Chain Noise

Meltoff · June 23rd, 2011, 10:26 AM

So let me start off by saying that the Sprocket Swap DIY was a fantastic resource, much appreciated!

Last weekend I changed my sprockets to 15-43, JT sprockets, also changed to Rotella T6 Oil. Since the swap I have noticed that I now hear more chain noise, for instance rolling the bike around engine off, in neutral I can hear the chain clicking, I don't recall hearing that before the swap and at a glance the sprockets appear to be aligned properly. I was wondering what would cause this, would it either be bad sprocket alignment or perhaps the chain is too tight? I have also experienced a few false neutral gear shifts, and even an occasion of it popping out of gear.

Thanks,

Brian

CThunder-blue · June 23rd, 2011, 11:25 AM

Hi Brian,

Did you adjust your chain correctly? http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13833

Meltoff · June 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM

Hey,

Thank you for the reply, I actually used that thread as my guide to adjusting the chain, that being said I do not have the tool used there, simply sighted by hand. I am going to recheck the chain adjustment now that is is off the stand as I hear sometimes that makes a difference. I am also going to try to rig up either the string method or make the alignment tool sometime this afternoon to check on wheel alignment. Mostly I was wondering if perhaps the clicking is caused by misaligned sprockets, or more likely a over tightened chain? Perhaps I need to shim the front sprocket.

Thanks,

Brian

kkim · June 23rd, 2011, 01:00 PM

most likely from the chain being too tight. how much play do you have now?

string method is the best way to check alignment, though if you read the entire thread, you would have found out you can count the threads on the adjuster bolts and use them as a relatively accurate gauge.

Buffalony · June 23rd, 2011, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

most likely from the chain being too tight. how much play do you have now?

string method is the best way to check alignment, though if you read the entire thread, you would have found out you can count the threads on the adjuster bolts and use them as a relatively accurate gauge.

haha. lets not open that box again.

I personally like using the adjuster method. I get them set the same then with a magic marker I put a black dot on each of the adjustment nuts in the same spot. then evenly adjust from there. works well for me.

Kelly, did you once recommend setting the chain to the loose end of the spec?

kkim · June 23rd, 2011, 03:04 PM

yes, on the loose side is better than towards the tight end. I find the chain doesn't stretch too much if it's taken care of and leaving on the tight side can have consequences on the drive train, if it's adjusted too tight.

Buffalony · June 23rd, 2011, 03:50 PM

cool. Thanks for reconformation

Meltoff · June 24th, 2011, 08:56 AM

So I loosened the chain and adjusted the alignment of the rear wheel (which was definitely out of whack) the noise hasn't changed really, but I guess thats probably normal, as it seems to jut be the sound of the chain contacting the front sprocket. I did still get one false neutral on my drive to work this morning, cruising along at 7k rpm and it just popped out of gear (was in second), I guess the only thing to look at now would be the oil? Anyways, Thank you for providing some insight to the problem, appreciate the help

Thanks,
Brian

Meltoff · June 24th, 2011, 09:08 AM

Was just reading that other post about dropping gears, I may have inadvertently adjusted the shift lever when I changed sprockets, so I'll try that before anything else.

June 23rd, 2011, 10:26 AM	#1
Meltoff ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: Irvine Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Blue) Posts: 61	Chain Noise So let me start off by saying that the Sprocket Swap DIY was a fantastic resource, much appreciated! Last weekend I changed my sprockets to 15-43, JT sprockets, also changed to Rotella T6 Oil. Since the swap I have noticed that I now hear more chain noise, for instance rolling the bike around engine off, in neutral I can hear the chain clicking, I don't recall hearing that before the swap and at a glance the sprockets appear to be aligned properly. I was wondering what would cause this, would it either be bad sprocket alignment or perhaps the chain is too tight? I have also experienced a few false neutral gear shifts, and even an occasion of it popping out of gear. Thanks, Brian

June 23rd, 2011, 11:25 AM	#2
CThunder-blue ModMy250.com Name: Tri Location: St, Louis Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R, 2005 R6 Posts: A lot.	Hi Brian, Did you adjust your chain correctly? http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=13833 __________________________________________________ The www.ModMy250.com guy

June 23rd, 2011, 03:50 PM	#7
Buffalony ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Joe Location: Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 "Wasabi", 82 Yamaha xj650j Posts: A lot.	cool. Thanks for reconformation __________________________________________________

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June 23rd, 2011, 12:52 PM	#3
Meltoff ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: Irvine Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Blue) Posts: 61	Hey, Thank you for the reply, I actually used that thread as my guide to adjusting the chain, that being said I do not have the tool used there, simply sighted by hand. I am going to recheck the chain adjustment now that is is off the stand as I hear sometimes that makes a difference. I am also going to try to rig up either the string method or make the alignment tool sometime this afternoon to check on wheel alignment. Mostly I was wondering if perhaps the clicking is caused by misaligned sprockets, or more likely a over tightened chain? Perhaps I need to shim the front sprocket. Thanks, Brian

June 23rd, 2011, 01:00 PM	#4
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	most likely from the chain being too tight. how much play do you have now? string method is the best way to check alignment, though if you read the entire thread, you would have found out you can count the threads on the adjuster bolts and use them as a relatively accurate gauge.

June 23rd, 2011, 03:04 PM	#6
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	yes, on the loose side is better than towards the tight end. I find the chain doesn't stretch too much if it's taken care of and leaving on the tight side can have consequences on the drive train, if it's adjusted too tight.

June 24th, 2011, 08:56 AM	#8
Meltoff ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: Irvine Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Blue) Posts: 61	So I loosened the chain and adjusted the alignment of the rear wheel (which was definitely out of whack) the noise hasn't changed really, but I guess thats probably normal, as it seems to jut be the sound of the chain contacting the front sprocket. I did still get one false neutral on my drive to work this morning, cruising along at 7k rpm and it just popped out of gear (was in second), I guess the only thing to look at now would be the oil? Anyways, Thank you for providing some insight to the problem, appreciate the help Thanks, Brian

June 24th, 2011, 09:08 AM	#9
Meltoff ninjette.org member Name: Brian Location: Irvine Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250r (Blue) Posts: 61	Was just reading that other post about dropping gears, I may have inadvertently adjusted the shift lever when I changed sprockets, so I'll try that before anything else.