Knocking sound

[Big H]

Help i have this knocking sound comming from the back end of my varadero.
I have cleaned the chain and checked for damaged  links. removed the wheel and cleaned/greased every thing in sight but still no joy. So before i start on the bearings which look in good Nick and have no play in them has anyone had the same problem.

[Mark H]

I assume you've got the bike on the center stand and have spun the wheel to make sure it's free?

Could potentially be a high point on your brake disc? 

[LazyRider]

If it is a clicking sound, have a look at the front sprocket.

[4Star]

I had a similar problem with mine, not so much a knocking, more of a rubbing that seemed worse when letting the clutch out on moving off. When checking the rear wheel this was found to move freely with no rubbing on anything including the hugger and rear caliper. The chain and rear sprocket seemed fine but on removing the cover the front sprocket was quite worn. I ordered a new OE fitment from David Silver and in the meantime tried to get 20K out of the original, but the noise was getting worse. I wasn't convinced the chain and sprockets were the cause but thought I might as well start by changing them. When comparing the new front with the old I was surprised how worn the original was, and with the set replaced I test rode the bike and the noise had disappeared. I can only think that the excess play in the front sprocket was affecting the running of the chain over the chain guide or the tension taken up when letting the clutch out was causing it to slap on the chain guide.   

[Rhino]

I had a knocking sound that seemed to be coming from the chain system somewhere. 

I got a mechanic mate to check it with me and we found that as the chain was meeting the rear sprocket it wasn't sitting in the groove between the teeth properly until it moved further round the rear sprocket whereupon the chain would slip into the groove.  It was only doing this at a couple of points on the chain.

We replaced the chain and both sprockets and when we checked the old items we found the chain was stretched considerably and the front sprocket was very worn and rattling on its spindle.  Once replaced there's been no more noise and the chain runs onto the rear sprocket smoothly.

2003 model with 18,000 miles on the clock.

[Big H]

thanks to you who came up with some ideas about the knocking sound, it did turn out to be
chain and  sprockets needed changing.
I found a good place in manchester to take it, the place is called Mr pigs motorcycles, it is run by Ian who i found to be very helpfull and friendly.