Am I feeling a wheel bearing?

S10_in_VA

New Member
Joined
Oct 21, 2018
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2
2013 Super Tenere - 8030 miles

Greetings all,

I have noticed a very slight vibration or what feels like binding, grinding, or friction when I lean the bike left or right. Not a heavy lean, just weaving. I feel it whether under power or coasting in neutral. I don't feel anything when I turn either wheel by hand. I do not feel any motion in either wheel when I grab top and bottom and try to tilt the wheel back and forth across the axle and wheel bearings. I seem to feel it when I press my heels against the motor casing. It feels like it is in the back end of the bike. With just a bit over 8K miles it seems unlikely that the bearings would be going bad. I bought the bike with 4K miles on it. The guy that I purchased it from was meticulous about taking care of the bike so I don't think there was any rough off road use of the bike. When I changed the final drive oil I didn't see anything that would suggest unusual wear. I have never owned a bike with shaft drive and wonder if I may be feeling something in the drive train.

This is the first ST that I have owned. I am asking the community of experts where I should look to find whatever I am looking for. Does what I have described sound familiar to anyone? I appreciate any suggestions, and, if what I am feeling is typical, it would be reassuring to know that.

Many thanks,

James
 

EricV

Riding, farkling, riding...
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If you're still on the original tires, it's most likely just some cupping on the tires.

Yamaha wheel bearings tend to last a long time. 100k plus unless the bike is off road a lot or has a sharp impact to a curb or similar.

It's also quite possible that your rear brake pads are worn out or close to worn out. Check that first! In part due to the linked brakes, many people wear out rear pads before the front. Especially if they are an urban rider, short trip rider or do a lot of brake in, power out style of riding.
 

Cycledude

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Jan 29, 2016
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Rib lake wi
From your description My first guess would be the noise-vibration you hear-feel is being caused by tire wear and it’s a very common issue, since you have over 8,000 miles on your original tires I’m guessing there’s not a lot of life left in them, new tires will very likely make most of the unusual noise-vibration your complaining about disappear.
 

S10_in_VA

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Oct 21, 2018
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I believe you are all correct about the tires. I looked at them closely and the center line is worn very thin on the rear wheel and I can feel raised shoulders on both sides of the center line. Considering the extent of wear on the rear, I will begin my tire research.

Thanks for the suggestions. I will update following the replacement of the tires.
 

Tenman

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Dec 7, 2013
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Location
Natchez Ms USA
I've always checked wheel bearings by grabbing the top of the tire from the side. Push and pull. Should be no slack. As far as the vibration. The type of tire makes a ton of difference
 
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