzzing sound that I couldn’t locate and that drove me crazy. It turned out to be a vent on top of my helmet that got loose and vibrated in closed position. Always something “interesting”…

Was It a few year old Shuberth? I had to return one of the two I bought. I thought the horn was on at hwy speed.

No it is inexpensive Razor SRV 3/4 helmet. Otherwise very quiet and comfortable.