I’m having the exact same issue. Was squealing before tire change and worse after. Sometimes not for miles and then I’ll hit a bump and it’ll start up again. Thanks for confirming my diagnosis. Everyone was telling me it was wind noise. Lol.
Anthony, it was the wheel bearings. Bike only has a little over 13k miles, but the bearings were 10 years old. Probably the first time that wheel has been off, when I had new tires put on. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. Ride safely!
The only video I could find with "the sound". It put me from not sure to about 80% sure I'm hearing the rear wheel bearing on my 16 RGS. Many videos on changing them. No videos on sound while going out. TY
I hope this video helped. I know on my last two bikes I run the stock Dunlops and the rear tire sings in a lean but this sound was from the front wheel and louder.
I would check the pad thickness and if it enough pad left feel if the leading and trailng edge has a lip or ridge building up. On cars, some have beveled leading and trailing edges to help prevent but motorcycles pads have less surface area so they don't in most cases. If the pad is too thin, I can get noisy too. I had a friend run his read pads down to the rivets due to not hearing them sooner.
I've got a "harmonic" noise on turns. 2012 Glide. Tech pulled wheel off and said bearings were good. Noise has been worsening since Sturgis. Pulling it myself and check it out.
Good idea. I know the Dunlop rear tires H-D has can talk too but this video is not that sound. I did have a 2009 Ultra. I think they have forks like the 12's because 14 has a redesign. My 09 at full lock would have a tick felt through the bars at idle. That how I knew it needed new ones.
My 2008 Electra Glide is making a similar noise, kinda like I have off road tires on it. My first thought was wheel bearings. I jacked it up but can’t hear anything when I spin the wheels. I guess I’ll start with changing the front ones first.
I hope the video helped. Let me know what is turns out being. I know my rear tire can sing in a lean after a few thousand miles but this noise is different.
My Honda Varadero 1000 doing the same noise. Yesterday i change the chain for a new one but the noise didn't stop. I was thinking for a wheel bearing but the strange in when i take the clutch the "whooooo" noise stop. Make like this at 160-170 km and some time on second gear at high rpms.
change the spacer between the bearings, the ends get uneven sometimes putting a side load on the bearing, the length has to be dead on for a good bearing adjustment
my bike is making kind of the same noise from the front wheel but more of a lower tone .. bloody wheel barring you can tell what it is because when you hook a conner you can hear it hell bad
I have the exact same noise, recently purchased Kawasaki Versys 650, first bike i've had with a screen (and it's a tall aftermarket screen) so i thought it was just wind noise, will need to check the bearing.
Mine front end on my 2005 Electra glide has been making that sound since around 5k miles, now at 44k. Thought it was more from the wind than anything else. If it was the bearing, it would have let go by now I think.
Anthony C. Roberson , after I posted my earlier reply, I went out and put the bike on my lift. It turns out one of my calipers wasn’t releasing the pads and that was making the noise. Replaced the pads and seems problem is solved after a test drive.
Anthony C. Roberson , it still seems to be sticking some. I touched the rotor after a short ride and it was really hot and the calipers were not releasing like they should. I took the caliper off and removed the pads. I then used brake cleaner and tried to thoroughly flush out the pistons and used a small brass wire brush on them. Reassembled and took another test drive. Much better but still a little rubbing. It could be the rotor has run out. Will likely replace the rotors soon as a good measure.
That is strange that cleaning a chain would cause the sound. I wonder, since some of the bearings are right there then maybe some of the cleaning loosened some debris? In any case, best to check the wheel bearings just to be safe Please post when you find out if they were the issue or not.
@@RRatedCustoms yeah is very strange because the sound its too loud and i remove the chain and cleaning out the bike This weekend i would check the bearing and replace if neccesary
@@RRatedCustoms well finally after a few days thinking whats go wrong with my drive chain, i found the issue, my drive chain was too tigh and that was making the “whoo” sound, i replace the front bearings but that wasnt the problem, i adjust the chain slack and voala no noise coming
I know my rear stock Dunlop tire tire will sing when the tread is getting near replacing. If your tread depth is good then it might be a bearing. Keep me posted because now I am curious.
