AlphaBarney wrote on 07/22/11 at 13:01:21:Verslagen, I would best describe it as a random rubbing/scraping noise, somewhat high pitched that comes and goes at that speed. I was confusing it for wind noise for a little until I really listened to it and put it with the stroke rhythm.
... I don't have that special tool to get the crankcase inspection cover off, the manual suggests a wide tip screwdriver, any home-made alternatives that anyone has found to work well?
1... What you describe could be the speedo bezel rattle... try pressing your thumb against the bottom edge of the mount and pushing slightly,... if the noise stops, there's an easy fix in the Tech section...
.... could also be the the drive belt... it can make all kinds of tricky noises... pull in the clutch while you are hearing it, and rev the engine a couple of times... if the sound doesn't go up and down with the engine, it's probably the belt... again,.. a million fixes in the Tech section...
These two things account for 80% of noises. the other one is the headlight bezel...
2... timing cover... next time you do front brake pads,... save the old plates... they work great in that slot... 'till then, a big fat washer in a vise grip does the job too...