BMW R1200R R1150R/T F800 K1200R R1100R/T R1250R RnineT Message Board

Hi all,

Went out for a ride last week and apart from a near empty tank all was well. I filled up and went on my way without problem for a few miles before stopping at a shopping complex to have a rest and a look around. Upon returning to my bike I started her up and set off but immediately became aware of a strange high pitched screaming noise that, at first, I didn't know where it was coming from - sort of like air being released from a balloon whilst pulling the neck tight and then releasing intermittently (rubbish description I know).

After a while I pulled over as I became aware that the noise was following me and therefore may be coming from me or the bike

Getting off the bike the noise appears to be coming from the front end and is, sort of, most audible in the region below the headlamp although it is very difficult to pinpoint.

The noise has no apparent effect on power or functioning of the bike and is there immediately from start up whilst the bike is still standing and continues whilst riding.

I did think it may be an air pressure issue with the petrol tank but have tried opening the fuel cap to equalise the pressure but this has no effect whatsoever.

Anyone have any ideas?

All suggestions gratefully received

It's most likely your alternator belt. Was it maybe raining a bit? But it doesn't have to be. I had the same thing happening to me. My bike was only 4500 miles old at the time. I did absolutely nothing to mend it. I'll just tell the guys at the dealer about it when i'll leave it for my 6000 mile inspection.

Yes mate!! It was indeed raining (a bit), pissing down at one point as we say in good old sunny England!! Uncannily, my bike has also done just on 4,500 miles

It still makes the noise now though even though it's obviously dried out so what's the cure?

Thanks for the reply

Like I said, I didn't do anything and it went away. Maybe you are doing a lot of short runs? If you do that your battery just doesn't get a chance to recharge. So your alternator has to work harder. And that's why your belt is slipping.
But I'm just inventing a scenario here with out any basis in reality.