Rumbling rear end

[illustratedman]

Hi all need some fresh ideas as im stumped. I've got an 04 1150adv couple of weeks ago the rear end started to rumble quite badly felt and sounded like a wheel bearing does when on it's way out in a car, that's the nearest thing i can equate it to anyway, and at times the rear felt 'loose' whilst riding. The rumbling was only apparent whilst leant over and it made no difference if the engine was under load or not ie clutch puled in or not.

Rear wheel checked for play and a small amount was found so paralever bearings were adjusted and the play was removed. The rumbling persisted.

Bevel bearings were checked and no damage was evident but ive changed them both output and taper. Rumbling still there

Ive checked the shock and mounts, subframe no cracks no play in the swingarm, tyres arent square oh and it's a bit more vibey through the pegs and bars than normal, more combine harvester than tractor. Any ideas it's doing my head in

 

[Hong Kong Nick]

Just a thought - old tyres? Sounds very similar (but not sure I'd call it a rumble) to mine when the tyres were squared off. Still plenty of grip there but the motorway miles had taken their toll. I had the tyres replaced by BMW HK when I had the 50,000 KM service done and pnted out the problems with the rear. THey checked everything, said nothing was wrong but said it was the tyres - fresh tyres and the problem has gone

Just an idea. As I said, sounds familiar ESPECIALLY as the issue was more noticeable when the bike was cornering / leant over

Good luck.

Nick

 

[illustratedman]

Cheers Nick, that had crossed my mind, that and wheel balance but the tyres have only done 3k (conti trail attacks) and dont look to be squaring badly loads of tread left, defintie possibility though. I'd be loathed to change em with that much rubber left though to find out.

 

[illustratedman]

Tyres

Just had a really good look at the rear tyre. Although not squaring off badly the tyre has an unusual wear characteristic. The tread blocks where the bike would be at about 30 degree lean are significantly higher than the surrounding area which could create the rumbling effect (the small conti lettering is still visible on this area). The rumbling is most noticeable when tipping in to a corner, when leant right over and upright it dissapears.

 

[roadkill]

Illustratedman, my Anakees are making my 12gs grumble (angry?) when leant over.Due for replacement. I can also hear the tread against smooth tarmac when leaning. Hope thats it for you too!

 

[illustratedman]

Tyres

Me too, i'll live with it for the mo and get it checked at the next service. Cheers chaps.

 

[robb]

Just a thought - old tyres? Sounds very similar (but not sure I'd call it a rumble) to mine when the tyres were squared off. Still plenty of grip there but the motorway miles had taken their toll. I had the tyres replaced by BMW HK when I had the 50,000 KM service done and pnted out the problems with the rear. THey checked everything, said nothing was wrong but said it was the tyres - fresh tyres and the problem has gone

Just an idea. As I said, sounds familiar ESPECIALLY as the issue was more noticeable when the bike was cornering / leant over

Good luck.

Nick

seconded - had a similiar problem when I had an 1150. The dealer checked everything at the back and even changed the disk under warranty. No joy at all.
Noise went away when I got a new set of tyres

 

[illustratedman]

rumbling

Sounds like the tyres are the problem then, as ive checked and replaced everything else i think it could be.

 

[MJR]

I have noticed the same noise from my trail attacks on my 03 1150 .

 

[illustratedman]

I have noticed the same noise from my trail attacks on my 03 1150 .

Might be common to the tyre characteristics then as it wears. Ive not experienced anything quite the same on any other tyre in 20 odd years of riding. I've always been able to tell when a tyre is on the way out/squaring off etc by the feel, but as i've said these dont look bad at all but it seriously feels as if the rear end has a really rough bearing whilst riding.

If the tyres are the problem which i strongly suspect they are i dont think i'd go with them again,although they are the best i've had on the bike, great grip wet and dry and up until now very confidence inspiring. 3k tyre life is one of the reasons i dumped sports bikes, and these have spent 90% of their life on twisty A+B roads.

 

[Colban]

It seems like it's a common occurence with part worn dual-sport type tyres.
I have just swopped a Tourance onto my previously road tyre wearing 1150 and the noise and vibration at certain lean angles that suddenly appeared made me think the bike was falling to bits.Dont worry about it (assuming you've checking that nothing else is actually falling apart)