I recently brought a set of new skins for the fazer: BT021’s which have taken over from the discontinued 020’s. I never had any problems with the 016’s I had on before but since I’ve had them on I can hear the most annoying sound. It sounds like a hole in the fairing is catching the wind or a scrapping sound almost like there’s a shed load of sand in the bearings. Its fine up until 30mph then there it is. Even with my ear plugs in! It only goes due to wind noise above 45mph.
So, I spoke to the tyre shop about it because it only arrived after the tyres were replaced. The guy took it for a quick ride and said he could hear it too. Good at least I’m not hearing things.
Maybe the wheel bearing? After putting a brand new set in the noise was still there. It needed it anyway the bearings were pretty knackered.
Maybe the fender is dragging on the tyre? Nope!
Maybe the brake pads? No joy there, the pads were fine as were the calipers. Still, just to make sure I took the calipers off, strapped them to the forks and very carefully rode a short distance. Damn its still there!
My only conclusion can be the tyre! Its almost like an echo chamber and it changes in volume depending on road surface. I just couldn’t believe that a tyre could be so noisy! I’ve got used to it now but I won’t be using 021’s again, might go back to the sportier 016’s for summer.
I knew that nibbling on the mushrooms in the front garden was a bad but they’re pretty strong because I can still hear it everytime I ride the bike!
I guess the tyres aren’t going to pop or anything and they grip alright I just can’t stand the noise! Have you got a fazer too Gravy? Cheers for the replies anyway.
Fair point, I just need to save up for one now. Not with the times you see. Or I could wait for the shrooms to wear off I don’t enjoy dodging unicorn riding leprechauns on my way to work!
not read the fazer forum topic but think the difference between the 016’s and 21’s is that the 21 is a dual compound tyre and the center section is a harder compound so that may be transferring more road input through your suspension settings ( if set stiffer for a softer compound (016’s) ) and this is transmitting itself through mudguard/fairing ( i get this on my zed through the front mudguard using 020’s at mo but used to use 021’s on my 600 and did have this effect on certain surfaces )
Thank you Mr C at least I’m not alone, loads of posts on that link say the same thing. Think I’ll try that site in future for any Fazer related issues.
