So I've been hearing a weird sound at low speed son the front section of my XT660X. The best way to describe the noise is that it sounds like there's some twigs stuck in the spokes, constantly knocking when I ride. It sounds like a noise the chain would make but I am certain it's from the front part of the bike.

I've checked and everything seems fine, nothing seems loose. Bit worried it's something worse.

Does anybody have any ideas before I go to the garage with it?

Could it be from the engine? I don't hear it when I am wheeling the bike.

Are the front wheel bearings OK? Are the brake disc bobbins seized?

Get the front wheel off the ground and give it a spin. See if you notice anything amiss?

__________________

Thanks for the reply.

I am not very mechanically minded. How would I go about checking about the brake disc bobbins? The front brake works fine if that means they are fine.

Wheel bearings doesn't sound good haha. The noise I can hear all the time now. It's like a scratchy metal noise. I don't think it's an engine noise as I can't hear it when stationery.

I'd put money on front wheel bearings from what your saying.

There is a method using a trolley jack or similar under the engine and then lifting the front that way.

If your unable to check the front yourself I'd suggest taking the bike to a mechanic.

Is this quite a serious thing? Should I immediately stop using the bike until I can get it repaired? It has been a while since I first heard the noise...

As Simon says, more than likely wheel bearings are shot. The 'scratchy metal noise' is the giveaway.

Personally I would not ride the back if the bearings are that bad. Have you managed to get the front wheel of the ground to check for play and the noise?

__________________

But hey dont be too scared as wheel bearings are not too expensive nor difficult to change. A decent bike mechanic can change the front wheel bearings in less than an hour. Just make sure he has sone in stock and then ride there gently.....

__________________
(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....

Certainly stop riding it until you can get the wheel bearing checked.

They can be very dangerous if they go at speed, I've had a rear collapse In my early days of riding and luckily didn't come off. But in the short distance it took to stop it did a fair bit of damage.

Thanks guys

I've started noticing a squeak when I am willing the bike. Does this confirm it's the front wheel bearing?

A squeak could be pads binding or abosulte worst case the bearing has play on it and is allowing the wheel to go off centre and forcing the disc onto the pads.