• Welcome to the BMW R18 Forums. Member registration disables ads and allows you to post and share. Register Here.

Front Wheel Noise

  • <i class="fa--xf fal fa-check "><svg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" role="img" aria-hidden="true" ><use href="/data/local/icons/light.svg?v=1789222567#check"></use></svg></i> Discussion starter Discussion starter brcolbourne
  • Start date Start date
Many R18B and TC were fitted with the Michelin tyres, which are notoriously noisy according to some owners testimonials.
I have the Battlecruise H50 on my B and they are very quiet. I also find them very good when it comes to handling. I recently took and advanced riding course with the motorcycle police and fire brigade and of course, it rained all they long. Half of the training session was riding on all sorts of roads, including twisties covered in mud from local farms vehicles. I was able to push it to the speed limits and applied the new riding skills acquired without any issues and the tyres performed flawlessly.
 
I'm planning on replacing my tires this upcoming season (probably Spring time); I'll probably wait until the newly designed Reverse module is ready and have both items completed together...

I'll have to review tire recommendations on the forum and see what the dealership can pull together; not sure though, if they have the ability to high speed balance them or not..
 
I have 6943 miles on my bike and the tyres would probably do another 5K, definitely 4K. I would love to fit white walls this time but Bridgestone does not do them on the size the B needs and since I am super happy with the H50, I rather not to deviate from it. Last resort would be to buy a new set and have them painted but I am not too sure about that idea. Let us know what you decide next and your thoughts on the new sets if they are not H50.
 
I had the noise too, from about 10-50mph since it was new. I’d describe it as more of a ‘howl’. Tap the fender and its ring sounds similar. I removed the fender, no more noise. Since I had it off I did several things to try to damp and isolate the vibration. When tapping the fender on the bench the noise was most pronounced on the rear end of the fender. I put a 3” strip of sound deadening material across the bottom rear. Similar to Dynamat. It’s a tar/adhesive with a thick aluminum cladding. That really kept the fender from ringing on the bench. We’ll see how it stands up to life inside the fender. I put rubber washers between the fender and the forks, and also on the head of the bolts, with a backing washer. Used locktite since I didn’t want to overtighten the rubber washers. Now when I tap the fender on the bike, it has a plastic sound- no ringing. Result is, after a couple days and 100 miles, it’s quiet like never before. Makes it a pleasure to cruise at the lower speeds. I expect the rubber washers will degrade, so I’ll keep my eyes open for other washer options. And eventually will look at other tire options, since they are probably the root cause. But so far so good.
 
Excellent fix Baldwdd and I was about to go through a similar process, but I eventually found an even better solution and changed my 1st Edition for a 2023 Roctane ........... completely silent now :D:D
 
I recently swapped my front and rear tires to the METZELER brand, which appears to reduce road noise when compared to the stock tires.

For me, tightening the shock covers made the best improvement regarding the illusive resonance humming sound when on rough pavement...
 
I had the noise since new, then very loud, when the Michelin commado was almost worn.
Then I swapped to the 16' wheel (one from a Classic) instead of the 18', with a new "fat" Michelin Commando.
No noise anymore.
The culprit is the 18' tire.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top