@@RRatedCustoms I actually think it was just my chain guide. Getting a vibration above 90 so I had it on the stand and I got it up to like 40 and killed the engine. While riding I don't hear it.
At least you got warning. I wouldn't be riding it. My 14 went out on the hwy. Felt like I completely blew the front tire. Lucky I didn't go over the bars. Gotta love HD..
I am glad you were not hurt. I had a 2009 that did that sudden failure. Both sides were showing the guts. I heard a loud clang and a jerk. It was like someone whacked a brake disc with a hammer. I rode off the interstate at the next exit (not really far) and called HOG.
I have the extended warranty so just the $50 deductible. Not sure how much they charged the warranty for pulling the wheel, replacing the bearings and spacers, then reassembling everything.
Hey man was this definitely the wheel bearing? My 97 gsx250f has been doing the same noise and the mechanic didn't pick up on the fact it may be the wheel bearing. He said it was the chain and sprockets but I don't think it is. My sound is pretty much the same as yours in this video maybe a little lower in tone though :/
+SNEAKY BOGAN Yes, this was definitely the wheel bearings. Chain and sprocket can be a noisy too but they mostly sound like the rollers. I will add that I have had the bearings replaced once more since this video. The first dealer did not detect a problem despite me pointing it out. Then about 1k miles latter I had to replace my rear tire. The second dealer picked up on it. What you could try if you have an action camera is to mount it at different locations on your bike and record the noise. The sound on the recording may likely get louder the closer you get to the source.
Anthony C. Roberson unfortunately I don't have an action camera but I might just roll around in the car park at work and sticky tape my phone to it somewhere or something lol. I know my chain and sprockets definitely need replacing but my "whoo" noise is drastically louder and more dramatic than your video but this is the only video I could find that was close if not the same as the sound on my bike. :/
Anthony C. Roberson I'm just pissed off 3 mechanics didn't listen to me when I told them about the noise. One of them said it was probably the bad chain sound echoing through the fairings to the front. They replaced the fork seals and still didn't pick up on it.. I'm not happy about it
I'm watching this in 2021 and have an ultra limited that is on its 4th set nice too know it is an old issue these bearings have 20k miles and are toast
Harley front wheel bearings are junk , 16 ultra limited and 30k, 2 sets already, first set went out within a year, replaced with all balks racing, 18k, just put 3rd serving at 30k, the all balls didnt fail just had slack and made a noise
I’m having the exact same issue. Was squealing before tire change and worse after. Sometimes not for miles and then I’ll hit a bump and it’ll start up again. Thanks for confirming my diagnosis. Everyone was telling me it was wind noise. Lol.
I am glad this video helped. I hope yours gets taken care of soon. 👍
Anthony, it was the wheel bearings. Bike only has a little over 13k miles, but the bearings were 10 years old. Probably the first time that wheel has been off, when I had new tires put on. Thanks again for pointing me in the right direction. Ride safely!
I am glad you caught it and the video helped! Stay safe and have fun.👍
The only video I could find with "the sound". It put me from not sure to about 80% sure I'm hearing the rear wheel bearing on my 16 RGS.
Many videos on changing them. No videos on sound while going out. TY
I hope this video helped. I know on my last two bikes I run the stock Dunlops and the rear tire sings in a lean but this sound was from the front wheel and louder.
My bike started making this noise today after almost 50000 miles. thanks for the video, helped alot :D
I am glad it helped👍
I know this is old, but thank you..That is exactly the noise mine is making and the bike barely has 5k miles on it. Thank you!
I am glad this helped.
My rear brakes squeks, And when I slightly press rear brakes its stops squeking, Any idea why its squeking ?
I would check the pad thickness and if it enough pad left feel if the leading and trailng edge has a lip or ridge building up.
On cars, some have beveled leading and trailing edges to help prevent but motorcycles pads have less surface area so they don't in most cases.
