Hey guys I have a really bad creeking noise coming from the rear of the bike while going over bumps or rough surfaces. I have looked around the frame and the swingarm areas and found nothing that looks like there could be a crack. If I am sitting on the bike and apply the front brake, then shift my weight back wards you can hear it, it is quite a loud noise and sounds like bits of metal rubbing together. Could it be the shock? It is still the standard unit and the ride is a hell of a rough, really hard and not much give
Cheers
2003 VTR1000
SP1 forks
Fireblade Rims
In the best colour ..... RED!
rear suspension linkages are dry and wearing out. look in workshop for a warning on what will happen if you dont strip down and lube / replace as apropriate
If you are getting that sound most likely the linkage bearings have failed. Advice would be not to ride it till you have them serviced. Check the sticky in the knowledgebase.
If you can fit MCCT's then I'm sure you can deal with the linkages. Hopefully none of the bolts have seized in place and you can get them out with a hammer, as that will make life tricky.
Just make sure you have the rear of the bike jacked up so there is no weight on the rear suspension and loosen the top shock bolt first behind the tank by your battery.
Tip for you. Loosen (break the seal) on all big nuts and bolts before jacking the bike up, especially the Swingarm spindle as this is torqued up extremely tight. You will need a torque wrench.