Replacing Chain and Sprockets

[The Red Scourge]

Sooooo, I'm back with more questions. After a few hundred miles of care free riding I started having more issues. I knew I needed to tighten the chain but last week I started hearing a sort of slapping/clacking noise coming from the area of the chain/sprockets. Specifically the front sprocket. After some inspection it appeared as if the chain was slapping the swingarm.

I cleaned, lubed and tensioned the chain. Slightly better but still a lot of noise at the front sprocket. Then I saw that the chain was tight in some spots and too loose in others as it when around. So Im prepared to buy and replace the chain and both sprockets. I'm planning on going with a 15 tooth front as most of my riding is on the freeway. I think the bike had been outside a lot of it's life and the chain prolly wasn't properly cared for. The chain and sprockets have 9,000 mi. on them. My question is this: should I go ahead and replace the sprocket bearings while I'm in there? I don't want to get this finished and still have the same noise, it seems very unsafe to ride right now. Thanks in advance!

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by The Red Scourge

.............My question is this: should I go ahead and replace the sprocket bearings while I'm in there?..............

Both things are not related.
The only bearing that is accessible to you is the one that holds the rear sprocket.
That one needs moly grease and inspection for checking any excessive wear.

[The Red Scourge]

Ok cool, thanks for the help. I'll probably get to doing it this weekend. I've heard a few different things about chain types. Some people have told me to avoid the clip-type like the plague. I'd rather not have to spend a bunch of money right now on the riveting tool. What do you use?

[csmith12]

The KY master key of wrenches, vice grips. They are like the duct tape of tools. lol

[Teh_K]

If you plan on owning and working on bikes for a while (e.g. years), then the cost of the riveting tool might make sense in the long run.

[Motofool]

Originally Posted by The Red Scourge

Ok cool, thanks for the help. ............. What do you use?

You are welcome

I rivet the chain outside with a hammer, since I service the swingarm pivot each time that I replace a chain.

I like this idea, brought to this fine forum by @csmith12 some time ago, as I have seen several clips from clip style master links work their way out in O-ring chains, never in a regular chain: I would safety wire the link.

[The Red Scourge]

I saw some posts somewhere about having to cut some links off. I got a 106 chain, I shouldn't have to cut it right?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by The Red Scourge

I saw some posts somewhere about having to cut some links off. I got a 106 chain, I shouldn't have to cut it right?

Nope, not for stock sized sprockets or a few sizes above/below.

[The Red Scourge]

Ok cool. I' getting ready to do this. I'm pretty slim on the cash right now and I don't have a torque wrench. I imagine it's pretty critical to have the sprockets torqued down right?

[csmith12]

Originally Posted by The Red Scourge

Ok cool. I' getting ready to do this. I'm pretty slim on the cash right now and I don't have a torque wrench. I imagine it's pretty critical to have the sprockets torqued down right?

I say yes, torque all my sprockets and then double check them. But I have seen riders at the track just toss em on, tighten them to what "feels" right and ride on.

It's normally bad news if any of that stuff comes off.

[Bones85]

Originally Posted by csmith12

Nope, not for stock sized sprockets or a few sizes above/below.

15/42 sprockets are fine with the 106-link chain, right?

[csmith12]

Yes sir, that is the gearing I run.

[Bones85]

That's what I'm switching to. I'll actually be glad when my chain/sprockets wear out.

Will be interesting to see what a difference it makes after riding ~20,000 miles with the stock gearing.

[sharky nrk]

Originally Posted by Motofool

You are welcome

I rivet the chain outside with a hammer, since I service the swingarm pivot each time that I replace a chain.

I like this idea, brought to this fine forum by @csmith12 some time ago, as I have seen several clips from clip style master links work their way out in O-ring chains, never in a regular chain: I would safety wire the link.

You use a safety wired replacement link that is non riveted? Ever have it fail? I like the serviceability of a clip style link but definitely would not trust one on a full size bike

[alex.s]

i use a $10 chain breaker/riveter from harbor freight. it breaks, rivets, and only costs $10.

[alex.s]

Originally Posted by sharky nrk

I like the serviceability of a clip style link but definitely would not trust one on a full size bike

i use clip masters for the race bike. i safetywire the clip shut. as long as its safetywired or ziptied (i have used zipties before for several thousand miles with no issue) it wont come off. i have had clips come off that were not safetywired. always safetywire or ziptie a clip master.

[The Red Scourge]

So after a lot of work I got the chain and sprockets replaced yesterday. I'm liking the 15 tooth front sprocket a lot. Now I'm hearing a noise on deceleration. It had started happening about the time the chain started slapping. It's only when I come off the freeway and slowing down, normally on the off ramp. Didn't happen last night but always seems to happen going to or from work. I don't think it's gear whine. It sounds almost like a pump is struggling. It doesn't whine at a consistent pitch either, it vacillates a bit higher and lower. By the time I reach the end of the ramp it's normally stopped. Any ideas?