I have a low speed knocking sound on my bike (2002 Honda Hornet with 9000 on the clock - dont know whether that’s relevant as I’m a mechanical NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOB), which is intermittent but present most of the time. I can only describe the noise as the sound you make by clicking your tongue. The tempo increases with the speed of the bike and is only present up to 15 - 20 mph (or is actually present above that speed but can’t be heard over the engine/road etc noise).
Can’t really remember how long the noise has been there for. I’ve had a new C&S fitted within the last 2 weeks, but the noise was present before that. Had a new MOT on Monday and just got an advisory to replace the rear tyre (which was replaced today by Essential Rubber).
Sometimes when I hear it and apply the front brake the noise stops for a bit, but soon comes back.
I forgot the mention it when I had the MOT. Discs / brakes aren’t loose.
I can’t feel it as a vibration through the bars etc.
Anyone got any ideas?
Thankoooo!!
Oh and apologies if the knock knock thing was completely poo, but I’ve had a couple of jars of ale and it seemed amusing as I wrote it… :hehe:
Its three things mate, Its either head race bearings going so you need to check them. Two ways, The best is to get a friend to hold the bike on sit side stand tipping it left towards the holder to ensure the front wheel is totally off the ground. Grab both fork legs and give them rattle, if there is movement or knocking you need to give them attention.
The less effective way of checking is putting your front wheel against a wall. Put the bike in gear and gently (very very gently) let the clutch out so the tyre presses the wall, your looking for the same as the above, movement from the head stock, clicking or knocking.
If its not that, then my money is on front sprocket wear. If the sprocket has worn it will make a knocking noise under tension so you need to check. Get it on the centre stand or on a paddock stand so the rear wheel is able to spin by hand. Spin the real wheel round in stages and check the sag part of the chain for tension, your looking for loose or tight spots on the chain.
Worst case if number three, it could be cam chain tensioner although its more likely its one of the above so get those checked first.
Also worth a look at the rear sprocket carrier bearing - they often go without symptoms apart from knocking, and it it collapses completely you could be in a whole world of pain
Cheers for the replies guys! To be honest I haven’t heard it over the last couple of days. I will check again tonight. Been really busy and haven’t had much time to look into it but I def will.
