I was out riding the other day and finally turned the radio off to enjoy the ride in silence. I heard what I can only describe as a roar, it changes tone at different speeds. I thought maybe it was the front wheel bearings, but have checked them as best I can without removing the wheel. Jacked the bike up with a borrowed jack and there is no wobble in the wheel. Went riding again the next day and the noise was still there, but would stop when I got on smooth blacktop road, so guessing I was hearing the Elite 3's just making noise. Any idea and opinions on having the front wheel bearings replaced, they have 85,000 miles on them..


Joe

 

I find different roads make different sounds. But at 85k I think wheel bearing change out would be a good idea.

 

could be the brake rotors, some noise is normal- some of us also have noisy fuel pumps.

to determine a source/cause; try to isolate road speed noises/ vibrations, from motor noises/ vibrations.
does the noise always happen at 60 mph or 3200 rpms for instance, regardless of gear

for brake noise, try applying the brakes ever so slightly, front and then rear

look for signs of the belt rubbing on the tire or belt guard etc.

straight, left turn, right turn?

once you isolate the conditions which influence the noise, you can determine the cause and if it is something which needs fixed

mike

 

Cupped tires?

 

Got I hope not, only got about 1000 miles on them

 

I had some noises coming from the front end but it turned out that they were mad by the nacelle. Was not well put together after some works. Check this too!

 

Think I found the noise gremlin. I replaced the brace this morning and noticed all the rubber seals on the fairing were gone. Who knows how long they have been missing and I just never noticed the noise, because I always listen to the radio and usually pretty loud..LOL....All is good, bearings are fine and bike is ready for 1800 mile round trip next week. Thanks for the info.....

 

You can cup a set of tires with low pressure in a short time with aggressive riding on these big bikes. Guess how I know?