Unidentified noise ~~ any ideas??

Being my 1st big bike on a 98 reg I listen frantically for any sounds coming from the bike and over analyse them (I think anyway). I've had this sound coming from the bike whilst riding and I can only describe it as sounding like tv static. The faster I go the louder it gets and I'm pretty sure it's not the fan?! Could I be worrying about nothing or has any come across something similar before??
Thanks
Sean

Could this be wind noise from your helmet, as you describe it as getting louder with speed ?
Just a thought  

i agree with tel, could be wind noise, personally never had a noise with that description come from the bike itself

dave

My first guess would be wind noise against yourself or the bodywork as well, but it might be worth looking at the brake pads on the off chance one is worn through to the metal and contacting a brake disc.

Is the chain well lubed as well? (A dry chain can be a bit 'hissy')

Thanks for the replies guys. I don't think it's the helmet but will give a gentle spin with helmet off to test this theory. I've had my helmet for a while and never had the issue with my other bike but perhaps the change in riding position could cause this? I've checked the front pads and they seem to have plenty left in them. I have recently picked up some dry chain lube but haven't applied it yet but yes the chain is a bit dry. I'll give that whirl and let you know if the noise persists. Thanks again!

Could be wind noise as i have also noticed it coming from a naked bandit to the faired cat, as i tend to sit fairly upright my lid catches the airflow over the screen. I was flat on the tank the other day tucked down behind the screen going for it and it was silent. Give it a try.

Changing the screen or riding position can have a big effect. Does your bike have the original screen or an aftermarket one?

I recently got a double-bubble screen for the Fazer off eBay, thinking I'd got a bargain, and it's terrible - it just throws turbulent air at my head and is much noisier than the original. It's fine if I crouch down behind it, and it might be OK for a shorter person, but that's no use for me.

As far as chain noise is concerned, if the rollers are very loose they can develop a whooshing noise - I've heard it when following other people, so if you can find someone (preferably not on a bike with a very loud can!) to follow you and have a listen that might help. It's easy enough to check - if the rollers spin very freely and there is perceptible play, then you may be needing a new one.

Just a note on the fact you have had your helmet a while, they do tend to wear over time and so I wouldn't be suprised to incur wind leakage as I have with mine...

Another solution would be earplugs  solves all my noise problems  

I wear plugs all the time but can hear what sounds like exhaust gas hissing through the downpipes (it gets louder as the RPM goes up).

It might not be, but since it sounds a bit like a turbo it's my best guess.

Wooster wrote:I wear plugs all the time but can hear what sounds like exhaust gas hissing through the downpipes (it gets louder as the RPM goes up).

lol that's exactly why I wear ear plugs! Taking my exhaust off tonight for repairs