Dropped chain

[vinnycactus]

Here's the deal.  I was coming to a stop light the other day and when I down shifted and let out the clutch, my chain jumped off.  Not a big deal as it didn't lock up the rear wheel and I was able to pull to the side of the road.  Tonight I was re-tensioning the chain and noticed 2 things:

1.  at a certain point in the chain and it running over the front sprocket, it's rough.  Doesn't really look like the chain is damaged but looks can be deceiving.
2.  this is a little more worrying.  as I spin the rear tire, there are points when it feels as though there is a good bit more tension on the chain and at other spots.

Keep in mind I'm still working my way around the bike and learning the ins and outs.  I figure I probably need a new chain but the other part has me a bit nervous.

Thanks

[minnesotamonster]

Sounds like you just need a new chain

[corndog67]

I think you really need to pay more attention to the maintenance on your bike.  Can you imagine that happening at freeway speeds?   How about 120+MPH?   I've had chains break and just trash the engine cases on my dirtbike, a relatively cheap fix on an old Yamaha YZ, but a very, very expensive fix on a Ducati.  What about if you are boogieing down some twisty road, and the chain derails, and locks the back wheel at just the wrong time?

New chain and sprockets would be my choice, if it were my bike.    Don't buy the junk discount stuff, and you should be golden. 

[zvezdah1]

yep, def. new chain and sprockets and most def. check your chain frequently going forward. Very lucky the bike didn't lock up when it threw the chain.

Chris

[erkishhorde]

Now is as good of a time as any to invest in a Desmotimes case saver. It's a piece of steel that goes between the engine case and the front sprocket to keep the chain from gouging your case if you happen to throw a chain.

As others have mentioned, check you chain often. It's one of the most common things to neglect and have cause bad problems. Since you had you chain off anyway it would have been good to inspect it by hand to check for tight links and inspect your sprocket teeth for cracks/ significant wear. If you maintain your chain you can probably get 2 chains per 1 set of sprockets but when you neglect your chain you tend to start breaking teeth on the sprockets too which pretty much doubles your replacement costs (sprockets are about the same cost as a chain, maybe a bit more).

The binding of the rear tire and significantly tighter tension in some parts of the chain are signs that the chain is done. You likely have a few dead rollers that are shifting around causing the binding. I wouldn't suggest riding on that chain anymore.

[corndog67]

Absolutely on the chain inspection.    EVERY time I walk up to my bike, I toe the chain, checking for the tension.   If anything, at least that lets me know that  it is not laying loose on the swingarm, or bound up tight because of some other problem, like a loose axle, or the countershaft falling off inside the cover where you can't see it (ask me how I  know about countershaft sprockets falling off!!!).   It just takes a second, and it's also second nature for me now, even if I'm riding someone elses bike, I do that. 

[drew.bradshaw]

roger that.  i was going over the pre-ride check list before a group ride and discovered the master link clip had disappeared.  it would have been disaster if i was lazy about it.