Advice on CBR650F

[Cbr650f]

Afternoon,

Here is a link to a 5 second clip: https://streamable.com/duxt0

In the last couple of seconds (as I ride away) you can hear a recurring "clicking". It appears to be coming from the chain side of the bike


Any ideas as to what it might be? I'll list as much info as possible here. Thanks, appreciate any help! It's really grating on me!

Also please note - have literally just had the wheel aligned, chain cleaned/lubed/tightened and it made no difference to the sound

• 2017 Honda CBR650 with just 500 miles on it.
• The sound is constant when in motion
• Most audible when riding alongside walls or cars to my left
• The other two CBR650's I've ridden are silent in this regard
• Bike is still under warranty, Honda say they can't hear anything out of the oridnary
• Noise can be heard when driving in a car behind the bike (and to the left of it)
• Noise does not subside when pulling the clutch in

EDIT: it's the "click-click-click-click" noise in the last couple of seconds - that sound is constant when riding over 20mph in every gear

Edited by Cbr650f on Thursday 9th August 19:30

[trickywoo]

Must admit I can't hear anything untoward.

However, assuming the chain isn't worn and doesn't have any tight links, which it shouldn't at that mileage, the most common reason for chain noise is alignment.

Do you know how the alignment has been done? Unfortunately there aren't many bike mechanics that will take pride in their work and it may be that they've just looked at the swing arm marks and said its OK.

The proper way to do it is by measuring parallel lines from the rear wheel to the front wheel. The distance between the front wheel rim and the parallel should be the same. Another easier way is shine a laser placed on the rear sprocket down the chain and check it hits the same point on the links as far as you can see it toward the front sprocket.

If it is chain noise you should be able to hear it rotating the rear wheel on a stand too. If you can't I may well be something else in the transmission, but unlikely I think without any other symptoms besides the noise.

[meridian]

As with trickywoo, I cannot hear anything out of the ordinary, but with all respect, for a basic bike such as a CBR650F the swingarm marks will act perfectly satisfactorily for chain/rear wheel alignment without the need for lasers etc, so I really wouldn't get too hung up on that point.................

[LuS1fer]

I can hear what you mean. It's like a sicada. I'd check brake pads and try squirting some lube on the shock linkages.

[Cbr650f]

@trickywoo and @merdiian : it's the last couple of seconds, "click-click-click-click". I must admit it's a terrible recording and doesn't give a real life impression of the noise, although it's just about audible with the volume turned way up.

I'll get the rear alignment checked elsewhere just to be safe

@LuS1fer thanks, glad you can hear it - I was worried I was going crazy.

[CaptainSlow]

Take the sprocket cover off and check the front sprocket isn't loose.

[MK3 Dan]

Does it get faster as the speed increases?

Sounds like a chain noise to me, with something not being too happy.

[Cbr650f]

MK3 Dan said:

Does it get faster as the speed increases?

Sounds like a chain noise to me, with something not being too happy.

The ticking/clicking gets faster and slightly louder as the speed increases, yes.

If I had to describe the noise in one word, I'd say "chain-ey" however Honda are telling me the chain is fine in terms of tightness, cleanliness, lubrication and also that the rear wheel is aligned properly. I can't think what else it would be, other than the front sprocket, though.

[MK3 Dan]

Cbr650f said:

The ticking/clicking gets faster and slightly louder as the speed increases, yes.

If I had to describe the noise in one word, I'd say "chain-ey" however Honda are telling me the chain is fine in terms of tightness, cleanliness, lubrication and also that the rear wheel is aligned properly. I can't think what else it would be, other than the front sprocket, though.

If it gets faster with speed and does not change with gear changes (RPM drop/increase) then I would be checking chain and sprockets again. Also potentially rear wheel bearings or rear sprocket carrier, although you would not suspect it on something this new. Might be a tight link in the change etc.

Difficult with it being under warranty and dealers etc. If it was my bike and I was confident everything was done up and lined I would be putting a new chain on.

[road_rager]

Sounds like wheel bearing or brake pads moving if it's not the chain. I'd look at the front wheel/brakes also. You need to get the wheels up in the air and spin, you can do this with a mate using just the side stand if it doesn't have a center one. Good luck

[Cbr650f]

road_rager said:

Sounds like wheel bearing or brake pads moving if it's not the chain. I'd look at the front wheel/brakes also. You need to get the wheels up in the air and spin, you can do this with a mate using just the side stand if it doesn't have a center one. Good luck

Thanks, I'll try that. What would a busted wheel bearing sound like when turning the wheel by hand? I'll video it and reply with the video later on

[jrich123]

Just a thought.. strudy leaf or small twig stuck in the front sprocket housing or alike?

[Cbr650f]

jrich123 said:

Just a thought.. strudy leaf or small twig stuck in the front sprocket housing or alike?

Supposedly not - the dealer removed the sprocket cover in case of debris and confirmed it was all good in there.

Out of interest, as some people are saying they can't hear anything untoward - can you hear the noise I'm talking about in that video?

[Berz]

Cbr650f said:

Supposedly not - the dealer removed the sprocket cover in case of debris and confirmed it was all good in there.

Out of interest, as some people are saying they can't hear anything untoward - can you hear the noise I'm talking about in that video?

Yep, I can hear it if I turn the volume up. Almost like a ticking, or a cicada/cricket as someone above said.

I'd get the back wheel off the floor and give it a spin to see if you can narrow down where it is. Without the engine running it should be a lot easier to hear where it is coming from.

[boyse7en]

Try rolling down a hill engine off and see if you can still hear it. That would point to it coming from the bearings/brakes rather than chain/sprockets

[dern]

If the frequency is the same as the rear wheel's rotation (stick some paint on the tyre side wall to check) then it's something to do with the rear brake, rear sprocket, cush drive, rear bearings or something embedded in the tyre. If it's faster than that it's done thing to do with the front sprocket or at a push the output shaft. If it's slower than either of those then it's the chain.

Easiest way to ascertain which it to put the bike on a secure rest paddock stand, stick done weight on the seat, let the bike run in first great and mind your fingers. The only one you won't hear it the chunk stuck in the tyre but I assume that you've already checked for that and for any deformations.

Doesn't sound bad but it would annoy me.

[dern]

By the way, don't discount simple stuff like tyres rubbing on mud guards until you've checked. Plastics can easily get deformed or not refitted correctly.