What's Making That Damned Noise?

Notso · Sep 6, 2021

Went on a Sunday ride and I got slightly concerned about a rattling noise when riding over bumps. Pull over, cannot find anything obviously loose, so I carry on. Still bugging me so I stop again, ask myself what I have changed or done to the bike recently, remember I had the under seat tool kit out, so move it to the tail bag. Still bloody rattling. Decide it must be the chain, so when I get home I checked the chain tension, just 20mm and fine, so decide to clean and check, spent a good couple of hours, full job, clean out the sprocket cover, check links all free. Test ride, still got the damned rattle. Noticed the rattle begins when the front wheel hit a bump, checked the bike and find that the cause was the headlight grill.... Or so I thought! Took the bike back out to confirm the noise was gone, but it was still there. I look down and noticed the petrol tank lid (Motone) was loose, a quick tighten and the noise was gone! It was only then that I remember loosening the cap when I cleaned the tank!

joe mc donald · Sep 8, 2021

Notso
Glad you found the problem. You are a fully trained technician now. But i think we myself especially have all got cuught out by similar events.
Joe.

Cyborgbot · Sep 8, 2021

Next time don’t bother trying all those wrong things, just go to the cause of the problem straight away. It’s a tip that will save you lots of time.

No need to say thank you for my sage advice.

johne · Sep 10, 2021

There's nothing worse than a rattle or noise that you can't identify. I had a similar issue, but it happened in the car too as well as all my bikes. It took me ages to work out it was my ancient bones.