CanadianBird

I'm thinking that the "whirring" sound might be the front spocket. I don't want to replace the rear and the chain just yet. Would changing out the front be much of an issue since it isn't current with the chain? Thanks, CB

PJNXX

The only whirring sound I heard from mine is when I tried a non-rubber damped aftermarket front sprocket. I quickly switched back to an OEM.

1) How long have you been hearing this whirring sound?
2) Is it constant at all speeds, or only high speeds?
3) Is your chain slack adjusted to 1" (25.4cm) at it's tightest point?
4) Is your chain properly lubricated?
5) Behind the front sprocket cover a lot of caked up lube accumulates over time. Have you removed the cover to check this?

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-Paul

Skapan

+1 on the whirring noise from the front sprocket. Even with earplugs there is a noticeable difference when you use a non dampened front sprocket. No harm done, just noisy. Frequency matches the final drive speed, sounds like an output shaft bearing, maybe that's why you're noticing it.

Oh, new sprocket old chain may make a bit more noise as the pins are worn in the old chain, and probably wear a bit faster, but I bet still a lot quieter than non-OE sprocket.

Banshee

It is always better to change them all at once, but if the noise is bothering you, a front sprocket is relatively cheap, but you will probably need it repaced again when the chain & rear are done.

Have you had a look at it yet? Just remove the cover with the clutch slave piston still attached & see if the teeth still look like triangles, or if they have worn into the shark fin shape. If the latter, yep, it needs to be replaced.

CanadianBird

Thanks guys, all sprockets are oem and the chain is a DID gold. Always lubed and adjusted regularly. No, I haven't had the front looked at for a couple of years or so. If changing the front means changing it again when I do the chain and rear, no problem. I hear the "whirring sound" when I twist the throttle at 3,500 plus rpm. I hear it this year mostly. What is "an output shaft bearing", sound expensive.

Partsguy

The odds of it being the bearing are slim(its the bearing in the crankcase that is right behind the sprocket,supports the countershaft).Usually only needs replacing in abused motors,and I doubt you abuse your bike sir.The bearing isn't expensive,the labour to do it is.

CanadianBird

Thanks, no, I don't abuse my bird. Hell when I was a kid I abused myself more than this bike. lol. I'll think positive and change out that front spocket. This is for sure the time I wish I had more mechanical skills other than pulling a cork out of a bottle or opening a beer on the door jam.

Partsguy

If you can adjust your chain,you can change the front sprocket.
I put it in 1st and remove the bolt holding the frt sprocket in first.

bullet

I mostly hear whirring sounds from beneath when i ride...i can't be sure that comes from the front sprocket but is getting more noticeable within the helmet when i duck...there's a big chance that the noise comes from the whole gear shafts inside the engine..it was noticeable even with the stock sprockets....

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CanadianBird

For sure that's the sounds that I hear. I suppose at 140,000 kms there is some "wear and tear" on moving parts.

Poundstretcher

How long since the last front sprocket cb ?

Skapan

You've recently changed tires, right? I wonder if it's just tire noise? The OE front sprocket is pretty quiet. Or perhaps you have a tight spot in the chain from sitting all winter and that is making the noise.
Is this noise any quieter or louder after the bike warms up?

BackStreet

My engine makes a whirring sound. That how I know it's running. ;-)

CanadianBird

Tires are new, bike was serviced, chain and rear spocket are a year and a bit. It's not the tires, omg, love these p2s. No kinks in chain, or flat spots. I hear the whirring, at 3,000 plus when I add throttle, I hear the whirring sound. Tons of power, runs strong, pulls strong, it's just that whirring sound that I'm curious about. You all know when there is a slight "new" sound and feel about your Bird after years of ownership and thousands of kms of riding. When the new packing from Two Bros arrives I'll change the front sprocket. I have to pull out my records to check the kms of the last new front sprocket. Later b/c now I want to go for a ride. I'll keep at it. I just don't want it to be a situation of, "get a bigger hammer", or "throw more money at it". If you know what I mean. Cheers I'll check today if the sound is quieter or louder after she running for awhile. I think it gets to a certain level when running at operating temp then levels off to that whirring sound. It doesn't roar-whirr, just that whirring sound when I pull the throttle.

bassman239

Pull the front sprocket cover. The last time I changed mine, there was a bunch of crap behind the sprocket and a part of a rubber tube that broke off from somewhere. After I changed everything and cleaned it up. the bike got 2 miles more to the gallon on the highway. I never noticed that sound that you mentioned because I ride with earplugs most of the time.

smurf211

JohnC

I am also interested in the "whirring" sound. I describe it more as a "whine" on mine ... similar to a diff whine in a motor vehicle. My BB is a 2006 now has 32000kms on it ... the whine noise is most noticeable in 3rd gear and upwards and at cruising speeds. When cruising the whine disappears either when the clutch is disengaged (pulled in) or when the throttle is relaxed. Could this be the front sprocket or maybe some bearing in the gear train? My bike has been immaculately maintained since new, has a scott oiler installed & still has the original chain and sprockets. Would value comment. Thanks ... JohnC

CanadianBird

I can't make anymore comments untill I have a look at the front sprocket. Yesterday I swept 140,000 kms and I also meticulously maintain my Bird. '02. I don't use ear plugs or listen to music when I ride. Relax the throttle, whirring/wining goes away. We'll see.