If the pad is too thin, I can get noisy too. I had a friend run his read pads down to the rivets due to not hearing them sooner.
I've got a "harmonic" noise on turns. 2012 Glide. Tech pulled wheel off and said bearings were good. Noise has been worsening since Sturgis. Pulling it myself and check it out.
Good idea. I know the Dunlop rear tires H-D has can talk too but this video is not that sound.
I did have a 2009 Ultra. I think they have forks like the 12's because 14 has a redesign. My 09 at full lock would have a tick felt through the bars at idle. That how I knew it needed new ones.
My 2008 Electra Glide is making a similar noise, kinda like I have off road tires on it. My first thought was wheel bearings. I jacked it up but can’t hear anything when I spin the wheels. I guess I’ll start with changing the front ones first.
I hope this video helped. Please post back if that was the issue or not.
Ride safe and have fun!
Wheel bearings are a cheap fix.just a pain to do. But at least you'll know their status.
I am having the same issue with the front wheel on my road king only when im turning at 50 miles PH
Be sure to get it checked out. I know my rear tire can sting in a lean after summer miles but this video is about a different sound.
Stay safe
@@RRatedCustoms thx brother
I'm having almost the exact same issue. I only hear the sound when I'm in a turn.
I hope the video helped. Let me know what is turns out being. I know my rear tire can sing in a lean after a few thousand miles but this noise is different.
My Honda Varadero 1000 doing the same noise. Yesterday i change the chain for a new one but the noise didn't stop. I was thinking for a wheel bearing but the strange in when i take the clutch the "whooooo" noise stop. Make like this at 160-170 km and some time on second gear at high rpms.
+Doros Nicolaou Very strange. If you find out what it is, please comment back.
how many miles before the noise started ?
About 20k miles. I have had some go as long as 25k miles.
change the spacer between the bearings, the ends get uneven sometimes putting a side load on the bearing, the length has to be dead on for a good bearing adjustment
He heard your bearing going out and didn't want to witness the carnage, so he passed. Change speeds to hear the bearing sound change with the speed.
Haha, probably. I had a 2009 that puked its guts in VA on a trip. Not fun hearing and feeling that mess.
my bike is making kind of the same noise from the front wheel but more of a lower tone .. bloody wheel barring you can tell what it is because when you hook a conner you can hear it hell bad
I hope it gets fixed easily and inexpensive for you. Stay safe.
This was great. I'm 99% sure I have the same issue. Thanks!
I am glad this helped. Keep me posted if yours was indeed the wheel bearings. Your input will help other riders too.
Stay safe and have fun!
I have the exact same noise, recently purchased Kawasaki Versys 650, first bike i've had with a screen (and it's a tall aftermarket screen) so i thought it was just wind noise, will need to check the bearing.
Keep me posted on what it turns out being. 👍
My 2008 versys 650 has the same humming noise. Did you got the problem solved?
So what was it? Same situation here.
Mine front end on my 2005 Electra glide has been making that sound since around 5k miles, now at 44k. Thought it was more from the wind than anything else. If it was the bearing, it would have let go by now I think.
It would be a good idea to let someone check it to be sure.
Anthony C. Roberson , after I posted my earlier reply, I went out and put the bike on my lift. It turns out one of my calipers wasn’t releasing the pads and that was making the noise. Replaced the pads and seems problem is solved after a test drive.
Awesome you found the cause!
Anthony C. Roberson , it still seems to be sticking some. I touched the rotor after a short ride and it was really hot and the calipers were not releasing like they should. I took the caliper off and removed the pads. I then used brake cleaner and tried to thoroughly flush out the pistons and used a small brass wire brush on them. Reassembled and took another test drive. Much better but still a little rubbing. It could be the rotor has run out. Will likely replace the rotors soon as a good measure.
Thats exactly the sound i hear on my r6 2008
Its weird because i only clean and lube my chain and the day after i hear the sound
That is strange that cleaning a chain would cause the sound. I wonder, since some of the bearings are right there then maybe some of the cleaning loosened some debris?
