HI.
Just finished getting my 550 back together for Spring. Started right up (after I remembered to open the petcock, after I remembered to pull the choke out). I was psyched. My first de-winterization with this bike. First de-winterization in about 30 years!
It took me about 25 yards from my house to realize that all was not well.
Starting at about 5mph, there began a very unpleasant scratching, rubbing, clicking kind of sound. Almost like a playing card in the spokes. Nothing was done over the winter to the front wheel and it was fine when I parked it. (where have I heard THAT before?)
The bike was on the center stand over the winter in a non-heated space. The front wheel was not lifted.
When I take the weight off the front, the wheel spins. Not like a roulette wheel, but it will do a couple of rotations when you give it a spin. One thing I did notice was a single "click" when changing the direction of rotation.
I assume the problem is a wheel bearing. Dried out, flat-spotted, whatever. Anybody have a differing opinion?
Thanks.
