Whine in Gearbox

[Simo]

I have a new FJR 2014 with about 9000 km on it. It has a whining noise in the gearbox. It sounds like a car going in reverse gear. I have done some research and discovered that this is normal with the FJR and is caused by the square cut gears. It is not noticeable at highway speeds but certainly pronounced when going through the hills.

Does anyone know if the Kawasaki GTR 1400 has this same whining gearbox noise as the FJR?

Also, is there anyway to reduce or eliminate this whining noise?

John

 

[bluesdog]

1. Good earplugs

2. Aftermarket, louder mufflers (Staintunes, since you're in Oz)

Y'see, this topic has been discussed here a fair bit:

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=148863

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=118087

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=107663

https://www.fjrforum.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=20386

And more, if you wish to search. For more, type engine whine: site fjrforum in google

 

[Redfish Hunter]

I am pretty sure there is no wine in my gearbox. It is just regular oil. I wish it was filled with wine sometimes. Perhaps some Cabernet Sauvignon or a nice Chardonnay...

Oddly, I was just telling Pop this morning how much I enjoyed the gearbox whine of the FJR. It is perhaps the most endearing quality of the entire bike for me. It just sounds pleasant to me.

 

[Mihalis fjr]

Pretty normal!I love this sweet turbine sound!!

 

[lnewlf]

balance shafts,not gearbox

make believe it's a supercharger...

 

[Uncle Hud]

Coming from a rather large v-twin, I really like the sound: "Watch out! Hud's coming through, saddled to a low flying jet engine!"

That, coupled with a vision of all the little in-line four-cylinder bits that are wildly thrashing around at 6k or 7k RPM -- puts a silly grin on my face.

 

[FJReady]

Funny, I don't notice mine anymore. Just part of the background now.

 

[roger dodger]

Lower the windshield, open your helmet visor, and stick your nose up and out (like a dog in the car window)....

 

[FJR Bill]

Being that I operated turbine engines (helicopters/airplanes) for decades, I feel right at home with the FJR turbo sound.

Bill

 

[albee]

+1 for liking the sound, my son says it sounds like a space ship in warp drive.

 

[HotRodZilla]

Remember when guys used to change out their timing chains for gear driven cams, just to add some whine? I love the sound of my motor. I would be saddened if someone beveled those gears and quieted things down.

 

[Fred W]

Odd thing is that I hear the gear whine on the FJR more in 4th gear than 5th.

But even that is not nearly as loud nor wonderful as the whine that emanates between 3 and 5k rpms on my 5th gen (1998) VFR. Now that's a vintage whine you need some cheese for.

Why anyone would consider for a second buying a different brand of motorcycle due to some minor mechanical engine sounds like this is a mystery to me.

 

[Pterodactyl]

There are certain advantages to having artillery ears... what whine?

 

[RossKean]

There are certain advantages to having artillery ears... what whine?

I don't hear it very much either. Too many years of aural abuse from too many sources. On the other hand, the Yamaha Venture I had before the FJR had a gearbox/clutch whine that couldn't be ignored.

 

[RadioHowie]

The whine I hear, every waking moment, is called tinitus....sounds like a tree full of cicadas at mid-summer ALL THE FRICKIN' TIME!

Too many years of headphones at work and motorcycles at play.

 

[majicmaker]

The whine I hear, every waking moment, is called tinitus....sounds like a tree full of cicadas at mid-summer ALL THE FRICKIN' TIME!
Too many years of headphones at work and motorcycles at play.

More like the sound of the ocean when you put a couch shell to your ear. But, multiplied by 1000. ALL THE FREAKIN' TIME!

 

[gmwalk]

Change to Mobile 1 oil.

 

[RadioHowie]

Change to Mobile 1 oil.

.....that'll fix my tinitus!!!!????

 

[Top_Speed1]

Change to Mobile 1 oil.

I've always used M1 75/90 Synth?

Personally I likey the turbine whine, and I likey the Finger Lakes Wine!