Drivechain...

[elaineo]

This is probably a stupid question, but my chain rattles when I spin the rear tire. I checked the tension and it's taut as it should be, but for some reason it is rattling and didn't do that before I left it sitting for a few months. I cleaned/lubed it before putting the bike away. Is this a normal thing for a chain to do?

[Roots853]

I would spin the wheel and be sure its not rubbing on anything. Like the chain guard. Also take a look at the connecting pin and be sure its on their correctly. Its probably normal friction noise.

Hope that helps.

[legalspeed]

Check your alignment.

Is your bike on a rear stand?

[PinHead]

Be more specific on the sound if you can.
Is it a rattle or more like a clicking or binding sound ?

[Rye]

a "taut" chain is NOT what you want. A loose chain is a happy chain. Not to the point it's falling off but allow the suspension to work. A good way to check if it's too loose is to try and pull the chain off the back sprocket from directly behind the bike. I do not follow mfg. recommendations for adjusting chain slack. As for your problem, I don't know what kind of rattle you mean, but you may be hearing the chain guide tapping the swingarm when the chain moves. Not abnormal but make sure the mounting tabs are ok.

[elaineo]

Originally posted by legalspeed
Check your alignment.

Is your bike on a rear stand?

it's on a centerstand.


The rattle is actually both, it clicks and also makes a, um, noise

[elaineo]

Originally posted by Rye
a "taut" chain is NOT what you want. A loose chain is a happy chain. Not to the point it's falling off but allow the suspension to work. A good way to check if it's too loose is to try and pull the chain off the back sprocket from directly behind the bike. I do not follow mfg. recommendations for adjusting chain slack. As for your problem, I don't know what kind of rattle you mean, but you may be hearing the chain guide tapping the swingarm when the chain moves. Not abnormal but make sure the mounting tabs are ok.

Come to think of it, the chain might be too taut. When I pull down on it it'll only give about 10 mm at most. So I'm supposed to be able to pull it off the back sprocket? ok.... i'll try adjusting it....

[PinHead]

Your chain isnt too bad where it is now because I think it is just binding up from lack of lube under those o-rings. If that is the case you wont get a proper chain tension check either.

[elaineo]

Originally posted by PinHead
Your chain isnt too bad where it is now because I think it is just binding up from lack of lube under those o-rings. If that is the case you wont get a proper chain tension check either.

thanks pin head i'll lube it up if i can find my fucking chain wax

[bemused]

Originally posted by elaineo
thanks pin head i'll lube it up if i can find my fucking chain wax

I have it on good authority that they're still sellin' the stuff...

(in fact, I now have 2 semi-full cans for that very reason... )

[Rye]

Originally posted by elaineo
Come to think of it, the chain might be too taut. When I pull down on it it'll only give about 10 mm at most. So I'm supposed to be able to pull it off the back sprocket? ok.... i'll try adjusting it....

No, your not supposed to be able to pull it off the sprocket, that is a sign you went too far loosening it. Lube the chain up really well. Play with the adjusters a bit. You will see the chain giving a little as you turn them in. I do it by feel now.....but use the sprocket check as a gauge. You have to really give the chain a tug off the sprocket.

[Honclfibr]

You wanna borrow my EX500 clymer manual? It talks about stuff like chain adjustment and such, should be helpful for the EX250 too. Remind me next time I see you, I'll bring it, I don't use it much anymore anyway.

[elaineo]

Originally posted by Honclfibr
You wanna borrow my EX500 clymer manual? It talks about stuff like chain adjustment and such, should be helpful for the EX250 too. Remind me next time I see you, I'll bring it, I don't use it much anymore anyway.

thanks . now maybe i will decide not to kill you for your earlier comment

[elaineo]

Originally posted by bemused
I have it on good authority that they're still sellin' the stuff...

(in fact, I now have 2 semi-full cans for that very reason... )

[Honclfibr]

Originally posted by elaineo
thanks . now maybe i will decide not to kill you for your earlier comment

Mrphrmrmmmrph grphrmmrphrml...
















It's hard to talk with this foot in my mouth all the time

[Suf Daddy]

Maybe this is (stretched) TOO FAR?

Originally posted by elaineo
Come to think of it, the chain might be too taut. When I pull down on it it'll only give about 10 mm at most. So I'm supposed to be able to pull it off the back sprocket? ok.... i'll try adjusting it....

[jcsnowncycle]

How old is the chain? Under extreme circumstances of wear, I've seen the rollers (the actual part that contacts the sprockets) become very loose on the chain pivot pins. It can be very noisy no matter how much lube is on it or if its adjusted properly. Also, if the chain is in that poor of a condition, the sprockets are probably not too good as well.

[legalspeed]

Tighten and losen all you want, if your rear wheel is not aligned, the drive chain will "click" around the front sprocket.

Proper chain tension: the chain should have a little play when the swing arm is rotated to the max tension position. On a center stand, put a lever under the rear wheel and lift. As swing arm straightens, you will see the chain come under tension.

If there is no play at max tension, you will destroy; bearings, sprockets, chain, and yourself as the suspension can no longer do it's job.

I think you need an experienced eye to help the first time.

DISCLAIMER: I'm not really good at this, but I've seen good suspension people demonstrate the above.

-D

[KB]

One last thing to consider and this happens all the time is that the stand may be hitting the sprocket bolts making a clicking noise. Well not actually the stand but the doomaflaggy thingamajig that goes under the swingarm.

Jus my 2 pennies. Cuz It's happened to me!

[KB]

Funny you say that KMF. I had a chain installed by a motorcycle shop in Machester that sells honda and is located on Second st, well I was a new b and didn't know any better, anyways, they riveteed the master link too tight. After about 1000 miles the rollers had become loose from the initial extra binding.

It was making a racket cuz that part was loose on the sprocket and trying to ride up over the top of the sprocket spannig 3 teeth, I did just that. I went out and got some master links, bought a chain tool, hacked a part an old chain from a buddy, replace above mentions bad links with 2 masters and wallah.

Now I do my own chains right the first time.

KMF.........I put up a fork oil change post help a brother out with you knowledge. You def. know what you speak of

[jcsnowncycle]

KMF, my whole chain is made up from master links, so when i hear noise, i can replace just the bad part without cutting the chain. It did cost me about $500 bucks to build it but it was well worth it.

[PinHead]

Damn ! My banshee allready has 3 of them, only 101 more links to get
I'll have ta add those to my order J