Back Wheel Grind? — 6/87, P5
I am very happy with the bike and my wife loves the comfort. The only problem I have had is mysterious grinding noise from the back wheel when the shaft is hot (after about 20 miles). I have had the bike back to the workshop four times but they can't find anything wrong. Brake pads have been renewed and bearings checked, to no avail. Perhaps it will disappear with mileage.
Chris Burgess, Wheelwrights M/C Club
Bench Wrench: On a few occasions I've had to add an excessive amount of thick grease to the splines where the wheel hooks up to the rear drive gear. Remember, apply a lot more grease that you think is needed. This doesn't take long to do and it's not expensive hut it may help.
Update: Wheel Grind — 8/87, P4
My '86 Royale started making this grinding sound, more so when the engine was off and I was pushing or cleaning the rear wheel. Checking with the Yamaha dealer, I found that they were familiar with this noise in Venture rear ends. They told me it needed a shim kit for the rear axle to align the wheel and gear properly.
While up on the center stand, spin the wheel. If grinding occurs, I would go to Yamaha; it is a warranty problem. Maybe this is some help.
Jerry L. Dennis, #04425