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Motorcycle question


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andysmith
New User

May 14, 2016, 3:01 PM

Post #1 of 5 (16293 views)
Motorcycle question Sign In

Hope this is OK to post here.
It's to do with my Yamaha GTS1000
This is an unusual motorcycle, in that it uses a swingarm front suspension set up instead of forks.
The problem I have is that the front has developed a squeaking noise when going over bumps.
It seems to be coming from the upper wishbone arm, which attaches to the steering column via a ball joint.
It does sound like the squeak is coming from the ball joint itself, but yet there is no noise when the steering is turned side to side.
Someone told me that a ball joint won't squeak going up an down, and that it's more likely to be one of the two pivot bearings for the wishbone upper arm that the ball joint is bolted too.
I'd be interested in your thoughts


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

May 15, 2016, 1:57 AM

Post #2 of 5 (16159 views)
Re: Motorcycle question Sign In

Yes it's fine to post here. First know, motorcycles are NOT my specialty at all in fact about my weakest but mechanical things even a garden cart I usually figure out in person!


Nobody has been by for you so I'll just babble away some thoughts for now. There is ONE very good motorcycle guy here that's very busy and not here that much lately for good reasons.


OK: Where is there a dang ball joint on a motorcycle? I've owned many, mostly new so never did much but care for them ONE year and got rid of them.


Noises are their own thing found assorted ways. If a lubricated something that's only dry of lubricant find out how it is lubed or if it's worn out or broken.
Some things will go quiet with just water sprayed at an area others with say WD-40. If a part critical to integrity of holding or controlling steering or suspension I would hope a grease is used or bearing of some sort to take the load.
You said swing arm instead of forks? I've only seen that not touched any. Check as best you can that it's all in good shape as intended is as far as I can go for bikes especially larger ones.


Just by nature a noise is a warning so pursue finding and fixing it as sure as you can be. Anything gone totally wrong or failed on a bike is plain lots more dangerous than 4 wheeled anything.


Hope someone here can shed some more exact light on this for you - I really can't so this is just mostly "Welcome to the Site" from me,


T



nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

May 20, 2016, 9:56 AM

Post #3 of 5 (16114 views)
Re: Motorcycle question Sign In

Have never seen a bike with that suspension setup before. Interesting. I would be more likely to bet on a pivot bushing making a squeak than a ball joint. Why not try pulling the pivot pins one at a time, lubing them and then take it for a ride? If the noise stops you have found your issue. Had a similar noise on the rear of my XS1100 and it was one of the pivot bushings for my shock. A squirt of lube quieted it right down.


andysmith
New User

May 20, 2016, 10:10 AM

Post #4 of 5 (16103 views)
Re: Motorcycle question Sign In


In Reply To
Have never seen a bike with that suspension setup before. Interesting. I would be more likely to bet on a pivot bushing making a squeak than a ball joint. Why not try pulling the pivot pins one at a time, lubing them and then take it for a ride? If the noise stops you have found your issue. Had a similar noise on the rear of my XS1100 and it was one of the pivot bushings for my shock. A squirt of lube quieted it right down.


Thanks for the replies guys.
The above has been suggested to me by a mechanic.
I think you may be right.
Actually the noise has now gone, but I'm going to grease the pivot bearings.
In case you're interested, here's the front suspension set up on my bike.

[url=http://postimg.org/image/g9r5clblt/full/]

[url=http://postimage.org/]


nickwarner
Veteran / Moderator
nickwarner profile image

May 23, 2016, 12:23 PM

Post #5 of 5 (16053 views)
Re: Motorcycle question Sign In

Thats a neat setup. Looks like it would handle pretty well. Hope the bike stays behaving for you. Just finished the valve adjustment on mine yesterday so good to go for the year. Enjoy your riding.






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