chain / sprocket problem

[blue88]

I have a problem, and I have no idea what the fix might be. It involves the chain and what sounds like the rear sproket. The chain appears to be tight on the bottom and the top of the sproket (the area of the sproket that first 'grabs" and the area that "releases" the chain).

In between the contact and release points, however the chain is loose. In other words the chain is very tight going onto and off of the rear sproket, but very loose on the sprocket itself. It moves around and left to right noticably and slightly off of the spricket. What drew my attention to this was a metal on metal noise coming from the rear of the bike. When I moved the bike across pavement, there was a noise coming from the chain as it disengages the sprocket itself.

This is a new problem. Last week, all was good with the hawk. