Bearing noise over 70mph

[Ibex]

The day before my recent European trip I noticed what I thought was a bearing noise (of the ying, ying , ying variety) on my 2012 R1200GSA. I was doing between 70 and 75 . I backed off to below 70 and the noise stopped. Over 70 it starts up again. The bike has done 36k and regularly serviced including splines greased etc. My first thought was FD bearing - although the noise doesn't acvtually seem to be coming from the back when riding? I could believe front wheel bearing - or even an alternator bearing ( although that would be engine speed related which I don't think is the case.) Although I can't actually provide the noise, do the symptoms appear familar to anybody on here - before I start tearing the FD apart?

 

[Kenny Rodkiss]

Tyre noise.?

 

[mike wright]

As above I would guess Tyres as this is what was the cause of my concerns when I had a similar issue

 

[davegs]

Why would the F.D. only make a noise at that speed?, could it be something being noisy through wind pressure.I would suspect tyre noise.

 

[lucas]

Yes Tyre Noise. What tyres are you using?? Conti Trail Attack 3 If you haven't already.

 

[Ibex]

Yes Tyre Noise. What tyres are you using?? Conti Trail Attack 3 If you haven't already.

The tyres are Michelin Road 6. Only done a few hundred miles before setting off on this trip. These are the latest in the range (I think) and I've been fitting earlier iterations for some years now without any trouble. I could believe it's tyres though. I had them well pumped up for the heavy load touring setting (2.5/2.9). The noise began the afternoon before I set off - and I may have already upped the pressures at that point.

I also note davegs comment on why make a noise at only 70 - 75. Probably unlikley.

Thank you gentlemen, I will go test and report back.

 

[Ibex]

It's a murkle!
Having had the bike on the ramp and examined FD bearings for the slightest noise, front wheel bearings for play and looked for tyre abnormalities and reset tyre pressures to solo rider - I took the bike out again this morning. I did more than 40 miles on M65 and M61 and the thing is as quiet as a mouse. Sitting at 73mph was smooth and silent as a smooth and silent thing and not at all like how it sounded on my recent trip down to Switzerland and back!
The biggest change has probably been to drop the tyre pressures down to single rider from rider and full luggage. I have also taken the panniers off since I have returned, which would take weight off the back....
The upshot is that the noise that was driving me mad a week ago has gone away and I don't really know why. I am however relieved that the FD doesn't have to come apart.

Thank you for your contributions to solving this non problem

 

[leadfarmer]

Tyre noise often depends upon the tarmac you’re riding on so it can come and go