Chain Chatter

[DavesRepsol]

:(I put both bikes on the stands today to do chain maint. If I start my bike and put it in first there is definite chatter, sounds like it is coming from the front sprocket(gear). My wifes makes hardly no noise(very smooth). Any ideas on what is wrong???

[squidracer]

The chain could be stretched out ie: the chain is no longer fitting properly into the teeth of the sprockets. You can do a chain adjustment and then rotate the rear wheel a quarter turn at a time and see if there are any loose or tight spots. Your wife's bike probably does not make the noise because she probably does not ride wheelies which is what causes the stretch. Also if a chain is dry it can cause it to rattle quite a bit. I found that Maxim Chain Wax works real well. Put it on after a ride while the chain is hot and it will run around the rollers and then dry like wax.

[Big Kahuna]

Are both sprockets and chains stock? How many miles on each? When you're running the bike in gear with no load, it's going to really buck the system. Do you hear these sounds when riding? Feel anything through the pegs? When you're out riding, just get up some speed and let of the throttle and pull in the clutch. If you hear anything, then you might want to look at the chain.

Sprocket problems rarely produce noise, usually the chain does. I just went through this on my bike, check everything else but the chain. Come to find out that the new chain (around 1,000 miles on it) had stretched very badly. I replace it with a new chain and everything is happy again. :)

[Repsol47]

Come to find out that the new chain (around 1,000 miles on it) had stretched very badly.

What brand of chain was it...so I dont buy the same one:eek:

[Big Kahuna]

Come to find out that the new chain (around 1,000 miles on it) had stretched very badly.

What brand of chain was it...so I dont buy the same one:eek:It was a Driven chain. I'm sure they are just re-branded chains made by EK or maybe RK. I'm talking to them about it right now.

I'm sure it's nothing wrong with the line itself, just got a bad one is all. It happens. What is more important is how the company handles the problem. I will let you know how it goes.

[DavesRepsol]

I did not think about that, yes my bike has 12k and hers 6k, and I am sure her has not been wheelied....I just got back from a ride and did not hear anything unusual. I spoke with a friend a few minutes ago and he said that with the exception of stuck links in chain or streached chain that most bikes with that many miles on OEM Chain, gears, etc.....will make some noise on the stands with no load.....The sound almost sounds like grit caught in bearings....but there is no play in the back wheel.

I still think I need a new chain, better safe than sorry, plus a chain is what???about $80.00??

[Big Kahuna]

Chain cost vary, make sure you stick with DID, EK or RK. 12,000 miles is a lot of miles for a 1000cc bike. I know others will say they have more miles on their chain with no problems, but if you are hearing noises then I would replace the chain.

I would do what squidracer said, but your bike back on the stand and rotate the rear wheel quarter turns while checking the chain tension at each interval. My chain started t make noise, so I checked the chain this way and found the problem.

[Repsol47]

Isnt it a good idea to change the sprockets also....when changing the chain?:confused2:

Could it be his sprocket that is worn down to the nubbin:confused2:

[cowboyadam]

Isnt it a good idea to change the sprockets also....when changing the chain?:confused2:

Could it be his sprocket that is worn down to the nubbin:confused2:

Think the chain would start slipping if it was worn too much. Probably just needs cleaned or replaced.

[DavesRepsol]

Chain cost vary, make sure you stick with DID, EK or RK. 12,000 miles is a lot of miles for a 1000cc bike. I know others will say they have more miles on their chain with no problems, but if you are hearing noises then I would replace the chain.

I would do what squidracer said, but your bike back on the stand and rotate the rear wheel quarter turns while checking the chain tension at each interval. My chain started t make noise, so I checked the chain this way and found the problem.

OK, I need some help from you guys on the chain, I have searched several different sources and now I am very confused, x-ring, o-ring, non-o-ring, road racing, XW-ring, grand Prix Series, Supersport series.......
I am not concerned with price, I see prices range from $80.00 to $225.00 , I just dont know which one to buy........I do not want a cheap made one, but I dont think I need a racing grade either(although I am hard on a chain., lol):confused2:



Any suggestions.

Also is there much difference between Vortex, RK, Renthal on Sprockets???

[Big Kahuna]

Okay, Driven kits come with either EK or RK high end chains. There is really no reason for my chain to have stretched so soon.

I replaced my stretched out EK 520MVXZ with a RK GB520GXW Gold XW Ring chain. I got a great deal on it via a forum member but you can find them on-line for about $100.00.

[squidracer]

OK, I need some help from you guys on the chain, I have searched several different sources and now I am very confused, x-ring, o-ring, non-o-ring, road racing, XW-ring, grand Prix Series, Supersport series.......
I am not concerned with price, I see prices range from $80.00 to $225.00 , I just dont know which one to buy........I do not want a cheap made one, but I dont think I need a racing grade either(although I am hard on a chain., lol):confused2:



Any suggestions.

Also is there much difference between Vortex, RK, Renthal on Sprockets???

I have used the Xring chains (expensive)and they don't seem to last any longer than the Oring chains (less expensive).
I have had good luck with DID Oring chains (about $100-$120). To make a chain last longer you have to keep it clean, lubricated, and adjusted properly.
Oh, and don't do wheelies!! HAHA, YEAH, RIGHT!!!:evilgrin:
As far as sprockets go, I don't like aluminum sprockets (don't start bashing:fryingpan: me guys) though a lot of people do. Steel is the way to go, they last a lot longer. I have had aluminum sprockets on a 600 and worn them down to nubs within a few months. Yeah, you might save a few ounces of weight but to me it's not worth the price of replacing them more often. Sure, if you are racing then you would go with steel front, aluminum rear and a 520 conversion race kit to save weight. But to me, it's not worth it to spend that $ for the street. Check out RK, JT, Renthal, etc. They all make good sprockets. In the end choose what works best for you.:D

[DavesRepsol]

Went by at lunch today and picked up a D.I.D. CHAINS 530 VM Gold Premium X-Ring Chain. I will let you know this evening once I put it on if that takes care of the noise.

[squidracer]

Went by at lunch today and picked up a D.I.D. CHAINS 530 VM Gold Premium X-Ring Chain. I will let you know this evening once I put it on if that takes care of the noise.

I would highly recommend that you use a press on master link instead of the clip on master link that a lot of chains come with. You will have to take it to a shop to have it pressed on unless you have a chain press tool. The clip on master links are real bad about popping the clip off. When that chain comes off going down the highway you are going to have a very bad day. Just my $.02!

[DavesRepsol]

I would highly recommend that you use a press on master link instead of the clip on master link that a lot of chains come with. You will have to take it to a shop to have it pressed on unless you have a chain press tool. The clip on master links are real bad about popping the clip off. When that chain comes off going down the highway you are going to have a very bad day. Just my $.02!

I hear that, I seen whast happened to BK a while back, I went ahead and bought the hundred dollar tool set to do it myself.:D

[Big Kahuna]

When that chain comes off going down the highway you are going to have a very bad day. Just my $.02!Been there, done that... :(

I'm sending the chain to Driven so they can look at it. I tell you, the EK chains look pretty impressive, even better than the RK I just replaced it with. I don't know how this thing could have gone bad, but Driven will check it out and get back to me.