Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hi all,

Been a while since I have been around here. Busy with life and kids. Anyway, I am back to ask a question about a whine my Z1000 has developed.

It would appear that when I hit around 70-80 kmph that a whine comes from the front discs. Now this is a bit annoying. I have spoke to a few people and one person suggested that the discs are probably dirty between the outter of the disc (bit with the holes in it) the little circle joiners and the inner of the disc. Not sure what to make of this really.

Anyone had a problem like this and if so what did you do to fix it or remove the problem? I have washed the suckers to remove all the dirt and they still do it. I was thinking perhaps the discs are warped???? Even when I changed the front tyre (which was due) the noise is still there.

Help? If you know of someone good with brakes etc in the Brissy area please let me know...

Thanks in advance...

could be low tyres making a whine on the bitumen? or bearing noise?

if your sure its the brakes then lift the front up andmakesure that the disc isnt rubbing on the pads. good luck

Actually, its interesting you say that cause when I move the bike without the engine running, I can hear the discs moving past the pads.

How would you fix that type of thing?????

Sounds like the pads are too close to the discs....

Thats great but how can one fix this issue?????

From what I understand the pads are suppose to be in contact with the discs, I would not worry about this issue, the noise.. well does it get worse under brake application or all the time, have you got original pads on it or after market?

If its a whining sound then I'd doubt its the pads it sounds more like a bearing noise. Has the front wheel been off lately ? lost a spacer and/or someone tightened the nut too tight ?
Bearing are cheap I'd change them first and go from there .

I thought it was initially the bearings but it only kicks in at certain speeds which is around 70-80k. I think after having read a few of these posts that its more likely the discs rubbing on the pads or vice versa and this is what the cause is.

Now, I wonder how this can be adjusted or perhaps should I think about changing the pads. They are the originals. If I do change the pads, any recommendations?

Thanks

This might sound wierd but it does sound like cicadas?
If it is, normal kwaka noise, pads will change it
never just change pads but always just give the calipers a clean too eh

there must be a woman stuck in your front end!

If you change the adjustable hand-span of the lever out so it's the furtherest setting out does the sound go away?

What about if you push the lever out past its normal rest position when the sound is occuring?

Ratmick wrote:If you change the adjustable hand-span of the lever out so it's the furtherest setting out does the sound go away?

What about if you push the lever out past its normal rest position when the sound is occuring?

Tried both of these cause I read the same thing during a search of posts here already and both of these do nothing. It is very distinctive and definetly coming from the discs/pads/front end, down low.

Brake 'squeal' can usually be fixed with some CRC 'Disc Brake Quiet', applied to the back of the pads.

But a 'whine' ? sounds more like wheel bearings......the fact that its only happening at certain speed ranges doesn't discount the problem being worn bearings..

How worn are the stock pads ? Maybe they are down to the limit ?

EBC do a good pad. Don't get the race-pad (green?) - they are too soft.

As mentioned above,your pads will gently rub on your discs,that is the norm.It is how the pads clean themselves and the discs and also if there was a gap between pads and discs then everytime you braked there would be a lag before the pads actually gripped the discs.You would be pumping your lever everytime you wanted to brake.To find out if your pads are dragging too much,go out for a quick spin and try not to use your front brakes.When you get back check to see how hot your discs are.If they are too hot to keep your hand on then it sounds like you have a stuck piston in your caliper,although this sounds unlikly for such a new bike.
I think your problem sounds more like either wheel bearings,which can be checked easily.Take the front wheel off and feel the bearings.If they have sideways play or rotate roughly,replace them.Dont go to genuine and get ripped either,go to a bearing wholesalers and you will pick them up for 1/2 the price.
The other thing i think it is is your front tyre.Either it is down on pressure,or is worn enuff to give you a whining noise,i have had plenty of bikes do this once the tyre get to about 50% wear

re-viving a thread here, i changes my front pads today, and now mine are whizzing,
it will probably stop when they bed in a bit more...
the noise doesnt bother me but as long as the bastard stops!!