Clacking Noise Puzzle to solve

[adventuredon]

Strange one, started my 2010 gs this morning, 30 000 m and ridden regularly. I heard a loud clacking noise appearing to come from the right hand side behind me. I had my helmet on and just pulling away, so it was a real loud knocking (not slow rattling but rythmic banging. maybe 6/7 bangs in the 3 seconds? And it was definitely not one of the usual groans from my tractor!. It only lasted about 3 seconds but it is a noise I have not heard before. Sounded like something heavy really knocking hard - Noise was absent when I initially started the bike and after the the three second knock it went away. No ill feeling or sounds on 12 mile ride to work. No sounds other than the usual on the ride home..Bike is always on the centre stand overnight and it wasn't overly cold outside either. Had the FD visually checked over in front of me at BMW last month and there was no indication of a failure or play. So obviously I will keep an ear out for it tomorrow, but what the heck could it have been? Or is it a sign of FD wear? Bike due for 30 000 service so will mention it but unless it repeats itself, I'll sound nutty to BMW! Any suggestions?

 

[stigboots]

Drive shaft ??

 

[bisbee]

Go and visit Steptoe simples

 

[TLSgazza]

Did you run the neighbours cat over,.

When my driveshaft UJ was about to fall apart it made some awfull noises at walking speed if I wasn't smooth with the throttle.
Put it on the mainstand and in first gear rotate the wheel back and forth to see if you get much in the way of noise from around the front end of the shaft drive.

 

[Bendy toy]

First rule out the nasties -

Check the FD oil for debris. ANY metal shards = big trouble if you keep on riding. But it could be the wheel spokes clickers have fallen out.

 

[Keith Chapman]

You did take your padlock off before you left didn't you. Well you have now

 

[adventuredon]

You did take your padlock off before you left didn't you. Well you have now

yes, thanks. Noise didn't re appear today and bike with vines tonight for the 30 000 service and replacement of the front gaiter on FD. They have to take it out to fit so asked them to look at it. But no more noise this am so now puzzled more! all good I suppose on the tractor.

 

[Bendy toy]

It could have been a nail in the tyre that banged around a few times and fell out. Do you have a hugger it could have rattled against?

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Get them to check the U/J's on the drive shaft.

 

[Bendy toy]

Also change the final drive oil and look for any debris.

 

[(RIP) Miff]

Lolly pop stick in the spokes??

 

[adventuredon]

Get them to check the U/J's on the drive shaft.

Well, just back from Vines after my 30k service. Spoke to the mechanic and he said all is good. He looked at the UJ and felt for play (as he was changing the front gaiter anyway). No problems, all as it should be. So -a mystery. Anyhow, on a better note, rode home at steady 70 and then some filtering and the usual Putney traffic...MPg reset at Vines and after the 27 mile home journey my MPG stands at 62.1....loving that! Hope it stays there. So no noise, nothing out of order, no nails to have hit anything...will keep this open just to update if anything comes of it but for now, I am content!

 

[Bendy toy]

Mine does about that if I can keep it below 50 - but that's a big if.

 

[SteveM]

Lolly pop stick in the spokes??

No, it was a playing card.

 

[adventuredon]

not returned so closing.