Odd 5th Gear?

[Glowerss]

The bike is a 97 Honda Hornet 250 that I grabbed last week. Bikes in pretty damn good condition.

5th gear is a bit odd, however.

The gist of it, is that when in fifth, you get ... lumps is the only way I can think to describe it, through the footpegs and seat. Basically, it feels as if you're riding over a bit of road with bumps at regular say, quarter second intervals. There's a stretch of road near my house that's just been resealed. It's smooth as in all gears except for fifth. It's not severe bumps, but it's definitely noticeable. Faster you go, shorter the interval between the lumps. The engine note sounds a bit off as well, almost as if it's chopping. Instead of the smooth IL4 sound you get breaks in the sound. Bit hard to tell definitively, however, as in 5th you're doing 50+ kph so the wind nosie is a bit up

This definitely seems odd (to me anyway) considering the rest of the bike is super smooth.

Is this something that I should be worried about/get checked out? It doesn't particularly bother me aside from I'm not sure what's causing it and or if it's a problem (or how serious if it is). Happy to not use 5th gear if it comes down to that

Information is appreciated <3 Not looking to get too into specifics (IE take this apart and see ect). I'm not comfortable taking shit apart at this stage, more sort of looking at, should I waste time getting somebody to check it out or nah don't worry about it, its probably not an issue.

Cheers <3

[Maha]

Might have a tight spot in the chain (at a guess)..that can guise itself as 'lumpy'.
Go check the tension.

[Glowerss]

Might have a tight spot in the chain (at a guess)..that can guise itself as 'lumpy'.
Go check the tension.

Will do that. Any idea why it would only affect 5th? Wouldn't it affect the others as well? Not mechanically inclined but working on learning!

[Maha]

Will do that. Any idea why it would only affect 5th? Wouldn't it affect the others as well? Not mechanically inclined but working on learning!

More noticable in a higher gear at lower revs, can feel like a surge?....if it is the chain, the seller would have known this but them the brakes...and no, its not the brakes.
But I would get it checked out...Botany Honda close to you?

[Glowerss]

More noticable in a higher gear at lower revs, can feel like a surge?....if it is the chain, the seller would have known this but them the brakes...and no, its not the brakes.
But I would get it checked out...Botany Honda close to you?

Out west at the mo. Seller is a mate of a mate sort of deal, so I doubt he knew if that's the case. Wouldn't you notice it in 6th though as well? 6th is Smooth as all the way up and down the range.

[Maha]

Out west at the mo. Seller is a mate of a mate sort of deal, so I doubt he knew if that's the case. Wouldn't you notice it in 6th though as well? 6th is Smooth as all the way up and down the range.

Yes you would, I am probably wrong on my below average assessment.
Could be even worse, if its a selected gear replacement...all the same, if you can't get a definitive answer on here within a day or two, get it checked out asap...could save you money.
Out west?...Tony Frost may be able to help you.

[Haggis2]

but them the brakes...and no, its not the brakes.

Breaks

[Maha]

They aren't broken.

[bogan]

Check for simple things like chain tension/wear sprocket wear and cush drive play, if it isn't any of those things, it might be something in the gearbox that needs looking at.

[Akzle]

high spot on teh gear.
or some crazy firing issue.
but most likely high spot on the gear. someone dropped some gravel in when they topped up the oil, got ground between the teeth once or twice, then became part of it.

time to learn to split a box and get handy with a file!

[Glowerss]

Check for simple things like chain tension/wear sprocket wear and cush drive play, if it isn't any of those things, it might be something in the gearbox that needs looking at.

high spot on teh gear.
or some crazy firing issue.
but most likely high spot on the gear. someone dropped some gravel in when they topped up the oil, got ground between the teeth once or twice, then became part of it.

time to learn to split a box and get handy with a file!

Assuming it isn't the chain/sprockets, does it sound like something thats likely to get worse and eventually break something serious? Or potentially just a "character feature" ?

I realize it's hard as to give a guess over the interwebz! Definitely plan on having it serviced soon as the old bike sells, but would like a guess at how vigorously I should be persuing it.

[steve_t]

I'm gonna put my money on a tooth on 5th gear having sheared off... sorry

[bogan]

I realize it's hard as to give a guess over the interwebz! Definitely plan on having it serviced soon as the old bike sells, but would like a guess at how vigorously I should be persuing it.

My advice is don't use it unless you are taking it to get the problem fixed, or are in the process of fixing the problem.

[Glowerss]

My advice is don't use it unless you are taking it to get the problem fixed, or are in the process of fixing the problem.

The bike, or 5th? Not using the bike be Nigh impossible, as it's only form of transport and not got the fund currently to have it looked at.

[bogan]

The bike, or 5th? Not using the bike be Nigh impossible, as it's only form of transport and not got the fund currently to have it looked at.

The bike; if there is no other option, do an oil and filter change and if nothing metal comes out you could probably get away with just not using 5th.

Imo, if its your only form of transport, you can't afford not to sort it out.