HORRIBLE BUZZING ON NEW XJ6 DIVVY F (Your Advice Please)!!!

[stevef]

Hi All

I need some advice please, especially if you’re a rider of a new Yammy XJ6 Divvy F!
I bought a brand spanking new Divvy from my local dealer JW Groombridge in Heathfield, East Sussex two weeks ago and on my ride home noticed a horrible buzzing noise between 30mph-43mph and roughly between 4/5000 revs (3rd & 4th gear). I took it back the next day and asked if they would look at it for a second opinion and the sales manager said sure and took it for a spin. When he got back he agreed with me that it was very buzzy so he took out another Divvy they had as a courtesy bike and said the courtesy bike was quieter. I tried holding down all the fairings & screen etc... to see if I could pinpoint the buzz but couldn’t and neither could he which got me to thinking it was something in the engine/gearbox?

He asked that I give it till the first service (600miles) just to see if the noise ‘beds in’ or becomes less intrusive which I thought was fair enough so over the next 3 days I easily knocked out the 600 miles but the noise actually become more intrusive!!

They agreed to take a further look at it during the first service but the mechanic concluded that ‘he couldn’t hear a noise’? WTF! I was livid! (and I might add no panels where removed or parts on the bike so not really much of an effort to look at all then!) The following day the service manager then agreed to take my bike for a test spin and agreed it had a ‘buzz’ but believed it was a ‘characteristic’ of the bike, just very unfortunate for me that my bikes ‘characteristic’ was louder than most!?

The service manager said he could take the matter no further since there was ‘no fault’ he could not approach Yamaha UK Warranty as he couldn’t ask them for permission to fix something that was not broken (so to speak)? I suggested he ask them for permission to investigate a buzzing noise under warranty which he refused to do!

Straight after that phone call I phoned Yamaha UK customer services whom politely listened to me and agreed to speak to JW Groombridge in Heathfield regarding my new buzzy bike (but Yammy UK customer service did add that bikes have ‘characteristics’ or ‘inherent traits’)! I’ve had enough bikes in the past to know all bikes make different sounds and have different characters about them but when I say my bike is buzzing I really do mean BUZZING!

As a matter of course, I also fired my dealer and Yammy UK a letter of dissatisfaction quoting the riot act, Sale of Goods 1979 etc..... you know the drill (repair, replace or refund) Sadly I paid in full no credit etc... so they have all my money.

The next day I phoned Yammy UK back and was kindly informed that they had given permission to JW Groombridge to ‘investigate’ further under warranty my bikes buzzing. The service manager informed me they are this time going to remove all panels and check screws/bolts for tightness etc...

One thing I didn’t think to test was if the noise went away with the clutch in? (could it be a thrust bearing issue at a certain rev)? I have asked if they would test ride the bike with the fairing off to eliminate the engine being the issue. This all seems like a fairly routine way of problem solving, however I don’t know if they will actually try it.

Needless to say they’ve now had the bike since this Tuesday past (27th Sept.) and I am still without it so can’t enjoy out little Indian heat wave...

Is anybody else experiencing a buzzing noise on Yamaha’s bike or more specifically on the new XJ6 Divvy? And is this level of service standard from all motorcycle dealers in the South of England? It’d be great to hear your opinions.

Steve

Ps. I will try to keep this thread update as and when I get feedback from Yammy/JW Groombridge.

[Pete.]

Must be frustrating for you but the dealer would not get paid for doing unauthorised warranty work. I guess how they deal with this next round will be what you should judge them on.

'Buzzing' can be caused by so many things and be really hard to track down. My bike buzzes now after going over on it's side a couple of weeks ago and I haven't had the time to trace it yet.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[stevef]

[iooi]

As requested....

Well mine was a 97 XJS.

So not really the same bike. But did have a buzzing from the fairing area.

One thing that has come to mind with you saying it gets better with clutch in.
Is the chain too tight, or not got enough lube on it.

Sadly my divvy departs this week, thanks ebay.

I have had a Versys for 18 months and this too has this trait. I have solved this as have many other riders by adding some sticky foam to various points on the fairing.
Perhaps if you posted a pic of the front faiirng from the front it might help to see, where to place anything like this.

I do know that there are one or 2 new divvy owners in the forum linked in my sig, so try posting there.
____________________
Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[0l0dom0l0]

It's funny my dad had a 59 plate XJ6 and he complained about exactly the same thing.

All I ever heard from him was 'There is something not right, it vibrates loads at motorway speeds'.

Sadly, I wasn't insured so couldn't take the thing out and see what he meant although I would possibly be able to help you.

He traded his in for an 08 Fazer 1000 which he much prefers!
____________________
CBT Passed: 30/08/2009, Theory Passed: 31/08/2010, Mod 1 Passed: 6/9/2010, Mod 2 Passed: 13/09/2010. Restriction ended 13/09/2012.

