Yamamaha

So....recently i have started to notice something making a weird popping noise, but i cant really figure it out. It sounds like it clicks towards the front of the bike where the front sprocket is. I cant feel it jerking around or anything while its doing it, but its really noticable when i first take off from a stop, but i know its doing it consistantly the entire time while im riding.

Ive also noticed that my chain tends to come loose easily as well. Im constantly adjusting the slack in it. How much slack should there be while sitting on the bike, about 1 1/2 in?

I cant find any links on the chain that are binded up though, and there seem to be a couple chipped teeth in the rear sprocket, but the teeth are still there. Any thoughts? (BTW it does it really bad when i riding with a passenger)

tundrafiend01

Sounds like it's about time for a new chain and sprockets. When riding with a passenger, you will want to have your chain a little more loose than when riding alone.

Yamamaha

How long does a typical chain/sprocket last?

tundrafiend01

Depends. Some of the RK chains come with a 20,000 mile warranty. Skr00z should be on soon and he'd give you your best diagnosis.

Yamamaha

well, this is the factory chain and the mileage on the bike is around 19K....

tundrafiend01

Also, if your sprockets are showing wear and tear, it's probably time to replace them. Most people will replace the chain and sprockets together to keep the age and mileage consistent on replaceable drive parts.

Yamamaha

I mean, for the most part the sprockets seem fine. The teeth on like 2 or 3 on the side of the tooth kinda chipped away, but the tooth is still as long as the rest. The front i couldnt tell any wear in it really. I plan on replacing it here soon though, simply because its coming up on 20K miles...that and i plan on having my valves adjusted soon as well.

Im just trying to figure out what could be making that sound.

skr00zloose

time for a new chain and sprocket set. if there's teeth chipped, it's not fine. a worn out sprocket set may not even look all that worn sometimes. the space between the teeth gets worn from the chain, and the chain doesn't fit right. same on the front sprocket. the moise you're hearing is the chain popping back onto the sprockets. replace the set and you'll be good to go. i'd do it soon, if that chain were to let go while you're riding it, it can get bunched up around the front sprocket and punch a hole in the motor.

Yamamaha

ouch. cool....i guess im looking around 200? And i get to buy new tires...yay!

skr00zloose

if you dig around, you can find deals on complete sets with both sprockets and a chain for $150-$175 usually. just make sure you get an o-ring chain. non o-ring's are alot cheaper, but they wear out 3 times faster.

i need new tires baaad, if you come across any sweet deals on a set (180/120, or 190/120) let me know