Front end noise

[thessler]

Hi I just bought a 93 CBR 900.
When I ride along at speed, say 60 mph I hear and feel a ticking or clicking noise in the front end. When you pull in the clutch at speed the bike quiets down and you feel this through the handlebars pretty steadily. It seems every revolution of the wheel equals one click, almost like there is a screw sticking in the tire and hitting the ground each time. To feel it in the bars I think it is alot more significant than just a small click, i'm a little shy about riding it untill I find it's origin. So far I have replaced the front tire and rebuilt the front calipers, no improvement.
Could this be wheel bearings ? Any info greatly appreciated.
Thank You Tom

[ghbzorro]

Yeah, wheel bearings would be my guess. Hope you didn't spend too much on the unsuccessful tries to get rid of a bearing noise. ;)

[thessler]

It needed a new tire anyway, no loss.
I guess i'l go ahead and order new bearings.
Thanks Tom

[thessler]

Just thought I would ask being that I don't know these bikes.
The bike has 25,000 miles on it, if I order new front bearings is it due for rears also ??
Is there anything unique to this model that I should check and replace while the tools are out??
Thanks Tom

[StraightJacketRacing]

Tom,

These bikes are pretty much bullet-proof. There aren't really any failure-prone items. Some people have had regulator/rectifier issues, but that's all that comes to mind.

The wheel bearings really should be OK with that mileage. I've got 55K on my bike with the original bearings. It never HURTS to change the wheel bearings, except, of course, for your wallet. But lots of people don't spend enough time tending to proper maintenance on things like lubing suspension linkages. Those things add up, and can seriousl impact the handling of your bike.

But this is bugging me...I don't know why the sound (and feeling) would go away when you pull in the clutch if it's a bearing...

[ghbzorro]

But this is bugging me...I don't know why the sound (and feeling) would go away when you pull in the clutch if it's a bearing...

My read of the original post was that the "click" continued, even when the clutch was pulled in, and that it remained one click per wheel revolution.

Changing front wheel bearings is a good thing on a new-to-you bike, as is changing steering head bearings. If you rebuilt the calipers did you bother to completely purge the old brake fluid from the master and lines too?

And speaking of fluids, if you haven't already done it, then it's time for oil & filter, coolant and rear brake fluids to be changed as well. And check your chain and sprockets.

Hmmm. Wonder if a bad rear sprocket could transmit a pulse that feels like it is coming through the bars :CONF

Please keep us posted on your results.

[thessler]

Yes the click is just more pronounced when the clutch is pulled in, largely because the engine idles down and stops vibrating.

I did purge all old brake fliud.
Bike came with a new chain and both sprockets, I have already installed them.

I'm thinking 25,000 is low milage for bearings but not sure where else to look.
Thanks for the replys Tom

[StraightJacketRacing]

Ah, well THAT'S different!

I assumed you were holding the revs steady when you were pulling in the clutch, and the symptoms dissapeared. If you're saying that you're pulling in the clutch TO LET THE REVS DROP TO IDLE, then the symptoms may have NOTHING to do with the clutch itself!

I'd go for a ride, and, while up at a decent speed, pull in the clutch, but keep the revs at the same level. See if the symptoms are still there, or not. I don't have an answer for you about what the problem may be, but I think your comment about pulling in the clutch was misleading. THis may help with the diagnosis.

As far as the low mileage on the bearings, if the previous owner was pulling lots of wheelies and stoppies, he may have shagged one or both bearings.

Ta!

[thessler]

I thought I discribed it clearly, this has nothing to do with the clutch making a noise. I need to pull in the clutch to let the engine and associated vibrations settle down. The noise is in the body of the bike. in other words if I bought it up to 60 put it in neutral and shut off the motor that is when I would feel it most.
I hope that helps.
Today I am going to take out the front bearings and clean them up maybe I can spot somthing. This clicking is very pronounced in the bars i'm hopeing what ever it is will be obvious.
Meantime I realy don't want to ride it I would hate to have a part failure at speed.
Thanks Tom

[970rr]

Have you tried propping up the front of the bike and spinning the wheel. With and without calipers. That could give a clue.

[StraightJacketRacing]

970rr,

Wow, that's a really good idea. Crikey, why didn't I think of that...;DOH I think I'm slipping in my old age!

I look forward to hearing the results of this test!

[thessler]

Hi spun the wheel, felt smooth. I took out the bearings the right one is smooth the left one is alot rougher so i'm going with that. I'll order new ones hopefully that will cure it.
Tom

[970rr]

Cool, hope it works.
BTW, if you need bearings, you can go to any bearing supplier, they should have yours in stock. Usually cheaper than at Honda (guess where they get 'em from). Here, the difference is: half price of the Hondas at the supplyer.