JUSTME

G'day mate. Just a thought! When you are adjusting the chain are you sighting along the length of the chain to ensure the chain is properly aligned. I never rely on the marks on the swingarm because they are not accurate. If not aligned properly the teeth could be working on the side plates of the chain and producing the noise. IMO one of the most important steps in chain adjustment. Hope this helps. Paul.

JohnC

Paul, thanks very much for your response. Having only recently purchased my BB and because of its immaculate condition I have just assumed that chain alignment would not be an issue. Doesn't pay to assume anything I guess!! The thing is >> why does the "whine" stop immediately I disengage the clutch? At that moment the sprockets and chain are still spinning ... wouldn't this rule out alignment issues and point more to a bearing or gear issue?

JUSTME

No, under drive conditions is when you would notice it the most because that is when the tensile forces are trying to pull the side plates of the chain flat against the side of the teeth. Next time you adjust the chain, have it on the centre stand on level ground and deliberately, slightly overtighten the chain so as all slack is taken up, top end bottom. Ensure the gauge marks on both sides are perfectly aligned and then sight down the chain. You will be surprised how far out of alignment it is. From memory the front of the rear tyre will be cocked out to the right about 5 or 6 mms. I found this to be the same on a mates 04 bird as well. Have not had a bike yet that you could fully rely on the adjustment marks to provide accurate alignment. Keep in mind that at 32000kms the chain may not be rooted but it most certainly won't run as quietly as it did when new. The fact that you are noticing it in 3rd may be because that is the gear you are in when you approach your normal cruising speed. 60 mph has the rear cog turning at about 1000rpm. I get about 40 000 kms from a set and my bike is absolutely flogged. I always replace the complete set. IMO replacing individual parts causes you to effectively chase your tail as the new parts are quickly flogged into the condition of the most worn part, regardless of how well lubed they are. Have a few other thoughts re the topic if your interested. HAVE A BLAST! Paul.

JohnC

Paul ...thanks once again, your feedback is very helpful and I am now going to check out the sprocket and chain alignment and am thinking of the need for new chain and sprockets in view of the fact that the existing set is from when the bike was new. I welcome any further comment and advice from you, with thanks. I suspect that this "whine" (which is quite noticeable without earplugs) is not damaging the bike in any significant way. It's just annoying and disappointing, especially in view of the enjoyment of all the other great aspects of our Blackbirds. Again "thanks" ... JohnC

Poundstretcher

If it disapears when the clutch is pulled in I would have thought it more likely to be clutch related. Bird's have noisey clutch baskets and I don't think I would be losing too much sleep over it

JUSTME

You are most welcome. One thing you can be certain of with a bird is that any annoying noise will get that bad that the cause of the noise will become blatantly obvious along time before anything fails. IMO that is the best attribute of the machine. If you decide to do the chain and sprockets yourself and need any help give me a shout. I run a 17 tooth non dampened front and a 43 tooth rear. Running French Fiamm sprockets that appear to be lasting well and a heavy duty EK o-ring chain. Not so convinced that this chain was a good choice. Probably run a DID next time. I find it far better to run the chain a little looser than the factory specified slack. With the bike sitting on the side stand I run about 40mm of slack at the tightest point. Sit an 80-90kg person on the bike and you will see why. Anything less than this and the chain gets too tight when the rear suspension compresses, eg when the bike goes through a dip. Even more of a drama 2 up and/or loaded. IMO one of the quickest ways to kill the chain. I don't ever wash the chain, only ever wipe any excess grime off whist chain is hot and just prior to lubing with pj1. The o-rings are reasonably effective at keeping the thick lubricant in the rollers but won't prevent cleaning solvents from entering the rollers.IMO pressure washes are another good way to stuff a chain. I have no doubt that I would get 50 or 60 000 kms out of a set if I treated my bird with respect, but that ain't gonna happen. Hope this helps!
HAVE A BLAST! Paul.

JohnC

Thanks for the addditional info guys! This weekend coming I will check-out the overall condition of my chain & sprocks, including the alignment, and go from there. I value your comments. Will post any progress with this "whine" issue if and when I resolve it. One thing's for sure >> I will not stop 'till I get it right ... just the nature of the beast! Regards ... JohnC

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Banshee

I know that on my '07, my adjuster on the right has to be ~2mm forward of where the left one is. On my '98 they were perfectly aligned...

JohnC

I am now beginning to suspect that this whine issue may well be directly linked to a front to rear sprocket misallignment. Have naievely believed in the past that if you take same measurements either side then the right allignment will automatically follow ... this obviously is not necessarily the case. Thanks ... JohnC

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JUSTME

I am not very bright but I can lift heavy weights!

Poundstretcher

I always change the front sprocket with the rear is this not the normal practise

Banshee

It is for me. After all, the front will wear faster than the rear because it is smaller.