Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[evdjerome]

Yesterday I started hearing a clicking/clacking sound. Can't tell where it's coming from. Happens at low speeds, or at least that's when I can hear it. It isn't constant, a bit like a loose piece of gravel rattling around once in a while. In a 100 yard stretch I hear it about 5 times or so when going 5-15 mph.

I'm concerned it's one of the sprocket or motor key/keyway issues discussed in this old thread:
http://electricmotorcycleforum.com/boards/index.php?topic=2806.0

Riders in that thread reported their issues with 2013 models. Mine's 2012.

I did have my motor replaced a month ago for a low-power glitch fix.  Since then I've ridden 1,400 miles with no problems until now. Actually I did have some issues with screeching sound when hitting bumps but that worked itself out somehow on its own.

So far to try and track down the clicking/clacking source I've tried:
- removing windshield, saddlebags, and trunk
- cleaning out bashplate (there were 2 little pieces of gravel there)
- shaking the bike around at a standstill

Any ideas/insights appreciated!
Jerome

[BSDThw]

What had happened was gravel in the motor protection plate.

I had once a lose/shaky fan wheel - it was a issue with 2012 motors.  You should lift your bike that you can spin the wheel free. Use a metal rod( screwdriver/Alllen key) to hold/block the fan(left side of motor), you stick it careful in the air gap and fix the fan now you move back and forth your wheel carefully. If the fan is loos you can feel this!

A second thing I had my motor sprocket came lose. I had changed the gearing and it was my fault. I use a strong re-gen and it came lose for a while. If your bike is lifted try to see and feel if the sprocket is lose. I could really see the little movement between the washer and the sprocket. I have removed my Allen screw last time with a standard 13mm screw. Now I can tighten it without a lot of work. I have once removed the motor and the second time I opened the swing arm screw and moved the motor inline so I could tighten it through this hole. Since I have my 13mm and medium Loctite it is fine

Actually I did have some issues with screeching sound when hitting bumps

the rear shock bolts and bush are not perfect in my opinion. I have used graphited-grease for the bushings when I had removed the shock.

A replaced motor need to remove the shock - your problems are logical too me . Ask you mechanic next time to "grease" more

[evdjerome]

Thanks for your advice. I think I'll finally invest in a bike stand.

What had happened was gravel in the motor protection plate.

I had once a lose/shaky fan wheel - it was a issue with 2012 motors.  You should lift your bike that you can spin the wheel free. Use a metal rod( screwdriver/Alllen key) to hold/block the fan(left side of motor), you stick it careful in the air gap and fix the fan now you move back and forth your wheel carefully. If the fan is loos you can feel this!

A second thing I had my motor sprocket came lose. I had changed the gearing and it was my fault. I use a strong re-gen and it came lose for a while. If your bike is lifted try to see and feel if the sprocket is lose. I could really see the little movement between the washer and the sprocket. I have removed my Allen screw last time with a standard 13mm screw. Now I can tighten it without a lot of work. I have once removed the motor and the second time I opened the swing arm screw and moved the motor inline so I could tighten it through this hole. Since I have my 13mm and medium Loctite it is fine

Actually I did have some issues with screeching sound when hitting bumps

the rear shock bolts and bush are not perfect in my opinion. I have used graphited-grease for the bushings when I had removed the shock.

A replaced motor need to remove the shock - your problems are logical too me . Ask you mechanic next time to "grease" more

[evdjerome]

Turns out the noise was from failed front wheel bearings. Dealer replaced them under warranty.

[ColoPaul]

How many miles?

[evdjerome]

How many miles?

10,500

[Losmeister]

Just started with mine at 5.5k miles...


seems to be coming from near motor...  need to lift and inspect...

[Losmeister]

btw,

http://losmeistermotos.blogspot.com/2014/12/annoying.html

[evdjerome]

Yikes!  That sounds concerning.  Nothing like the sound I was hearing that turned out to be the front wheel bearings.

I wonder if yours is the loose fan blade issue.

btw,

http://losmeistermotos.blogspot.com/2014/12/annoying.html

[Losmeister]

Had John Logan at Zero listen to the vid.

here's what he said.

"I have had a couple of folks here listen to the video you sent.
Initial analysis sees to point to a possible loose sprocket on the motor.

If you can derail the belt (back wheel sprocket easiest to derail the belt from) then try wiggling the front sprocket on the motor shaft.
If the pulley (sprocket) moves at all that is the problem.
If this is the problem then it will be necessary to remove the sprocket, replace the woodruff key and re-insert the sprocket on the motor shaft (using green Locktite on the shaft.
This is something that is typically done by the dealers as it “may” be necessary to remove the motor to remove the pulley. UNLESS… it is so loose that it pulls right off (once retainer bolt is removed)

Please check out the front sprocket play (belt off) and let me know what you find.

If you have further questions or concerns please reply back or call me."

[ColoPaul]

Losmeister, as a previous poster mentioned, you should also check the fan, as it's trivial to do so.  Poke a screwdriver or something through the cooling holes on the left side of the motor (opposite the sprocket) until it comes in contact with one of the fan blades, then see if you can wiggle the fan without moving the motor shaft.  If the fan moves independently then it's come loose from the shaft and that is your problem.
Good luck