636 6th Gear Whine?

[Glaxtx]

I just picked my bike up from it's 600 mile service, and had my mechanic (not dealer) ride it to listen to something I've been hearing. Ever since I got the bike once you kick into 6th gear, it has an audible 'whine' to it. Doesn't do it in any other gear, so I figured, not being a bike expert, maybe it's the gearbox. He said he didn't think it was anything serious at all, but to have the dealer ride it since he's not really familiar with the newer sport bikes. He's mainly a Harley guy, but an HONEST mechanic, which is very hard to find. He said it makes a sound like the cam chain is too tight, but seems odd because it's only that one gear. I called the dealer I got the bike from, and he agreed it couldn't be the cam gear since it's only 6th, and didn't think it sounded serious at all, but he wanted to ride it to hear it. No problem with that, I think I can swing it by tomorrow.

Sorry for the long post, but wondering if anyone else has this same issue at all. I think it's related to the fuel injection, but I could be way off. Thanks for any help!

[irishcarbomb]

hmmm...sounds weird, does it do it only at low rpm's in 6th?

[Glaxtx]

It does it all the time in 6th...had it up to 8-9k or so I think, and it still does it. Kinda weird, but I always know when I hit 6th.

[Kevlar636]

Hey, Glaxtx, I think I have the same issue you have!!! I got my 636 last April. So far it's got 5100K miles on it. About Nov. '05 I started hearing this "noise" in 6th only. I was kinda concerned but it still seemed to drive and perform well. The bike performed well at the track day I went to. Everything seems to be fine so far (touch wood).

Let me know how it goes at your service visit. I was gonna wait til my year service and mention it to the tech then.

I can hear it between 4-9K rpm, after that the wind noise kills it.

[Glaxtx]

Mine started the day I got it, as well as I remember. Can't vouch for the over 9k part, but maybe one day I can. It rides just fine aside from that noise, but I'll definitely keep you posted.

[Kevlar636]

[quote = "Glaxtx"]Can't vouch for the over 9k part, but maybe one day I can.[/quote]
Still breaking in, huh? I hated that part; but it must be done.

The fuel injectors definitely make a distinct ticking noise, but that's been discussed in earlier threads.

Bike Week starts this weekend!!! I'm gonna go talk to some of the Kawi dudes at their tent to see what they have to say on the matter. Still like to hear what your guy, or girl, has to say. Thanks!!!

[Kevlar636]

Originally Posted by Glaxtx

Can't vouch for the over 9k part, but maybe one day I can.

Still breaking in, huh? I hated that part; but it must be done.

The fuel injectors definitely make a distinct ticking noise, but that's been discussed in earlier threads.

Bike Week starts this weekend!!! I'm gonna go talk to some of the Kawi dudes at their tent to see what they have to say on the matter. Still like to hear what your guy, or girl, has to say. Thanks!!!

[Pistobah]

I got mine in April and have 11,600 miles on it. I remember hearing that noise the first time i took it out and has done it ever since. It is not very loud, but it sounds different than any other gear. As far as i know, it's normal.

[Glaxtx]

I'm so jealous!! I wanna go to bike week! My mechanic will be in Florida for business, and made it a point to tell me he'll be stopping by for bike week. What a jerk.

That's what I'm thinking too Pisto, it just seems normal. I'll be stopping by tomorrow afternoon and will keep you all posted.

[Kevlar636]

Originally Posted by Glaxtx

I'm so jealous!! I wanna go to bike week! My mechanic will be in Florida for business, and made it a point to tell me he'll be stopping by for bike week. What a jerk.

That's what I'm thinking too Pisto, it just seems normal. I'll be stopping by tomorrow afternoon and will keep you all posted.

Aw, damn, my bad. Didn't mean to rub it in. The week hasn't even really began and already there has been a fatality. It really is sad because as the week progresses the body count is going to go up. I don't understand, some of these deaths could be prevented with a f@#king helmet. Already today I've seen 10+ sportbike riders sans helmet; two of them were chicks!! One was pretty good looking, hate to see that face all torn up because of a bad choice.

Crap, I'll get off my soapbox now....

[irishcarbomb]

^^^ i'm with you, if a chick wants to ride with me, shes gotta have a helmet...

but as far as the 6th gear whine, i finally "listened" for it and didnt really notice anything.

[Glaxtx]

Well, the verdict is in...the service guy, who is not the sportbike 'specialist' as he called it, says he doesn't hear anything. I spoke with a girl inside, that I think I want to marry, except she is married, but she knew a ton about sport bikes. Her dad races on an amateur circuit here, and she assured me the bike is normal. Says her dad's 10r has the same sound, and aside from a clunky shifter, I shouldn't have any problems at all. So we'll see.

On a side note, they had 2 10R's in stock, a black, and an orange. Oddly enough, the orange looked pretty good in person, better than I expected. But man did that black look HAWT!!

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Kevlar636

Aw, damn, my bad. Didn't mean to rub it in. The week hasn't even really began and already there has been a fatality. It really is sad because as the week progresses the body count is going to go up. I don't understand, some of these deaths could be prevented with a f@#king helmet. Already today I've seen 10+ sportbike riders sans helmet; two of them were chicks!! One was pretty good looking, hate to see that face all torn up because of a bad choice.

Crap, I'll get off my soapbox now....

Good looking chick or not...Her not riding without a helmet makes her ugly in the head. Seeing peeps without helmets make me wonder what goes through there head. It is just not safe.

[Glaxtx]

Speaking of helmets, I picked up a new one, and will pass my old off for passenger use. BTW, if I ever rode with a passenger without 2 helmets, which was only one time, the passenger gets the helmet. Nothing like not being in control, and having no protection.

[ervins]

Originally Posted by Glaxtx

Speaking of helmets, I picked up a new one, and will pass my old off for passenger use. BTW, if I ever rode with a passenger without 2 helmets, which was only one time, the passenger gets the helmet. Nothing like not being in control, and having no protection.

Amen. That is good looking out on your part. Seems a few people have Scorpion helmets here...I have heard of them but no one I know has one. Looks good though.

[elr658]

Perhaps the 6th gear in the 636 is a straight cut design to reduce power loss at the expense of some quiet. (A helical cut gear is quieter) I know Z1/KZ1000 firsts are so.

[Glaxtx]

Originally Posted by elr658

Perhaps the 6th gear in the 636 is a straight cut design to reduce power loss at the expense of some quiet. (A helical cut gear is quieter) I know Z1/KZ1000 firsts are so.

Would that make it sound different than any other gear? As a side note, with the new helmet the padding is much thicker, and I can barely hear it. I have to focus on that one noise to notice it.

[Kevlar636]

Originally Posted by Glaxtx

Would that make it sound different than any other gear?

Yes, if 6th is in fact straight cut it would make a different sound than the other gears. After reading elr658's comments that whine sound is similar to the sound that eminates from straight cut tooth trannies.

Next time ALMS is on, when it goes to on boards, try to listen to the tranny. Those gearboxes have straight cut gears to help w/ power delivery and the fact that those boxes one can shift without lift.