Strange Swishing Noise Coming from left side of bike when riding

Hey everyone,

I have this strange noise that has been bothering me with my bike ever since I recently purchased it. First off the bike is a 2003 VFR800 with approx. 32,000 miles on it. Took the bike to a local bike shop and had them go through the bike ( oil & filter, plugs, air filter, coolant, brake fluid, etc). I had them ride the bike to see if they could also hear this weird noise that I was hearing at low operating speeds. The noise almost sounds like a sowing machine if you can imagine the noise, but I can only hear it when I am either A) decelerating the bike or B) riding on the bike going anywhere from 30-45 mph at around roughly 3-4500rpm. Any ideas what it might be? And like I said the sound is only coming from the left side of the bike. The noise is even more apparent when you are actually not on the bike having someone else ride the motorcycle past you the noise is even more noticeable. The guys at the local shop actually found out that my front wheel bearing was completely shot to the point that you could actually shake the front wheel with your own bare hand without that much effort, so they originally thought it was the rotors grinding up against the brake pads that was causing the weird noise. But after putting in new wheel bearing and putting it all back together the noise is still there. I originally thought it was the valves when I was first riding on the bike since I originally thought the noise was actually right under the tank, but as I said I found out later on from in town riding that the noise is coming from the left side of the bike. One of the guys at the shop is a honda tech from MMI and he thinks it could possibly be the chain that is making the noise. Again if anyone who has any knowledge or previous experience with this type if situation could give me some advice or ideas I am all ears.

 

Just tried that out. Noise is not coming from engine. It's coming from the chain. Exact area the noise is coming from is the front chain sprocket next to shifter. It's making a somewhat grinding sound like it isn't moving freely, like it is getting caught up on something. I checked the chain as well and it seems to be a little loose. Not to the point of flapping in the wind but there is some play in the chain.

I had read on another thread something regarding the oem front chain sprockets having some kind of rubber on them that helps deaden this noise?

So in the event that it is the front sprocket anyone have any idea as far as complexity of repair and cost in parts?

Also at this point should I just replace the chain as well?

Anything else that I should look through or replace while I am in there?

 

It sounds like a worn or really dry and soon to be worn out chain to me. There is always some chain noise even when new so is this something that just started or ??

Can you get us a picture of the rear sprocket? If we can see the profile of the teeth we can tell yu if it is worn or not.

You probably know this but, when / if you replace the chain, always replace the sprockets too or you will need another new chain in a month!


This seems like a great excuse to post a pic of a sprocket!

 

I actually just got back from the bike shop I have been going to. Turns out that the master link on the chain was put on incorrectly. Whoever put on the chain must have pinched the master link to tightly or locked it incorrectly because the master link will not bend when going around the front and rear chain sprockets. The link will actually "pop" which is giving me the noise that I am hearing whil riding down the road. So it looks like a new chain and sprockets are in order then. Put some chain lube on it and helped with the noise a little, but will definitely be replacing the chain and sprokets. Will post pictures tomorrow morning of the chain and sprockets.

 

Also while I am thinking out loud whats the likely hood of the bike still having the original chain and sprockets on it? The individual who I purchased the bike from said that he did his own maintenance on the bike, but from what I am starting to see he hardly did any maintenance on the bike besides oil changes.

Also whats a good aftermarket chain to get for the bike? I don't necessary need a performance type chain, but at the same time i wouldn't mind getting something that will make the ride a little more enjoyable.

What are some good brands to go with for a chain and sprocket set up on the VFR800?

 

Did the guys at the shop actually adjust the chain properly?. Chains never stretch evenly & they can get bloody noisy as the loose/tight sections go over the rear sprocket. Just check that the tightest part of the chain is not over tight (turn the rear wheel till you find it). And do that when you replace it, other wise that noise will come back.

 

None, at 32k, the chain would beyond the adjustment point unless it was meticulously cared for and the previous owner rode the bike like a baby. Also, since you say that the master link was installed incorrectly, it has been replaced. Not to say this couldn't have happened at the factory but chances of it happening and not getting caught for 32k miles isn't a possibility. Someone probably replaced the chain at around 20k-25 miles.

 

Just figured I would give an update to everyone on the bike. Turns out there was a really bad tight spot in the chain that was causing the swishing noise that I was hearing. Ironically I had bought a 530 x ring chain for my old 87 VFR 700f that I never put on before I sold it, and it just happens to be oem spec chain so I had the guys over at Road and Track Cycles in San Antonio and had them replace the chain and both front and rear sprockets. Bike runs so much better, not as much hesitation as there was before. Also had them flush all fluids and replace spark plugs. These guys are have the best quality of work for a really decent price in the San Antonio area. Would highly recommend these guys to anyone in the area that doesn't have a mechanic to work on their bike.