So.. I got my bike with 20k on it.. took it for an inspection.. all looked "really clean" except for a chain that has 25% life left and some new rear brake pads...
I took my bike in to have a few things looked at and they ended up doing another look-over.. and that included tightening the chain a little...
When I got my bike, and I held the clutch and coasted.. I'd hear a slight un-even noise from the chain, not like a bicycle.. but more of a "chachacha-chiiiii-chachahca" (haha best I can describe)
After the chain was tightened.. It's the same part of the chain making the sounds, but it's MUCH louder and I can feel it while driving around.. I can't see a tight spot on the chain anywhere.. but is that what I'm hearing?
I'm afraid to even drive around, it's a pretty horrible sound, but doesn't really make any difference..
I'll have it checked out on tuesday when the shop opens.. but I'm curious if this is a normal part of chain-wear? And if anyone else has had this issue? (they checked the sprockets and said they were perfect)
Thanks!
depending on if the chain is old, it probably has a tight spot in it.
basically they might have adjusted the chain for the loose spot and that is now good but hte tight spot on the chain is now too tight and not adjusted right.
basically you need a new chain.
If they did that ^^^^^^
transmission damage is possible.
Check to make sure...then ride it.
I had to deal with an unevenly stretched chain on my ST2. I saw that it was a bit loose, so I tightened it, then just rolling it forward I realized that at a different position it was too tight. So I put it back up on the centerstand, found the tightest spot, and adjusted it so that it was correct there. I rode the bike for another few days before replacing the chain, but I could feel the surging when riding it at 35 mph. I made sure not to do any high speed riding or to give it much power until the new chain was installed.
The chain still looked perfect, but after it was replaced my bike was much smoother.
We tend to not expect a chain to be tighter at one spot than another, but it's an important step in chain adjustment to check the tension along the entire length of the chain to make sure that there are no places where it's too tight. Otherwise you run the risk of damaging whatever is connected to your countershaft.
So i got a new chain today...
It's like a brand-new bike! I can't stop riding it! The chain that was on it when I bought it must have been ridiculously worn.. because the bike is quiet, doesn't make any sounds when hitting bumps, no play when accelerating/decelerate... Just feels safer overall.
In fact, I'm gonna go ride more right now.
Maybe a silly question ducjon, but you did fit new sprockets as well?? If not your old ones wont be doing your new chain any favours .
They looked at the sprockets once, then again when I asked about them.. They said they were in "perfect condition" and that the previous owner had put on a 14T very recently, and had the rear replaced.
So I think I'm good.
that sounds good.
for me my chains lasted arpound 7-7.5k miles each. i only replaced the sprockets at the 12k interval the first chain went around 6k.
since then they are good.
good to hear that the bike runs smoother, and yes putting on a new chain on a bike does make it run a ton better in most instances.
now enjoy the ride.
To answer the chain sprocket questions yes normally you change the sprockets and the chain. If you change the chain and not the sprocket the chain wears faster.
again i said "normally" i am not stating it as a law. there is a more technical explanation lurking around the forum some where.