Weird chain sound...

[MexicanGringo]

Hi all, Havent been able to ride my 30 much of late, & cant remember if it made this sound before, but while rolling, the chain links make a clicking sound on the front sprocket as each link goes over.. Is this normal? dont remember it before, and chain & sprockets are new'ish..

[vfrman]

It is normal, as long as it isn't too loud and there are no kinks in the chain. Might also want to check chain tension. Most people have their chains too tight, which accelerates wear and puts undue stress on the output shaft bearings and seal.

[craigs23]

My 954 was like that when I first got it. The chain wasn't overly tight, but it wasn't the right tension. The noise went away after a run where the chain had warmed up.

Slackening it off a little to the correct tension not only made it quieter, but changing gears was a lot smoother too.

[MexicanGringo]

Cheers, it was still making the sound after a ride, so il adjust tension & see what happens.. The chain tension is supposed to be 15-25mm midway on underside, but you cant push the chain up 25mm as it touches the chain guard, so how you supposed to know what 25mm is? Is no clicking a sign of correct tension, or will the chain always click somewhat?

[superlite]

The chain tension is supposed to be 15-25mm midway on underside, but you cant push the chain up 25mm as it touches the chain guard, so how you supposed to know what 25mm is?

The gap is also going to change depending on the size of your rear sprocket. It's not an exact science - it can only be loose/good/tight really. Just give the chain a push and you'll have a decent idea (considering that there could be tight/loose spots, so check the whole chain).

[CRM]

just check it isnt the speedo drive off the front sprocket / speedo cable

[banoffee]

get the bike on a stand and find the tighest spot on the chain before checking the tension...

[vfrman]

Also, compress the suspension as far as you can. If the chain is tight then you need to slacken a little more.

[MexicanGringo]

The tension im happy with when pushing up on the chain is when there is some resistance/tension, as opposed to the chain too easily flapping up.Also when too loose, a sharp down gear change will cause the chain to slap.. Its def the chain on the front sprocket, and makes this sound whether the chain is tight or loose...

[TROUBLED OTTER]

Just wondering if you have had the engine out of your bike.I just put the engine back in mine and forgot to put the small spacer in the bottom engine mount which when I put the chain on was not in line with the back sprocket.Just a thought.