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Photo by Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



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  • 1 Post By mollydog

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  #1  
Old 16 Oct 2015
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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
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Old 17 Oct 2015
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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)
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Old 17 Oct 2015
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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.
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Old 17 Oct 2015
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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!
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