What causes the "whoosh"?

[FLHXMATT]

I brought my '07 Streetglide in to my local dealer for routine service, and asked them about the whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound that seemed to be in time with the rotating wheel at slower speeds, I am sure you know what I am talking about, because the woman on the service counter told me that it was normal with touring bikes, and we all just had to put up with it. She then proceeded to sell me a new set of "Hogtunes" speakers to cover up the noise. Man i love those speakers, miles better than stock...but thats another story for another thread. I am okay with hearing a little noise coming out of the bike, its a machine after all, machines make noise, some noises sound better than others, noisy is okay, as long as I can put my finger on what is making it.

Brake rotor out of round?
Bearings noisy?

I am sure its something simple, anybody got a way to fix it?

MATT

[IArider]

dont wear nike tennis shoes while riding

[Dave63]

Originally Posted by FLHXMATT

I brought my '07 Streetglide in to my local dealer for routine service, and asked them about the whoosh, whoosh, whoosh sound that seemed to be in time with the rotating wheel at slower speeds, I am sure you know what I am talking about, because the woman on the service counter told me that it was normal with touring bikes, and we all just had to put up with it. She then proceeded to sell me a new set of "Hogtunes" speakers to cover up the noise. Man i love those speakers, miles better than stock...but thats another story for another thread. I am okay with hearing a little noise coming out of the bike, its a machine after all, machines make noise, some noises sound better than others, noisy is okay, as long as I can put my finger on what is making it.

Brake rotor out of round?
Bearings noisy?

I am sure its something simple, anybody got a way to fix it?

MATT

Your rotor isn't perfectly true and will make noise as it passes through the brake pads, going from the "low" to "high" spot. Due to harder brake pads and semi-metalic compounds, the noise can be more noticable, due to the harder materils riding on the metal. Harder materials also create more braking heat, which in turn, warps metal rotors quicker.

There's a run-out spec that's used to tell when it's warped too far and should be replaced. Generally, as long as you don't feel the brake pulsing via the brake lever while braking, you're ok.

You're kidding about the speaker thing, and that she really sold you speakers to cover up the noise.....and you bought them, right?

[tunes]

Replace the front pads with aftermarket EBC or Lyndall and alot of the noise goes away as well. Stock pads just rub more.

[Jacket4256]

stock pads blow, if you push the bike a few feet you can hear the pads rubbing especially in the front...

[texaswiz]

What you describe as a "whooshing" sound is probably nothing more than the brake rotors turning through the brake pads. This is normal. I have 23,000 miles on mine and they still do it. It is not annoying to me because I understand where it comes from. I would much rather have the pads in close proximity to the rotors than not.

Just so your mind can rest easy try elevating the front wheel off the ground an inch or so and spin the wheel briskly by hand. My guess is that you will find it to be nothing more than what I have described.

[illegal alien]

Now why would this be normal with Touring Bikes & not other models???? I guess a quick way to diagnose if it is indeed the brakes would be to ride at a lower speed and apply & release the brake, if the noise changes or goes away during this procedure then it is the brakes that are the culprit.. Cant say I've ever heard it on my 06 though.

[SCHMIDTYS]

Ride your bike slow in a parking lot , put it in neutral and hit the kill switch , now coasting with the engine off listen to the brakes , slowly apply the front and / or rear brakes to isolate the noise you're hearing . The new Brembo brakes make different noise than the previous brakes did .

[gruss]

Originally Posted by IArider

dont wear nike tennis shoes while riding

[FLHXMATT]

Originally Posted by Dave63

You're kidding about the speaker thing, and that she really sold you speakers to cover up the noise.....and you bought them, right?

Kind of kidding, I did buy the speakers, but not to cover the brake noise, more to cover my horrible singing voice, the fact that I know Bob Seger does an infinitely better version of "Turn the Page" has never stopped me from belting it out as loud as I can, thinking nobody can hear me.