I've had my F4i for about 3 months now but I haven't been able to take it out much. However, when I do I notice this weird slight grinding noise coming from the front as if the brakes are touching. (I don't know if it would be called grinding as much as a metal "sharpening" sound). Also, I think it's from the chain, but somewhere in the rear I hear this cackling/clinking/ticking noise when I ride. I only noticed it when my friend took it for a spin and I heard it while he was passing by at a low speed. I can't hear it with my helmet on and with the loud exhaust. Any ideas on what might be causing these 2 problems? And are they serious?

 

Brake pads are supposed to make slight contact with the rotor at all times. It's possible the pads are worn down to the point where a small metal piece makes that contact, which is supposed to make a noise to tell you "Hey, change your pads!" Give them a check.

The chain noise sounds like a chain in desperate need of lube. Have you done any maintenance to it since purchasing?

 

Nice. Thank you both for the advice. Any suggestions on chain lube?

Oh and for the worn brake pads, is it supposed to make the same squealing sound it does on cars to notify you? Because my sound isn't a squeal; it's more of a hissing "sssssssss" sound.

 

You probably should start by CLEANING your chain. I haven't ridden but about 1,000 miles since doing mine at the end of last summer but some people use diesel fuel, kerosene, gas, etc. If you can find some chain cleaning solvent at a local store use that cause some fuels can deteriorate chain O-rings.

So anyway, clean chain first, then use a spray on wax like Maxima/Maxim? Wax will lubricate the chain and won't fly all over the bike when riding like oil or grease.

BTW an old toothbrush helps to loosen dirt and junk when cleaning the chain

As for the brake sound you could just be noticing normal brake drag. Is it relatively easy to walk your bike around when beside it or sitting on it? Do the brakes work properly?

Finally, buy a manual or at least download the F4i manual from stephygees.com

 

Thanks I'll look for the Maxim brand. As for the brakes, yes it is pretty easy to push my bike around, it's just the noise that bothers me. And yes, the brakes do work properly. Unless of course it's supposed to work better because I have nothing to compare to with this being my first bike.

 

Oh and I just filled up with 76 91 octance and it's only been 58 miles and my reserve light is coming on. That does NOT seem right...I accelerate pretty slowly and I shift at 4k and I have never redlined before. The highest I've gone up is 8.

 

The sensor is probably off. That or you didn't fill up as far as the tank can. I'd assume the former...

 

How would I go about adressing this problem?

 

The bike has to reset itself once the bike is filled up. I fill my tank up all the way and ride around and it resets the reserve after a few miles. What I do is reset my mileage odometer and figure to fill up around 120 miles.