Vibration/knocking coming from rear wheel (Hornet)

dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

When riding along at around 40-50mph on my Hornet (2000 model with 16" front wheel), I can feel a kind of knocking, which feels like it's coming from the rear wheel, which I can feel ever so slightly through the footpegs. It knocks once on every revolution. I can just about feel it at lower speeds, but it is barely noticeable. Above 50-60mph, I can't feel it at all.

One of my mates suggested that my chain is probably in need of oiling (it was last done around 550 miles ago until today), so I gave it a good spray after a quick ride to warm it up. The tension is fine right now.

I haven't had a chance to ride it since oiling it, so I'm not sure if it is okay yet, but I just want to check if there is anything else I should look out for. The bike is coming to the end of its 3 month warranty, so if there are any problems, I'd like to get them checked out for free!

Hopefully, oiling it should have fixed it, though!

Thanks in advance for any info/advice!

SM.Morgan · Traffic Copper Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Karma :

Could be your wheel bearings on the way out, which i doubt (unless someone has been doing stoppies all day Wink

)

dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

I haven't tried any wheelies or stoppies - I can just imagine it would end up in tears!

If it is the wheel bearing, should I be checking for excess play in the rear wheel, just like I would check on a car?

Thank you!

sanchezz_182 · Crazy Courier Joined: 17 Sep 2005 Karma :

check ther is no tight spots on the chain, also check to see the wear on front an rear sprockets,

also remove the rear wheel and check the bearings,,
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SM.Morgan · Traffic Copper Joined: 04 Apr 2007 Karma :

yup i'm guessing you know how?

if not get the wheel off the floor and give it a bit of movement either way (left to right.)
you might not always get feedback from doing this as it might be a notch in the bearings, if you run the wheel in a full revolution, try finding a place where it becomes stuck, this will indicate a notch.

this test also works for headstock bearings.

Trixie · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Jul 2005 Karma :

It could be a couple of dodgy links in the chain. My advice would be to check the chain carefully if the noise hasn't gone away yet.
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dabigginger · Crazy Courier Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Karma :

Right, just rode it, and all seems fine now. I got one of my mates to ride it, just to be 100% sure, and he says it's all fine. So, brilliant! Thanks for your help, guys!