Bikes: 2007 Derbi GPR 50, 1998 Yamaha Fazer 600 (written off), 2002 Yamaha Fazer 600, 1994 CBR 600F, 2003 Triumph Daytona 600, Kawasaki ZX6R J1.....Current: 2006 Yamaha FZ6, 1998 Suzuki TL1000R and a Honda VFR 400 NC30.

[stevef]

Hi iooi

No I haven't had a chance to test if the buzz is there with the clutch in... It's something I need to try after the bike is returned to me.

And when I get the bike back I'll try to upload a pic for you guys to give me a bit of advice on where to stick the blue-peter sticky tape!!? Dya think Yamaha Warranty will cover the 49p tape!

Thanks

Steve

Ps. I'll check out your link!

[Rogerborg]

Fecking idiotic dealers.

Get in there tomorrow and hand them a letter saying (in essence) this:


The bike clearly has a manufacturing defect. It is not a "characteristic" sound. If it were, then you would have known about it, and have been able to explain what causes it. You are unable to do so.

The vehicle was purchased from you, not from Yamaha. The responsibility to fix it is yours. You have now had three opportunity to do so: during the PDI; when I first notified you of it; and now since Tuesday 27th. You have made no progress, have offered no explanation for the lack of progress, nor have you offered to to defray my costs by providing a courtesy bike.

Since you have completely reneged on your responsibility to rectify the fault, I now have no choice but to take the bike to an independent garage to have the defect investigated and fixed. I will be invoicing you for the full amount, and am quite prepared to file a small claim suit to recover the costs.

You can avoid this by rectifying the problem by close of business today. No further opportunity will be offered.

Lulz and such,
stevef
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[stevef]

[Beelzebob]

Think you'd do well to listen to Roger

Certainly the 58/59 plate XJ6-Ns I did my training on (back end of last year) had no significant vibrations at motorway speeds - and these had done thousands of miles.

Hope you get it sorted mate.
____________________
'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"

[Pete.]

My '96 bike didn't vibrate significantly more at any particular revs than any other.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[JP7]

I have an FZ6, which is similar to the XJ6, and it does make a significant buzzing noise in the middle of the rev range. It is possible that it's a characteristic. I spoke to another guy with an FZ6 and his buzzes too.

[stinkwheel]

Probably not all that relevant but I've had a couple of bikes which developed a highly intrusive buzzing at certain revs. On both occasions, it was due to one of the rubber bushes the tank sits on having moved out of position making it possible for part of the tank to touch the frame. In neither case did it sound like it was coming from the tank, more a feeling of a high frequency rattling radiating up the bars.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Werny]

I have the XJ6s, the half faired divvy, and I get a buzzing sound around 3-4k rpm, but to me it definately sounds like a plastics vibration, and I only really hear it in first or 2nd gear, after that general road and wind noise are louder, so I can't imagine it's any where near as intrusive as the boise you're hearing.

The engine on mine feels a bit more viby at 70mph in top, which is easily rectified by travelling at 80 instead

As to where to put the tape, try sticking it anywhere two panels meet, between them to try and damp any vibration happening. One source I suspect for my vibration is where the fairing inners sit right above the tank, there is minimal clearance there and I'd consider getting some of that clear tank protector tape or even a few of those spot protectors and sticking them between the tank and fairing where I show in the picture.

[Whosthedaddy]

I think my 11 plate XJ6 has a noise / rattle/ hum when out and about?

Nothing that worries me too much as going far too fast to hear it or got ear phones in.


____________________
Current : MSX 125 Past : CBR 900RR Monkeybike : c50 LAC : ZXR750 H2 : FZR600 : ZX7R P3 : YW100 : TRX850: Trophy 900 T309 : GSXR 600 L0: Monkeybike : XJ6S Whosthedaddy

[stevef]

Thanks for all the tips guys... good work!

Werny thanks for the pic. When/if I ever get my bike back I will try laying some cloth down either side of the tank between the tank & fairing to see if that works, and if it does will stick something more permanent down there!

JW Groombridge have had my bike longer than I have now (tomorrow will be a week) they where supposed to call me back on Saturday but never did (nor Sunday) and they are closed on Mondays.

I'm hoping for some good news!

Steve

[The Spin Doctor]

I've put 10k on an 09 XJ6 Diversion over the last 15 months.

Can you be a bit more specific about this "buzzing"? Are you talking about a noise or a vibration? Your first post talks about a noise but other replies are mentioning vibration and you're kind of agreeing with them.

My guess from your initial post is that what you're actually hearing IS characteristic of the bike - it's induction noise, from the intake side of the motor. It's a kind of 'rasping' sound and is quite pronounced in lower gears because there's not the wind noise in the helmet to mask it as there is at higher speeds.

Are you wearing ear plugs? It'll be much more pronounced if you're not.

If it IS the induction noise, it's nothing to worry about. Some bikes make quite a racket on the induction side (silencing it restricts air flow and can hit power outputs).

