Road Noise

Joined
Jul 17, 2010
Messages
24
Location
Leavenworth, WA
Bike
2003 ST1300
STOC #
8280
I ride a 2003 ST1300 with 48K of issue free riding. One odd characteristic of my ST is an gravelly road noise that comes up through the front suspension tubes when the road texture is rough like on chip seal or other knobby surfaces. On new asphalt there is no road noise at all. I thought it might be specific to just my bike so I swapped bikes one day with a friend who has a 2005 ST and it also emitted the same noise. Does anyone know how to eliminate this odd noise problem?
 
Joined
Jul 8, 2008
Messages
186
Location
Vernon BC, Canada
Bike
2007 ST1300
STOC #
8025
I have noticed that where you set your windshield also makes a difference. If the windshield is all the way up " to make the passenger happy" it is a lot quieter than the bottom setting. I also find if you raise it to 1/3rd height there is more noise coming from the fork area.
Try it - ride down the road and slowly raise the windshield, you will notice a change of road noise.
 

ST1100Y

Site Supporter
Joined
Dec 4, 2012
Messages
4,981
Age
59
Location
Vienna, AuSTria
Bike
ST1100Y, ST1100R
STOC #
637
Maybe the pivots for the bracket operating the PCV could use some TLC and lubricants?
Those things tend to rattle when they "run dry"...

You could check by slightly applying the front brake; if the sound changes its something there...
 

PopJack

Die young, after a long life.
Joined
Aug 22, 2008
Messages
760
Location
Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Bike
2005 ST1300
STOC #
8220
I've noticed the noise with PR3 front tires, especially with a bit of wear on them. A couple of other tires didn't seem as bad.

I wear ear plugs so it doesn't bother me anymore, but a few years ago, I recall actually getting off the bike while on a trip to inspect everything. (I'm saying PR3's..... its been a few years. Might have been PR2's.)

I'm used to it now and it doesn't bother me at all. I just expect it sometimes.
 
Joined
Nov 10, 2007
Messages
1,608
Age
61
Location
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Bike
1&2 2005 ST1300ABS's
STOC #
8562

DonMac

My backyard
Joined
Jun 9, 2011
Messages
516
Location
Tumtum WA 99034, near Spokane
Bike
1998 ST1100
STOC #
8436
The PR3's were the noisiest tires I've had. BT023's were pretty quiet and I'm trying the Bridgestone G547 and G548 on the bike now. Much less expensive and great ride so far.
 

ST1100Y

Site Supporter
Joined
Dec 4, 2012
Messages
4,981
Age
59
Location
Vienna, AuSTria
Bike
ST1100Y, ST1100R
STOC #
637
...I'm trying the Bridgestone G547 and G548 on the bike now. Much less expensive and great ride so far.
Yep... declared dead for many years, but still unbeatable on the non-ABS and ABS-I/TCS ST1100... excellent, precise, neutral handling, comfy ride, great mileage...

Kinda disappointing that they never considered offering a 120/70 ZR18 front for the ABS-II/CBS though...
 

970mike

Mike Brown
Site Supporter
Joined
May 6, 2008
Messages
6,167
Age
66
Location
Lompoc, California
Bike
07 & 12 ST1300A
SPOT
LINK
STOC #
8057
[QUOTE;1797160]My front PR4 makes noises like that if just a little low on pressure. I run 42, but if like the other day was cool, it was down to 37. Was in a rush and did not top it off, noise was much worse.[/QUOTE]

Road an ST with PR4 GT tires and I did not like them, did not notice the noise like the PR2. Rear tire is almost done and front tire has some life left in it.

I like the Bridgestone T30 GT tires on my ST much better as they handle good and no road noise.
 
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