I just installed a new E3 tire on the rear and put the wheel back on. When I took it out for a test ride, I noticed a noise coming from the final drive. It was
noticeable when I was slowing to a stop (due to less noise from the exhaust). So I could hear it while coasting to a stop with the clutch in or in neutral. I
took it home and put it on the lift. I spun the tire but I was hearing more disk brake drag than anything (at one point during my test ride I was able to touch
the disk for the brake and it was not hot), so I pulled the caliper off. I spun the rear tire and sure enough I could hear some hissing sound coming from the
final drive.
This is the first time I removed and installed the rear tire. I think I did it right, but you tell me. After removing the tire, I pulled the flange and greased the area where the center of the flange comes in contact with the center of the hub (including the washer). I greased the splines on the flange and the final drive. I did not do anything with the distance collar on the final drive (could that be causing the problem?) All grease used was the Honda 60% Moly grease. I pushed the wheel onto the final drive. I greased the collar and right oil seal and axle. Inserted the collar. Made sure the thrust washer was between the swing arm and the caliper bracket before I inserted the axle. I tightened the axle, axle pinch bolt and reinstalled the caliper.
Here is a little background on the final drive. When I first bought the bike, in the spring, from a dealer, I assumed it was all checked out like they said it was. That was a mistake. I took it out for about 20 all day rides before I decided to change the final drive oil. I could not see the oil. I decided to top it up and see how much it took and it took about 2 and ½ to 3 ounces out of a capacity of 4.4 oz. I ran it for one ride after topping it up and then I changed it completely. There has not been any leaking there. I did not hear any noise during my vacation that preceded the tire change.
Does anyone have any idea of what I can check before taking it into a dealer?
This is the first time I removed and installed the rear tire. I think I did it right, but you tell me. After removing the tire, I pulled the flange and greased the area where the center of the flange comes in contact with the center of the hub (including the washer). I greased the splines on the flange and the final drive. I did not do anything with the distance collar on the final drive (could that be causing the problem?) All grease used was the Honda 60% Moly grease. I pushed the wheel onto the final drive. I greased the collar and right oil seal and axle. Inserted the collar. Made sure the thrust washer was between the swing arm and the caliper bracket before I inserted the axle. I tightened the axle, axle pinch bolt and reinstalled the caliper.
Here is a little background on the final drive. When I first bought the bike, in the spring, from a dealer, I assumed it was all checked out like they said it was. That was a mistake. I took it out for about 20 all day rides before I decided to change the final drive oil. I could not see the oil. I decided to top it up and see how much it took and it took about 2 and ½ to 3 ounces out of a capacity of 4.4 oz. I ran it for one ride after topping it up and then I changed it completely. There has not been any leaking there. I did not hear any noise during my vacation that preceded the tire change.
Does anyone have any idea of what I can check before taking it into a dealer?
After taking the wheel off again and reassembling it, I could not see what I could have done wrong, so I took it for another
test ride. This time I looked for different road surfaces, and the sound did change. It is tire noise. 
Thanks for your input Tony, your words reassured
me after that last test ride. And since it fooled you for a while too, I don't feel quite so foolish. I did get better at taking the wheel off and
re-installing it.
Hopefully the weather will allow some more riding.
Yet another benefit of this
site, we can benefit from each others experiences. 
