08-01-2015, 03:34 AM
Well the good news is that I believe the noise on my bike is now 90% reduced.
I put the bike on its center stand and loosened the rear axle using a 27mm socket on the right side and 22mm socket on left side.
I slacked off the two 8mm chain adjustment bolts and gave the rear wheel a spin and wiggle just to ensure it was moving freely.
I then proceeded to adjust the chain tension as per the manual which states 1 to 1.4 inches of up and down free play measured in the middle of the lower chain run (mine was definately too tight to begin with at approx 3/4 of an inch.
When I had the chain tension within spec I made smaller adjustment to get the wheel perfectly centered (now exactly 3 notches either side on mine).
Following this I carefully tightened the rear axle bolt till it was snug then rechecked the alignment of the wheel and tension of the chain.
Finally I torqued the rear axle bolt to 69 lb ft which is the spec for the 2014 models.
When spinning the rear wheel now the noise is almost gone and it has also made the brake rotor spin cleanly through the brake pad/caliper so much so that I did not feel it needed attention.
A quick road test confirmed a much quieter off throttle rear end.
To summary I think a dry and over tight chain coupled with minimal alignment issue was the cause. I will keep a close eye on this in the future.
Chapomis, I hope this helps you with your noise and definately recommend carrying out some checks to ensure your bike is right.
I put the bike on its center stand and loosened the rear axle using a 27mm socket on the right side and 22mm socket on left side.
I slacked off the two 8mm chain adjustment bolts and gave the rear wheel a spin and wiggle just to ensure it was moving freely.
I then proceeded to adjust the chain tension as per the manual which states 1 to 1.4 inches of up and down free play measured in the middle of the lower chain run (mine was definately too tight to begin with at approx 3/4 of an inch.
When I had the chain tension within spec I made smaller adjustment to get the wheel perfectly centered (now exactly 3 notches either side on mine).
Following this I carefully tightened the rear axle bolt till it was snug then rechecked the alignment of the wheel and tension of the chain.
Finally I torqued the rear axle bolt to 69 lb ft which is the spec for the 2014 models.
When spinning the rear wheel now the noise is almost gone and it has also made the brake rotor spin cleanly through the brake pad/caliper so much so that I did not feel it needed attention.
A quick road test confirmed a much quieter off throttle rear end.
To summary I think a dry and over tight chain coupled with minimal alignment issue was the cause. I will keep a close eye on this in the future.
Chapomis, I hope this helps you with your noise and definately recommend carrying out some checks to ensure your bike is right.