"98 GL1500SE Rear Tire Noise after Replacement

[Goldwinger98]

I recently installed a new Dunlop Elite 4 (160/80B-16) rear tire on my '98 GL1500SE Goldwing. I have since noticed an annoying "buzzing" sound coming from the rear when driving.
The noise reminds me of my youth, when I would place baseball cards on my bicycle to rub against the spokes for effect. Upon further inspection, it appears the rear tire is contacting a rubber mudflap that is installed on the inner fender and located between the swingarm and tire. Incidentally, I can detect the faint smell of burning rubber after riding the motorcycle and placing it in the garage. Coincidently, this is the second Dunlop Elite 4 tire I have installed and had a similar experience with the first one also. Has anyone had a similar experience using this tire. (Note: I have checked rear suspension air pressure and adjusted with no noticeable change).

[gford]

When I first switched from E3's to E4's I had the same sound. I took the rear tire off a couple of times to look for something rubbing and ensuring everything was in its right place along the axle. Eventually I just decided to live with it. A month later I installed an E4 on my buddies 2000 se and the same sound was on his. The sound changes pitch when driving on different road surfaces. You can really hear it when you are following a 1500. It only happened with E4's so I'm guessing its the nature of the tire. I put 18000 miles on that tire with no problems other then the buzzing.

[Goldwinger98]

The Dunlop E4 is a good handling, long lasting tire but I will certainly weigh my options next tire change. That noise is ANNOYING, particularly when driving on city streets or in the close proximity of guard rails! Thanks gford for your response...comforting to know that I am not alone.

[blupupher]

I don't recall any odd noises like that from my E4's.

[Charlie1Horse]

I have heard of some owners that zip tie that little flap back so it doesn't contact the tire tread. It probably only has to move a small amount to clear. You may have to remove the tire to get to it to tie it back.
Russell

[4given]

I have heard of some owners that zip tie that little flap back so it doesn't contact the tire tread. It probably only has to move a small amount to clear. You may have to remove the tire to get to it to tie it back.
Russell

I think it can be accessed through the top after the seat is removed. Wingadmin has a procedure discussing this topic on the forum.

[Solo So Long]

I don't recall any odd noises like that from my E4's.

You forgot to put the playing cards in the spokes.