Creaking bike!

[vega 0]

Hi Guys/Gals

My bike went in for its first service last week, and all was fine, except for a creaking noise from the rear whenever pressure is applied to the rear to compress the rear shock.

This creaking is in no way related to the shock, and I was informed that the problem is to do with the subframe measurements not matching to the frame. By this, I mean if the bolts are loosened slightly, the noise dissapears.

The Dealer's reaction to this, was to send these measurements to Triumph, and await their response. In turn, I received a call saying I need to have a new subframe fitted.

This was arranged very promptly, and yesterday, the work was completed.

However, after a 6 mile journey home, the noise has returned! I immediately called the Dealer, who was obviously supprised and dissapointed, and have asked me to return to them at my earliest convenience (which won't be until Saturday).

Just so you peeps know, if the seat is removed, and you stand the bike upright, and apply pressure to the rear (somewhere between the battery and light), this is when I get the creak. If pressure is applied forward of this i.e. the mounting points/behind the tank, there is no creak evident, proving its not a shock issue.

I am a little concerned about this irritating noise that has developed on a brand new machine, but am confident it will be sorted. Although it is not impairing the performance of the bike, it is not 'right'.

If any of you care to check yours, I would like to confirm that I am the only one out there with this problem. From what I can gather, this is a very unusual thing to happen, and I have seen no evidence of this happening on any other Triumph.

I know this sounds petty, but trust me, this is annoying!

Apart from that, this bike is just plain and simply awesome, as I'm sure most of you already know! I had a Daytona 675 courtesy bike, and I couldn't wait to have mine back. The Daytona obviously handles much better, but with my height it was so uncomfortable, and is missing the Striples torque.

Cheers,

Vince.

[dbcompetition]

I have the creaking noise on my Street, but I think it comes from the rear suspension....

[vega 0]

The only real way to check, is to take the seat off and check.

Mine sounds like the suspension, but its not, its so hard to tell, but the test without the seat proves it

[Diego]

Maybe it's haunted? Perhaps your dealer's assembly area is right over an old Indian burial ground. Steven King might like to hear about this...

But seriously, that is kind of odd. Do keep us posted here on what you find.

[vega 0]

Haunted, well that is a possibility I suppose! I might have to fill the rad with holy water, and take it from there!

[Jon.sb]

Since it is past Halloween I think we can rule out trick or treaters but I went to the garage and jumped all over my bike to see if I could get it to creak at all but so far no sign of any noises that match your description. Keep us posted.

[Striple]

Originally Posted by vega 0

Just so you peeps know, if the seat is removed, and you stand the bike upright, and apply pressure to the rear (somewhere between the battery and light), this is when I get the creak. If pressure is applied forward of this i.e. the mounting points/behind the tank, there is no creak evident, proving its not a shock issue.

Originally Posted by vega 0

The only real way to check, is to take the seat off and check.

hehe i dunno, man, it sounds like you might be going a little out of your way to find something wrong with the bike. it doesn't creak when you're riding it, right? i don't think that these other posters realize that you actually have to take these specific steps in order to produce the creaking noise. has any other poster actually performed these steps (remove seat, stand upright, apply pressure between the light and the battery) to see if they can hear the creak? if they did then they might very well hear that sound, too. when you have metal pieces joined together you're likely to hear some kind of creaking here and there. i don't think it's necessarily a problem. but i guess it might be if triumph stated the issue about the subframe. just seems like perfectionist nit-picking to me though.

"vince vega" huh? pulp fiction fan perhaps? great flick!

[vega 0]

Originally Posted by Striple

hehe i dunno, man, it sounds like you might be going a little out of your way to find something wrong with the bike...just seems like perfectionist nit-picking to me though.

"vince vega" huh? pulp fiction fan perhaps? great flick!

I can fully understand what you're getting at. My description of how to see if your's is affected in the same way as mine is to make it easier to understand, that the shock is not a problem.

It went in for its first service, and the Dealer stated it is not right - to the extent that the subframe was removed and measurements sent to Hinckley.

The bike creaks as soon as anyone sits on it, so from that, I'd pretty much ensure it doing it whilst I'm riding it.

I am a perfectionist in some ways, but know what to expect from a British bike - Triumph's have lots of ticks and knocks. Having said that, this is my first new bike, to me a lot of money which I have had to part with. You wouldn't be happy if you bought a brand new car, and evertime you opened the door, the bloody thing creaks? This noise is suggesting movement where by all accounts, there shouldn't be - what will this be like in 20,000 miles time if its not sorted now.

By asking people to check theirs, it is proving to me that this is an isolated issue with my bike, nobody has to, but it could help me.

So, if anyone would care to check to help me out, please do, and post your findings, which will probably be fine Alternatively, just keep a check on this post until I have a decision from the Dealer, it may be useful for you in the future. Don't post up comments about me nit-picking though, its a waste of server storage

[Diego]

> I am a perfectionist in some ways, but know what to expect from a British bike - Triumph's have lots of ticks and knocks. ... This noise is suggesting movement where by all accounts, there shouldn't be - what will this be like in 20,000 miles time if its not sorted now.

I have a reputation for not going out of my way to look for trouble, but I agree completely with your reasoning. There are a lot of clanks, clatters, whistles and whines associated with Triumphs. However, a creaking that involves any normally non-moving part is NOT that usual for them. (Especially frames! Those have been something of a point of pride for Triumph since the bicycle days.)

I'm pleased to report my Street has been rock solid so far. The only creaking sound emanates from my own ancient bones. And FWIW, I haven't heard what you describe from any of our Daytona brethren that I've been around, either.

So, I certainly wouldn't ignore it as normal. Best to have it checked. It's great that your dealer is actively helping you follow up on this, and I hope it is all sorted soon.

[Jamie]

Originally Posted by Diego

> The only creaking sound emanates from my own ancient bones.

Same here, Diego. Except that no one has to "sit on them" to cause that creaking sound to be heard :