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So a little closure on the wuh, wuh" noise.

Measured the "total" chain slack (adding the distance above and below) at 12 positions COLD by taking a 1/4 turn on the rear wheel at a time. Found measurements in a range of total slack from 1 1/8" to 1 3/8", with most readings 1 1/4"....so, finding that I was in range even at the tightest spot (which I marked), I decided to just lube the chain (because I had not done it in 500  miles and because I read a similar "wuh, wuh" thread that said be sure the chain is lubed).

Thanks Ratman for a comment on another thread about the small triangular cover...finally took it off - much better access for measuring slack and properly lubing.

I also did a complete inspection of the rear tire and under the skirted fender, including the rear disk to be sure there was nothing else that might be causing a new noise....saw nothing.

Ran the machine 50 miles....no "wuh, wuh"

Took 12 readings again HOT, starting in a different place, but finding the tight spot only in the one same place. Readings were uniformly 1/8" tighter after the bike had been run....for what that's worth. So the tight spot was at 1" with the chain hot. Made NO adjustment.

Conclusion (for me): When you are adjusting, using total slack, which results in a tighter chain than just measuring either above or below the chain...be sure you keep it lubed.

Open to comments from the group and thanks to those who contributed to the diagnostic.

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Posted by kw-retrorider

- September 09, 2013, 22:31:23 PM

thanks Ratman..something else to check

Posted by CDNRatMan

- September 09, 2013, 10:11:59 AM

perhaps loosen the chain right off and then move it by hand and see if you can find a tight place or a spot it binds, some place I read about tires and they sort of cup and that could be the sound you are hearing, if I remember right the article said to lift the tire off the ground and to place your hand on the tire and slowly turn it and see if you can feel any imperfections, see if I can back track to the article.

Posted by kw-retrorider

- September 09, 2013, 09:54:49 AM

good thoughts...will check as you suggest. Thanks

- although I agree it sounds like more of a tire noise....it is the original chain, and I did go a little tighter last adjustment

Posted by Troll

- September 08, 2013, 14:39:29 PM

Tire problems, but if it's got the original o ring chain, they develop tight spots that you can't do anything about, since the rollers and pins are sealed.

Posted by greenbarn

- September 08, 2013, 12:06:28 PM

You will not necessarily get any heat (that you could detect) from a bearing starting to go bad. However, the way you describe the sound makes it seem more like a tire noise.

In either case, I would jack up bike, get the rear tire off the ground, and then turn the tire to see if you can feel any issues in the chain, bearing, etc. Look close at the tire all the way around for any difference in tread (flat spot, bulge, deformed in any way).

Posted by kw-retrorider

- September 08, 2013, 10:36:57 AM

Have a new noise and hope the group can help.

My drifter is a 2002 800 with 16K on it. I have owned it for the last 5K miles.

- The noise is not evident from cold, but comes on after about 20 miles.
- It sounds like it is coming from the rear only
- It is speed dependent and I first noticed it slowing down for a light. I can hear the wuh, wuh, wuh starting at about 40 MPH and slower (because of course at higher speeds there is wind noise, etc.)
- It is not flat or cornering related which means although I hear it when I am slowing down or speeding up from a stop and flat riding, I do not notice a difference if I corner at slow speed.
- Tires are Dunlop D404s with 5K on them and the rear has 5/32" tread at the most worn (center)...I ride solo with 28 psi in the tires.
- It's been over 500 miles since I adjusted and lubed the chain...and am just getting this now.
- After a run of 50 miles, no unusual heat at the hub...can touch with bare fingers - no extra temperature detectable (I was thinking bearings)
- No chain or sprocket noices

If it was a car, I would suspect a wheel bearing, but am not getting any heat....and don't know what the service life of hub bearings is anyway.
Also thought, since the tires were fairly bottom of the line...do they start making noise as they wear?

Any thoughts from the esteemed and more drifter experienced, more than I welcome.

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