Just for info's sake, the 2008-on XJ6 Diversion has nothing in common with the old XJ600 Diversion apart from the name.
____________________
"Force has no place where there is need of skill" Herodotus 450BC

[stevef]

Hi Doc

Yes I am describing a loud buzzing noise. There is also a vibration but I take that as part of the package (I sat on the bike for 5 hours at one sitting clocking up some service miles and when I got off I thought someone had taken an axe to my behind and I couldn't feel my fingers for an hour until I had a good soak in the bath first)! So atleast I now know this bike was not built for touring!!

The induction noise theory is interesting... I hope to hear something about that when I speak to the dealer again today.
My dealers service dept. hasn't mentioned any of these idea's, bar the 'fairing' theory which I hope it is.

I called this morning and have been told they couldn't finish rebuilding the bike on Saturday as they ran out of time, as it apparently takes between 3-5 hours to strip a bike. They mentioned the bike is stripped at present and will be ready lunchtime.

Steve

Does this bike have a fan? Could this be what im hearing at certain speeds??

[The Spin Doctor]

Hmm.

Vibration first. There's a mild four cylinder "coffee grinder" vibration but that's fairly typical of all inline fours and rarely a problem unless you sit at exactly the same revs for hour after hour.

I rode mine down to the Dordogne mostly on back roads to run a training course for an ex-pat last year - that was around 450 miles and ten hours in the saddle (with fuel stops!) and I didn't have any problem with vibes through the bars. You sure you're not holding the bars too tight? If you're in the saddle for 5 hours, yes your backside is going to feel a bit sore, particularly if you're not used to riding. The seat's not the best I've ever sat on, but it's far from the worst! I'd happily load it up and head off to Scotland or the S of France, it's perfectly usable.

One thing a fairing does is tend to channel induction noise (plus all the rustling of the top end) back to the rider - it's quite noticable if you ride a naked version of a bike with a fairing. I have a faired Hornet and that has a distinct "buzz" which interestingly I barely hear but the on-board video cam I use for filming training picks up very clearly.

There is a fan, and you'll notice it when it kicks in, not by the noise because with earplugs I can barely hear it, but by the fact your legs suddenly start getting cooked.

If you're not happy with the feedback from the dealer, I'm guessing I'm not too far from you (I'm in NE Kent) and could take it for a run for you and tell you if it's any different to mine.
____________________
"Force has no place where there is need of skill" Herodotus 450BC

[The Spin Doctor]

[geko]

Over on the https://www.fz6r-forum.com site there are quite a few threads about annoying buzzing sounds and possible fixes.

I know the FZ6R is the fully faired bike but mostly the problems seem to be related to the plastics/fairings which would be similar on the half faired XJ6 Diversion. (edit Just noticed you have the fully faired bike so probably even more relevant)

[stevef]

Right... ok guys this is how the land lies...

Went to my dealership to collect the bike yesterday at midday after I received a call from them to say "they had removed the buzzing"!! Yes I too had to laugh or maybe that was squeem directly after the very large piece of salt I had to take with their comments. They did take snapshots of the bike with all the fairing off, which I didn't ask for (but tbh they could of been from any bike as I had no way to verify, no rear snapshot) and yes I have become that cynical. But they say that they had no idea how they did it, it just went away after stripping and rebuilding the bike. Now that I can believe I know that oddities like that do sometimes happen.

I took the bike for a test ride and in fairness it seemed better, there was still a little bit of buzzing at 17mph & 26mph but since you ride straight through that it's not an issue for me. At 30mph the buzzing had gone for the most part! I am more than happy to live with the odd side effects when they're only small.

After I returned from my test ride I was given my tax disc/HOLDER back (the original that came with the bike) and advised to move the holder from the front forks to a better postion, but before I left just for ease, we put the holder back on the front forks and I noticed an increase in vibey noise again when riding home??? Could I really have been without my bike for a week because of the tax disc holder! That's pretty messed up!

The buzz is still there but it's easily liveable with now... at last! This could have been dealt with far easier I think and I hold the dealership liable, if only for the slow unhelp customer services... even if they did 'kindof' come through in the end. Yamaha still have great products (I won't be easily de-suaded from buying another in the far future after I've tried afew other brands) but I will be more picky and test ride more bikes, although im sure they all have their cons!

I'm gonna let sleeping dogs lie now as quite honestly im can't be ar$ed to fight anymore and I want to just 'enjoy the ride'!!

Thanks all for help, tips & advice and geko for the fz6r forum link, thats a cool site!

Steve

[Pete.]

Sounds like a perfectly plausible explaination to me - the holder would tend to resonate at certain speeds and being on the forks that would get transmitted directly to the bars. What I can't understand is why you would re-fit it in the place it was causing the vibes, but I'm sure you have your reasons.
____________________
a.k.a 'Geri'

132.9mph off and walked away. Gear is good, gear is good, gear is very very good

[stevef]

[Rogerborg]

Glad to hear it, I hope that it "beds in", as they like to say.

Aside, I had a buzzing from my GPz305 for the last week, but it's stopped now, so I assume whatever was making it has fallen off.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

[stevef]