Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Tech
Tech ALL bikes: "Generic" tech questions and answers. Maintenance, general discussions etc.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By mollydog

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 16 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
squeaking/rubbing sound from wheels in new xt660z

Hi,
can somebody advice is it normal in new bike, I only did 15km after delivery so far and have that metallic sound while riding coming from wheels, I thing from rotors. When applying brakes it seems to stop.
Also front brake when squeezed emits some ticking sound, again is it normal?
Whole bikes after warm up smells still fresh grease etc, I guess during braking in period all that sounds and smell is normal but wanted to check with you.
thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 17 Oct 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
Yes, I believe it's all probably normal on a NEW machine. The weird smells for sure are normal. You could carefully WASH the bike when cool to remove some of the oil residue from factory/assembly.

The brakes squeaking is likely the brake pads and the rotors getting to know each other. Go EASY on your brakes for about 400 km. Do not over heat them or use them too hard.

To reduce clicking, try using Steel Wool, go over the rotors in the contact area ...go with the grain of the steel. This will remove tiny irregularities from rotor surface. CLEAN rotors with Brake Kleen (or similar)

If clicking or squeaking persists, put bike UP on a stand, spin wheels, apply brakes. Try to identify the problem. Could be anything from improperly mounted Speedo drive, bearings and spacers in incorrect order, no grease on axle or a loose axle nut.

On a new bike it is ALWAYS a good idea to check all nuts and bolts you can reach for tightness. A torque wrench is best ... if you don't have one ... just do the best you can with normal tools. Having owned MANY new bikes, I have found some disturbing things:

Loose axle nuts
Loose steering head (needed adjustment)
Loose (nearly falling out!) brake caliper bolts
Various loose screws on body work, shield, seat and more
Loose triple clamp bolts (4 per fork usually)
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 17 Oct 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 489
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
Yes, I believe it's all probably normal on a NEW machine. The weird smells for sure are normal. You could carefully WASH the bike when cool to remove some of the oil residue from factory/assembly.

The brakes squeaking is likely the brake pads and the rotors getting to know each other. Go EASY on your brakes for about 400 km. Do not over heat them or use them too hard.

To reduce clicking, try using Steel Wool, go over the rotors in the contact area ...go with the grain of the steel. This will remove tiny irregularities from rotor surface. CLEAN rotors with Brake Kleen (or similar)

If clicking or squeaking persists, put bike UP on a stand, spin wheels, apply brakes. Try to identify the problem. Could be anything from improperly mounted Speedo drive, bearings and spacers in incorrect order, no grease on axle or a loose axle nut.

On a new bike it is ALWAYS a good idea to check all nuts and bolts you can reach for tightness. A torque wrench is best ... if you don't have one ... just do the best you can with normal tools. Having owned MANY new bikes, I have found some disturbing things:

Loose axle nuts
Loose steering head (needed adjustment)
Loose (nearly falling out!) brake caliper bolts
Various loose screws on body work, shield, seat and more
Loose triple clamp bolts (4 per fork usually)
wow, loose axle nut??? what kinda dealer releases motorcycle like that...

thanks a lot, will check all screws then first thing in the morning.
I hope those brakes will settle. When I look at the disk brakes in front they look like very tight to the rotor, so the front wheel doesn't move so freely on stand.

One more question, I find this bike not so eager to start up when cold, is it the thumper thing? On my other bikes with twin cylinders, engine run properly from the beginning.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 17 Oct 2015
mollydog's Avatar
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,824
As your engine breaks in ... cold starting should improve. For most big single cylinder engines, here is the routine that usually works well:
1. Fuel ON
2. Choke ON 100% (cold start only)
3. Hit start button ... but DO NOT touch throttle until engine starts up.

If you operate throttle during cranking, bike may be even harder to start.
This is also true when engine is HOT. So ... generally ... do not touch throttle until engine fires up! Usually works well.
All will get better at around 1500 km.

I'd suggest reading your owners manual carefully. Then go to Tenere' forums and ask fellow owners all your questions. You will get a better response from those who actually own the bike and may be able to help you solve problems.

Good luck!
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Yamaha XT 600 SM / Enduro wheels for sale Zergman TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 19 Feb 2015 13:02
No More R100gs Wheels elray245 BMW Tech 7 1 Nov 2014 18:37
spoke wheels vs mag wheels for offroad robson Tech 4 10 Jun 2014 15:54
Mongolian road conditions in May sushi2831 Northern and Central Asia 21 7 Jul 2013 14:19
Three Wheels To Terror -XXXX Rated Sun Chaser Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else 0 2 Mar 2012 14:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-14
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 05:56.