Got a 'new' Strange Noise at Low Speed - any thoughts on what to look for?

[CAV06]

My 2023 Spyder RT Limited has just developed a strange noise at low speed. It's not a loud sound, just something that I noticed because it's a new sound. It's a weird sound, like a metallic rubbing noise, or like a low-pitched moan. It's hard to describe. It's also strange in that I only hear it at just above an idle and only after I've ridden for a bit. I can't hear it at speeds any higher than just above an idle, but I'm not sure if that is because road/engine noise is drowning it out. I'm still experimenting with how far I have to go before it starts. It doesn't make the noise in reverse.

It started after I had the 3000-mile service done. I noticed the sound when I pulled into my driveway after the drive home. I looked over the bike, but I couldn't see any obvious things that might be rubbing. I drove up and down my street the next day listening for the noise, but I didn't hear the noise. I went for a longer ride, and I heard the sound again as I pulled out of the gas station after I'd topped off. It was still making the sound when I pulled into my driveway. It's been raining the last three days since, but I'm going to experiment with it again tomorrow. Any thoughts about what to look for?

I have an appointment with my dealer, but it's not for two weeks. I hate to let it sit until then, but I'm also concerned about damaging the bike if I ride it.

 

[ARtraveler]

keep us posted. Added weight (the gas) seemed to be cause/effect. Something with the suspension ? :bowdown:

 

[Jetfixer]

Could be a wild guess here, but do you have a belt idler installed? I've seen a few of the factory installed idlers out of alignment. They can be far enough out for the side of the idler arm to rub on the belt. This "could" cause the moaning sound you describe as the belt would be rubbed like a violin string. Also, this would not happen in reverse, since the belt tends to wander in reverse, and you wouldn't normally reach any speed in reverse. (I hope!!)

 

[CAV06]

Thanks for the input, but no belt idler.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Thanks for the input, but no belt idler.

You sure about that? It's a factory installed part, although most call it a tensioner or a dampener. Mine came with one. Anyway, mine has been doing that, or something like that, since new. No adverse effects after a year. I chalked it up to the front brake discs rotating against the pads through the caliper after things get warmed up, or a belt noise. Just some sort of resonance. Never found anything rubbing. It's all fine under there.

Keep the appointment, if you want, and see what they say. In the mean time, release the parking brake, push it around your garage by hand, and see if anything worrisome catches your ear. Remembering that a cogged belt will normally make some noise.

 

[troop]

Thanks for the input, but no belt idler.

Unless you removed it, the 2023 RTL comes OEM with a belt idler pulley.
https://www.partshark.com/oemparts/a/cam/6489b597e71a5b34d96f744a/drive-rear-common-parts

 

[Mikey]

And I have to ask what they did when they did your last service? Did they play with your alignment, or belt tension? How is the belt riding on the rear sprocket? Can you pinpoint where the noise is coming from?

 

[CAV06]

Yeah, brain cramp on the idler.

 

[CAV06]

It was the first 3000-mile service - an oil change and basic checks - fluid levels, battery, etc. Included checking the drive belt, but they didn't make any adjustments. No adjustment to alignment.

I can't narrow down where the noise is coming from beyond the front of the bike.

I pushed the bike down my driveway in neutral, but I couldn't get the sound. Glad I have a sloped driveway.

Odd thing happened today. I was going out again to try and narrow down the sound. I hit a small pothole at very slow speed at the end of my driveway. I was surprised because I heard a distinct thunk or clunk out of proportion to the size of the pothole and my speed. Looked under the bike and didn't see anything wrong. Rode for over an hour on back roads and only thought I heard the noise a couple of times, though it was faint enough that it made me question if I actually heard it. Maybe something out of alignment dropped back in when I hit the pothole?

I definitely heard a very distinct noise the previous two times I rode. The only difference is the other rides included interstate speeds of 70+ mph. I'm going to run up the interstate on Monday and see what happens.

 

[Peter Aawen]

....

Odd thing happened today. I was going out again to try and narrow down the sound. I hit a small pothole at very slow speed at the end of my driveway. I was surprised because I heard a distinct thunk or clunk out of proportion to the size of the pothole and my speed. Looked under the bike and didn't see anything wrong. Rode for over an hour on back roads and only thought I heard the noise a couple of times, though it was faint enough that it made me question if I actually heard it. Maybe something out of alignment dropped back in when I hit the pothole?

I definitely heard a very distinct noise the previous two times I rode. The only difference is the other rides included interstate speeds of 70+ mph. I'm going to run up the interstate on Monday and see what happens.

Maybe you'd picked up a stone or something else that was caught in the undercarriage or between a wheel & fender or something similarly obscure?? Look for rub marks or scratches that might show where anything like that could've been jammed - around the wheels, brakes, and fenders (front and rear); inboard of the muffler; anywhere near the entire length of the belt... etc etc :dontknow:

It's most likely not a biggie, but if you can't readily find it, your only choices are to keep riding until something reveals itself in the fullness of time; or take it and your first-born sacrif.... pps: err, child to your dealer! :yikes:

So for my 2-bob's worth, if the noise has seemingly gone atm, don't stress over it anymore! Just be happy it's gone; & Ride More, Worry Less! hyea:

 

[Mikey]

Dirt in the brakes, or maybe a dry bushing in the A arms on the front end.:dontknow:

 

[baxter]

My experience with 2 Spyders in last 4 years is that there will be more than one different squeak, rattle, and vibration that come and go as time goes by. It's the Nature of the beast. If all systems work, I tend to enjoy the ride.

 

[CAV06]

3-hour ride on interstate and highway and no noise heard after the ride. I don't know if it was the pothole at low speed earlier, but the noise is gone. Frustrating, not to know what it was, but thanks for all the advice. Yep, Peter Aawen and baxter, I'm going to get back out there and enjoy the ride!

 

[Mikey]

Ride more, worry less!!!:2thumbs: