Clunking noise
 

Hi guys,

I'm looking of a bit of advice. My 2005 XT660X has developed a clunking noise at the back end.
The sound is almost as if the chain is catching on bent sprocket teeth.
That's not the problem though since on the chain and sprockets are in good condition. The sound is also not consistent, so it isn't repetitive like a metronome for instance. But it does happen frequently (between 5 and 10 seconds).
The knocking seems to resonate into the right footpeg (I feel it a lot in my right foot).
I would seem to think the sound is coming from the right side of the rear hub but I don't see where a noise like that could be coming from since the chain and moving parts are on the left.
I get the noise even when the motor is off and I freewheel (in neutral or in gear with clutch in).
Seems to be prevalent when leaning right around a corner.

I disassembled the back end and found the cush dampers in the hub to be very badly worn (the rubber piece that joins them together is completely broken).
I'd be happy to replace them if I knew for certain that was what was causing the noise but I have my doubts (because I still get the noise when freewheeling and the chain is not pulling on the rear sprocket to bring it out of alignment).

Anyone experienced this and can relate or advise?
Any other troubleshooting tests I could run?
Any thoughts? Many thoughts?

Clunking noise
 

If the cush drive rubbers are knackered - replace them.

If the bike has been ridden a long time with shot cush rubbers then it is very likely that the sprocket carrier bearing is fooked as well. You say it makes more noise when you lean right? That would point to knackered wheel bearings in at least one side of the hub too.

Thanks Pleiades. I'll start with the cush drive rubbers and check the bearings while I'm at it. My biggest worry was that it was possibly something in the clutch or gearbox causing the chain to slap. I suppose it makes sense to start repairing the easy parts (cush drive rubbers, wheel bearings etc.) and work my way towards the harder things if the noise persists.
Thanks again for your decisive reply. It's given me good direction and a starting point.
I'm sure I'll be back on one wheel in no time :)

Right side....
is the disc/caliper & its mount tight with no movement

Wheel bearings make a noise when worn and when cornering......can make noise just one side too.

Success!
 

Thanks for all the input guys. The sprocket carrier bearing was turning roughly and one of the wheel bearings was poked. I replaced the cush drive rubbers, sprocket carrier bearing and both wheel bearings.
Cost me about R500 all in all.
The noise is gone and the the wheelies are smooth again.

Thanks again guys.

My bike is making a ticking noise under acceleration 1st to 2nd gear but fine after that
Would this be shot cush rubbers and bearings,

Any ideas people??

You can check for stuffed Cush drive rubbers by simply grabbing the rear sprocket & give it a good tug in all directions to see if there is any play there.