Chain? Sprocket? Both?

[sefer]

Or something I haven't thought of...

Well I decided to adjust my foot brake today, since it's always been to high and I get cramp when carrying a pasenger because of it. Was on my way back home when I start to notice a clicking sort of sound, perticularly when taking off. Jumped off but couldn't find anything wrong (I was looking at the brakes mainly though for obvious reasons), so after stoping and starting a couple of times and not finding anything in perticular wrong took it slowly back home.

Anyway, I gave my bike a good once over to find the issue and finally ID the chain as being the source (hadn't really taken much notice on the road, didn't sound like the chain and the noise actually sounded like it was coming from the front at the time). It was loose as so I got out my tools and attempted to tighten it, but it seems no matter what I do it either ends up too loose or too tight. It's fine right after I do it, but once I give the wheel a spin it usually tightens too much, or sometimes loosens.

So, suggestions? I'll have to try to sort it out tomorrow as my bike is my main transport, I'm planning on cleaning everything (sprockets, chain) and oiling tomorrow as a first step, but unsure how sucessful that will be..

Does anyone know what a chain and sprocket is likely to cost me anyway? (Just as a guideline as to what I should be paying)

Thanks guys :)

[sefer]

Oh, and of course, any idea what would make the chain just suddenly loosen up like that? I think it was sounding a little looser this morning when I think about it, but the noise was pretty sudden.

[Ixion]

Sounds like your chain is worn. A worn chain wears unevenly, so that some parts are tighter than others. Find the wheel position where the chain is tightest. Adjust the chain in this position . Spin the wheel slowly and find the loosest point. If the loosest point is too loose you need a new chain(and probably sprockets).

Chain wear can occur quite suddenly. The rollers and pins are case hardened. Wearing through the hard layer is a slow process, but once you are through to soft metal the wear is very fast. So you can have quite a sudden "death"

[Jantar]

It sounds like you have uneven chain wear. This has been discussed on another thread at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=13353&highlight=uneven+chain+wear. You may get some more idea if you read the comments there.

Uneven wear is not uncommon, and it usually indicates that the chain is fast approaching the end of its usefull life. It is best to replace both chain and sprockets at the same time. If you are on a tight budget, replace the chain, and turn the sprockets around. However if you chose the cheaper option your new chain will not last as long.

[M1CRO]

As long as the chain slack is within limits it should be ok :)

Not familar with yours but you should be loosening the axle, chain adjuster bolts until there is around 20-30mm of slack in the middle of the chain between the engine and rear sprockets. Of course the motorcycle should be on the ground whilst doing this (ie. on its side stand). Make sure that the chain adjuster is equal on BOTH sides of the swingarm. Recheck the chain slack after tightening the axle nut :) They may need to be torqued correctly...

A chain will loosen if either of the axle or chain adjuster bolts are loose.. Keep an eye on which markings you tightened them up against, then recheck a few km's later to see if its shifted...

Generally, I change sprockets every time I change chains (depends on the $$'s I have free at the time).. As for cost, cant help sorry :(

[sefer]

Thanks guys. The sprocket doesn't actually look bad, but from memory they don't cost that much, so if it chain time I might as well do it. Actually I'm thinking the problem might the be drive sprocket, but I guess I'll see tomorrow.

Fingers crossed that a good clean and lube gets me a few more K's :)

[sefer]

Damm, $190 I didn't really want to spend.. Oh well I guess if it's got to be done..

Price variations were crazy though, Norjo quoted me $100 for the chain, $40 front sprocket (which is well stuffed), and $80 for the rear (which is actually ok, but would probably degrade fast if I keept using it).
In comprarision Cycletreads quoted $109 for the chain, around $25 front, and around $45 rear (they did say, I just don't have the prices on me atm), and that's fitted! Should actually cost me less since I'm fitting it myself.

I almost went with the x-ring chain and sprocket set from Motomail ($235 less $25 for the current 'free front sprocket'offer) but decided that the extra effort of having to get it sent here wasn't worth the effort.