In any case, best to check the wheel bearings just to be safe
Please post when you find out if they were the issue or not.
@@RRatedCustoms yeah is very strange because the sound its too loud and i remove the chain and cleaning out the bike
This weekend i would check the bearing and replace if neccesary
I replace the fron bearing but the noise still remains, im checking if my drive chain its too tight
I hope you find out what is making the noise. 👍
@@RRatedCustoms well finally after a few days thinking whats go wrong with my drive chain, i found the issue, my drive chain was too tigh and that was making the “whoo” sound, i replace the front bearings but that wasnt the problem, i adjust the chain slack and voala no noise coming
Damn, that's what my rear one sounds like.
I know my rear stock Dunlop tire tire will sing when the tread is getting near replacing. If your tread depth is good then it might be a bearing.
Keep me posted because now I am curious.
@@RRatedCustoms I actually think it was just my chain guide. Getting a vibration above 90 so I had it on the stand and I got it up to like 40 and killed the engine. While riding I don't hear it.
Thank you for that info. I am glad you got it figured out.👍
At least you got warning. I wouldn't be riding it. My 14 went out on the hwy. Felt like I completely blew the front tire. Lucky I didn't go over the bars. Gotta love HD..
I am glad you were not hurt.
I had a 2009 that did that sudden failure. Both sides were showing the guts. I heard a loud clang and a jerk. It was like someone whacked a brake disc with a hammer. I rode off the interstate at the next exit (not really far) and called HOG.
How much did it cost??? $$$
I have the extended warranty so just the $50 deductible. Not sure how much they charged the warranty for pulling the wheel, replacing the bearings and spacers, then reassembling everything.
Hey man was this definitely the wheel bearing? My 97 gsx250f has been doing the same noise and the mechanic didn't pick up on the fact it may be the wheel bearing. He said it was the chain and sprockets but I don't think it is. My sound is pretty much the same as yours in this video maybe a little lower in tone though :/
+SNEAKY BOGAN Yes, this was definitely the wheel bearings. Chain and sprocket can be a noisy too but they mostly sound like the rollers.
I will add that I have had the bearings replaced once more since this video. The first dealer did not detect a problem despite me pointing it out. Then about 1k miles latter I had to replace my rear tire. The second dealer picked up on it.
What you could try if you have an action camera is to mount it at different locations on your bike and record the noise. The sound on the recording may likely get louder the closer you get to the source.
Anthony C. Roberson unfortunately I don't have an action camera but I might just roll around in the car park at work and sticky tape my phone to it somewhere or something lol. I know my chain and sprockets definitely need replacing but my "whoo" noise is drastically louder and more dramatic than your video but this is the only video I could find that was close if not the same as the sound on my bike. :/
Anthony C. Roberson I'm just pissed off 3 mechanics didn't listen to me when I told them about the noise. One of them said it was probably the bad chain sound echoing through the fairings to the front. They replaced the fork seals and still didn't pick up on it.. I'm not happy about it
+SNEAKY BOGAN Also, check tire wear. On the boat I ride, the rear tire has a slight tune in leans when it wears about half way.
I'm watching this in 2021 and have an ultra limited that is on its 4th set nice too know it is an old issue these bearings have 20k miles and are toast
Yep. That is why I made the video for anyone who hears the noise on their first set😉
Replace with all balls racing , harkey bearings are junk
Merci,Tank you tips, and for the rear !
+Robert Léger You are welcome.
Harley front wheel bearings are junk , 16 ultra limited and 30k, 2 sets already, first set went out within a year, replaced with all balks racing, 18k, just put 3rd serving at 30k, the all balls didnt fail just had slack and made a noise
My 99 had factory all ball bearings and never had a problem for 86k miles other than cleaning and repacking with tire changes.
@@RRatedCustoms good deal
ah, cool springs HD...
Yep! That is where I found that bike to begin with.
I would definitely never ride any bike at all with wheel bearing problems you could get killed!!!
So true!
Mine is even worse! It's ridiculous.
Sorry to hear that.