Is this a normal noise

Dshane

Active Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2016
Messages
266
Location
New Hampshire
Since day one with my 2020, when I have it on the center stand, in neutral and move the tire back and forth a small amount, there is. a clicking noise coming from the "U-joint". I never noticed the noise when I had my FJR, another drive-shaft bike. I will try to attach a 12 second video with the noise. Don't mind the background noise that sounds like a fan.

Yeah, can't seem to upload video!!

It's almost as if there is a little play in the joint.

Comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Dave
 

Sierra1

Well-Known Member
Joined
Nov 7, 2016
Messages
14,819
Location
Joshua TX
I think that this has been inquired about before. Yes, there is going to be play in the drive line. I don't think there's any way to remove it. That being said, you could have excessive play. That would depend on mileage, and use of course.
 

Dshane

Active Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2016
Messages
266
Location
New Hampshire
I think that this has been inquired about before. Yes, there is going to be play in the drive line. I don't think there's any way to remove it. That being said, you could have excessive play. That would depend on mileage, and use of course.
Thanks Sierra, only 2500 miles so far. Did I ask this before? If I did I apologize, I did search my posts and didn't locate my asking it. The memory is the second thing to go.
 

Akratis

Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2021
Messages
44
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
Since day one with my 2020, when I have it on the center stand, in neutral and move the tire back and forth a small amount, there is. a clicking noise coming from the "U-joint". I never noticed the noise when I had my FJR, another drive-shaft bike. I will try to attach a 12 second video with the noise. Don't mind the background noise that sounds like a fan.

Yeah, can't seem to upload video!!

It's almost as if there is a little play in the joint.

Comments would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Dave
Hello Dshane,
Afaik, some noise from rear tire/shaft area when running on center stand is considered quite normal. It has a technical explanation but I will leave that part to more competent members. :)
Regards
 

Dshane

Active Member
Joined
Nov 20, 2016
Messages
266
Location
New Hampshire
Akratis,
I do this with the engine off, just move the tire back and forth about one half inch or so. Are you thinking of back lash?
 

Akratis

Member
Joined
Sep 11, 2021
Messages
44
Location
Istanbul, Turkey
Akratis,
I do this with the engine off, just move the tire back and forth about one half inch or so. Are you thinking of back lash?
Hmm, I have a similar play on my bike and also some mechanical tick if I move the tire but I didn't consider it as unusual.
I am a noob on these matters tho :)
 

TomZ

Member
Joined
Mar 24, 2014
Messages
60
Location
Pacific Northwest
I should clarify my earlier comment. Rocking the wheel back and forth produces a small lash in the drive gears (but not in the u-joint). According to the service manual, a small amount of gear backlash is essential for proper operation of the drive. So evidently this is normal.
 

EternalGarage

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2023
Messages
34
Location
Las Vegas, NV, US
I'm late to the discussion, but picked up a 13K mile S10 recently. Changed the gear oil and ran it for a moment on the center stand in 1st gear to check for leaks, etc. There was a rattling noise coming from the front of the shaft where it meets the engine. I understand it wasn't under load and that would be "normal", but wanted to check in to make sure. With these miles I'm thinking it's either normal or something like an adjustment. Thoughts?
 

EternalGarage

Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2023
Messages
34
Location
Las Vegas, NV, US
Thanks for the recommendations :). I've had two shafties before, neither of which did this. Needed to know! I'm guessing the lash is spec'd like this to be optimized when in motion?
 

WJBertrand

Ventura Highway
Joined
Jun 20, 2015
Messages
4,516
Location
Ventura, CA
Thanks for the recommendations :). I've had two shafties before, neither of which did this. Needed to know! I'm guessing the lash is spec'd like this to be optimized when in motion?
The Super Ténéré has a that 270°, uneven firing 2 cylinder engine sending pulses down the power train. It’s going to rattle the various clearance lashes much more noticeably than a smoother four or an even firing twin.
 

cyclemike4

Well-Known Member
Joined
Sep 18, 2016
Messages
815
Location
ky
When you turn the rear wheel, on the center stand… “it is not” the normal working position. The only crosshead that the cardan has, have too much working angle, which makes it rattle...
that is very interesting. I wonder how bad the home made drive shafts we put together out of black iron pipe and or square tubing changed speeds at the drive end? Of course back then it was cut your way in and weld your way out. They always seemed to work well though.
 
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