So I am riding home from work and I hear my pager go off. I pull over and look at the pager. Nothing. I flash up the bike and carry on home. As I get to about 40 kph (about 20 mph) my pager goes off again. I pull over, check the pager and still nothing. I continue on my way and the same thing happens. A chirping sound from what I think is the right side down below or rear wheel area. As soon as I get below 40 k or so the sound goes away. It gets faster as I increase speed, does NOT go away when I pull in the clutch and let the motor idle as I coast along. It does not go away when I slightly touch the rear brake. It starts after I have been riding for fifteen minutes or so. The sound is like what happens on a car when the brake pads need changing and the warning chirps start. I oiled and tightened the chain. No difference. I am starting to think rear wheel bearing. Fuel tank venting? WTF??Anyone got any ideas? Thanks

 

I am assuming that the rear pads are ok?

Maybe swingarm bearings need grease? Without hearing it I am of not much use.

 

This worked for me, the speedo cable/wheel spacer at the axle was making a funny noise. So I squirted some WD40 on it around the spacer and the noise went away....

At low speeds it didn't make any noise only when going above 20 mph.

 

The pads are good, brand new, I will try the speedo cable this evening sounds like you might be on to something. I hope you are right!

 

The noise is most noticeable when I am on pavement and no real movement to the swingarm, but I will see about that as well. Thanks.
The sound is a high pitched chirping, almost a metallic scraping noise.

 

The WD 40 did the trick! Thanks, it is really hard to tell where a sound is coming from. I owe you a brew!

 

KF forum to the rescue! I have to say thanks to others that have helped me the same way

 

Job done. Beers all round you say? LOL

 

Sure come on over!! We can go for a ride!!

 

Awesome, im glad you solved this, i am going to go home tonight and do the same because mine started making a very similar noise this morning.
thanks,
scott.