Noise from the front tire - 05 Kawi 636

[MtnRacer]

I normally ride with ear plugs in but today I didn't and noticed an rhythmic thumping/whumping noise coming from the front. It's speed dependent, starting up around 30mph. I had a new Bridgestone S20 installed before the last Hawthorne rally, the bike has only seen a couple hundred miles since the rally.

I'm guessing the tire has become unbalanced? I don't see any cupping but not sure what else it could be. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Cully

 

[Toast]

Did you hit any big potholes recently? Is it just sound or can you feel it bumping up and down when you ride? If you have a front stand put it up on that and use something like a jackstand to put near the tire to see if it's out of round (there will be a small flat spot btw if you've had it parked).

It could be a wheel bearing too I suppose.

 

[MtnRacer]

Did you hit any big potholes recently? Is it just sound or can you feel it bumping up and down when you ride? If you have a front stand put it up on that and use something like a jackstand to put near the tire to see if it's out of round (there will be a small flat spot btw if you've had it parked).

It could be a wheel bearing too I suppose.

No big potholes, it's just a sound. It has been parked for several months while I sorted out an ignition issue, so perhaps it is a flat spot. I hadn't thought of that.

Steve

 

[Diezel]

Get a front stand. Spin the wheel off the ground and see if there is any noted noise or vibration. I might be wheel bearings.