Hey guys, Bike is running great since my last thread on the RR replacement. So far, no issues whatsoever except I'm getting a minor noise in the front end of my 2000 Vfr800. Two noises actually. One is caused from my brakes rubbing. Which under my understanding is normal for brake pads to always be touching the rotor on a motorcycle, but you can hear it rubbing. What do you's suggest? The pads still have a lot of meat left so I'm wondering it maybe it's because I parked my bike for the past 6 months due to our crazy winters (Canada) and that if I drive it for a bit while holding the brakes down, it will wear away whatever surface is causing the noise. The other noise I suspect is my wheel bearing but I'll ask here in case I'm wrong. It sounds almost like a subtle "driving over gravel" noise. You can hear it more when going higher speeds, then I'll just engage the clutch to make sure it's not coming from the engine. Thanks ahead of time everyone
In my experience a bit of brake drag is normal for the VFR. If you jack the front end off the ground the front wheel should be able to spin for a revolution or so, but not much more. If it won't spin freely that is another issue and you probably want to look at least at cleaning around the caliper seals and pistons. The other thing to check is the sliding pins the calipers sit on, these should be able to move freely and if not, you need to disassemble, clean and re-grease them. After that if you still have significant drag, new caliper seals would be in order. You could also consider a disc and pad clean using a scotchbrite pad and brake cleaner. While you have the front end elevated is a good time to check the wheel bearings. If you grab the wheel rim and try to rock it from side to side on the axle, you will be able to feel if the bearings are worn/loose (a bit of slop or knocking) or tight (no movement).
I had an issue with the front brakes dragging a bit on my 2000 VFR and come across the following thread that was started by another member of the site. The thread involves cleaning the bobbins on the brake rotors. After reading the thread and following the instructions in the video, the squeaking and dragging I had been experience went away completely. Can't guarantee that it may help with your particular issue, but it was an easy and inexpensive repair since all that is needed is some time, a couple nuts, bolts and washers, some wrenches, and a can of brake cleaner. http://vfrworld.com/forums/showthread.php/46539-Brake-Disc-Bobbins?highlight=brake+bobbin
cleaned mine this past week......... they were all moving beforehand but an easy job to do, still could feel the difference as you cleaned them with brake cleaner they all started to turn smoother as you sprayed them.
