Hey Guys.. I have a 1996 F3 with chrome rims and the problem I'm having is an annoying "rikety" or "creaking" noise sort of like the noise when you open an old house door. Noise comes from the rear of the bike and happens once the bike is rolling, doesn't matter if the motor is running or not. I was told by a mechanic that it was the rear wheel bearing. I had replaced with new bearings and the noise went away for a few miles after I left shop, but soon returned within 50 miles of fix. Mechanic tells me that since I have chrome rims that the bearings may not be sitting properly anymore because the rims might be wearing due to something with the chrome plating process. I noticed since I've had this problem that whenever I reach above 75 mph there's a slight vibration from the back of the bike and if I go faster it gets a little worse and feels like the bike is not getting all the power to the ground at that point. Has anyone had this problem and know of a good solution? What is the worst case scenerio if this isn't fixed properly? Thanks...

 

The vibration could possibly be just the chrome wheel out of balance. As far as the creaking sound...are you sure your chain is in good condition (no rust, kinks, not tight, etc.)? Its possible that the bearings aren't seating squarely in the wheel hub b/c of plating...make sure the plating is removed from around the bearing seatinside the hub before you install the bearing.

 

Thanks I didn't think of that, the wheel may be out of balance as far as vibration goes. As for my chain it is a new chain and sprocket. At first mechanic thought this was the problem but after replacing chain noise still existed. The wheels have been chromed for some time now at least three seasons and never was a problem. I will tell them to check for plating inside the hub. Thanks alot....