Posted by Frank Moss on July 15, 2003 at 15:07:01:
In Reply to: Gear noise while Decelerating in 4th and 5th gear posted by Mike Boronowsky on July 13, 2003 at 20:17:35:
Hi Mike; When I read your post I knew exactly what you were saying because I have the same noise on my bike. I have a '99 with 12000 miles, runs like a Swiss watch in every way, completely stock, no tinkering, no mods,(if it ain't broke don't fix it),except for that noise. On examination, I have come to the conclusion that it is really belt noise, not gears or bearings. The best thing you can do is make sure the belt is running as close to center as you can get it. I like to put the bike up on a block, you can do this by leaning it over on the side stand until you can slide a suitable block or stand of some sort under the frame and keep it to the rear so the rear wheel is off the floor when you pull the bike up on to the block. With the wheel free you can now rotate it and observe the belt in the rear pulley. Exactly on center will give you approximately 1/16" or 1.5mm on each side. It's really not so critical as long as the belt is not "polishing" the pulley side. Anyhow, most of the belt noise on mine seems to be coming from the front pulley where the belt is under the most stress as it goes around a smaller and therefore tighter area. I have read pros and cons on belt soaps and dressings, I have never used any, I just live with the noise. Hope this can help, Frank M