Whining Noise

Discussion in 'Technical Help' started by Ron DD, Mar 22, 2026.

  1. Ron DD

    Ron DD New Member

    Sep 25, 2025
    6
    3
    Tennessee
    #1 Ron DD, Mar 22, 2026
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2026
    My 2012 Tiger 800 has 60,000 miles on it and just recently I've begun noticing what I can only describe as a whine when I hit around 55 mph. Front tire has 4,000 miles, back 1,000. I've tried to detect where it's coming from but at 55 mph plus it's hard to play detective safely. Any idea(s) about it would be appreciated.
     
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  2. TRIPLE X

    TRIPLE X Senior Member

    Sep 1, 2021
    697
    243
    Norfolk
    Is it related to engine revs or road speed?
     
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  3. Ron DD

    Ron DD New Member

    Sep 25, 2025
    6
    3
    Tennessee
    Road speed I believe. I did discover an old thread about this that I’m chasing today. Several reported this problem and associated it with excessive chain tension. My noise started about the time I had a new back tire put on. When I then checked my chain I feel like it’s too tight. I’m going to loosen it a bit today and take a test ride. I’ll post what I find.
     
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  4. littleade

    littleade The only sane one here
    Subscriber

    Mar 17, 2015
    456
    1,000
    Worcestershire
    As above is it engine or road speed that triggers it.

    Try riding at the same revs in lower gears, does it whine then or is it just in topped

    Is it louder etc depending on if you have attracting, steady or increasing throttle

    What happens to the whine as your speed increases over 55mph

    In top when it starts does it get louder or the pitch change as you go faster. What happens when you pull in the clutch and shut the throttle at that speed

    Check your wheel bearings with the wheel off the ground, is there any play in them, do they feel notchy, do the wheels run smoothly.

    It's not your pillion is it?
     
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  5. Ron DD

    Ron DD New Member

    Sep 25, 2025
    6
    3
    Tennessee
    I made a minimal chain adjustment but it didn’t help. Littleade, you’ve given me more homework to do. Pillion cracked me up!
     
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  6. Ron DD

    Ron DD New Member

    Sep 25, 2025
    6
    3
    Tennessee
    The thread on chain tension was old. Have to ask .. do you adhere to Triumph specs on your chain tension?
     
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  7. Ron DD

    Ron DD New Member

    Sep 25, 2025
    6
    3
    Tennessee
    As above is it engine or road speed that triggers it.

    (Consistant at 55mph/4000'ish RPMs) Try riding at the same revs in lower gears, does it whine then or is it just in topped

    (Once it starts it's consistent to 60mph) Is it louder etc depending on if you have attracting, steady or increasing throttle

    (Seems to lessen) What happens to the whine as your speed increases over 55mph

    (Same) In top when it starts does it get louder or the pitch change as you go faster.

    (Clutch in at 55mph/4000 same sound) What happens when you pull in the clutch and shut the throttle at that speed

    (Checks out okay) Check your wheel bearings with the wheel off the ground, is there any play in them, do they feel notchy, do the wheels run smoothly.

    (Actually removed the pillion whine last year. Ha!!) It's not your pillion is it?

    Test run today:
    Somewhat blustery day here. I tested the above in front of Nashville Superspeedway. Seemed appropriate.

    I'm going to revise my description of the sound now to, I believe, a pulsating sound. If I didn't know better I'd swear it sound like air, or vibration or something on bodywork. I bought the old girl new in 2012 and have never messed with that. I double-checked it as best I could today and don't SEE anything amiss.

    Could this be a case of "Doctor, it hurts when I hold my arm like this."
    Doctor replies, "Well, don't hold your arm that way."
     
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