Chain
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 127
From: Brandon, Ms
Chain
I noticed a strange sound comming from my bike. I found a hill and coasted down with no power = chain. It has a tight spot then a loose spot, ever have this happen? Tension indicators say I have plenty left.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 731
From: MICHIGAN
you could have plenty of chain slack left in the chain but if the chain has not been maintained on a regular basis, it will develop kinks and tight spots. How did you loose power, did teh chain break or is it slipping off the sprocket? You might need a new chain my friend.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 127
From: Brandon, Ms
you could have plenty of chain slack left in the chain but if the chain has not been maintained on a regular basis, it will develop kinks and tight spots. How did you loose power, did teh chain break or is it slipping off the sprocket? You might need a new chain my friend.
Senior Member
SuperSport
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 818
From: Thornwood, NY
It could also be the sprockets are on their way out... regardless... you'd probably wanna replace the whole set in one shot, although if your sure the chain is still in good shape, you could probably get away with just doing the sprockets.
J.
J.
Senior Member
Superstock
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 387
The tension indicators mean nothing at all really. How do you mean tight spots and loose spots? How can you tell?
BTW, WD40 is meant to displace water...contrary to popular use, it is NOT a lube. Look carefully at the sprocket and check that the teeth are not hooked.
BTW, WD40 is meant to displace water...contrary to popular use, it is NOT a lube. Look carefully at the sprocket and check that the teeth are not hooked.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Back Marker
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 127
From: Brandon, Ms
RUNLEVELZERO #99
SuperBike
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,218
From: Skokie
To clean a chain, I use kerosene and then let my Scott Oiler do its thing. 20~ 25K miles is easy on a good set of sprockets and chain (even the OEs) but VTRs can be hard on the drive train with it's big, sudden power pulses. It also could be your presumably OEM sprockets (probabaly Sunstars) were out-of-round from the factory, which will give the loose-tight syndrome. If the rubber cush drive dampers in the rear hub are worn or loose, that could also cause this problem. Depending on how many miles are on the chain and IF it is in really good shape, replacing the sprockets (usually just the rear) may be OK. It could be an opportunity to add some apparent grunt and jump up to a 43 tooth rear sprocket (you have enough links at 102 so that a longer chain is not required). Conversely, replacement of the chain and sprockets (if the cush rubbers are good) may be required, and a quality 520 set is an option over the heavier OE 530 set. DO NOT go with an aluminum rear sprocket, as they wear too fast for the trade-off of a bit less unsprung weight, and with a 520 set, its a bunch lighter anyway. Remember, chains don't stretch, the bushings wear unevenly, creating the slop.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
duran
Technical Discussion
16
Aug 27, 2007 07:57 AM
