Faults
Your motorbike is making a strange noise: how to tell where it's coming from
By the workshop · 2 min read · October 14, 2026
A new noise from your bike is hardly ever anything serious and hardly ever goes away on its own. What helps isn't guessing the part, but noticing when it happens: braking, accelerating, idling, turning or going over a bump. With that, half the diagnosis is done before you reach the workshop.
When braking
A high-pitched squeal is usually a worn or glazed pad: many have a metal wear indicator that squeals just when they're due for replacing. Vibration through the lever or pedal when braking points to the disc, warped or with a lip at the edge. Constant rubbing with the bike moving and the brakes off can be a caliper that isn't releasing.
When accelerating or rolling off the throttle
A rhythmic clicking that speeds up with the bike is the chain: dry, slack or with tight spots, or a rear sprocket with worn teeth. On a scooter, a jerk or a hum when pulling away is the belt and rollers. Popping from the exhaust when you roll off usually means a leak at the manifold or a lean mixture.
At idle
A metallic tick from the cylinder head that rises with the revs is usually valve clearances needing adjustment. A deeper, irregular rattle can be the cam chain or its tensioner. A hiss of air points to a loose or cracked intake boot.
When turning and over bumps
A hum that changes as you lean the bike is a wheel bearing; a clunk in the steering when braking or crossing a joint in the road is play in the steering head bearings. A sharp knock over a bump is something loose, the exhaust, the stand or a suspension linkage, or a shock absorber that has stopped damping.
Which can wait and which can't
A squealing pad or a dry chain can wait until your appointment. A metallic knock from the engine, heavy vibration when braking or a bearing noise that's getting worse can't: every kilometre adds damage and cost. If you smell burning or see smoke, stop.
How we do it at the workshop
Tell us when it happens and, if you can, record it on your phone. We listen to it, pin it down and tell you what it is and what it costs before we touch anything. Use our free online booking.
What you ask us
Can I keep riding the bike until the appointment?
With noises from wear parts, yes, carefully. With engine knocking, vibration when braking or bearing noises that keep getting louder, better not: bring it straight in or give us a call.
Does it help to record the noise?
A lot. Intermittent noises don't always show up at the workshop, and a video with the sound and the moment it happens saves half the diagnosis.
Does the workshop look at any make of bike?
Yes, we're a multi-brand workshop. The make and age of the bike don't matter.
We do it
Would you rather not get your hands dirty?
We get it ready for you at the workshop. Book a slot and pick a real time.
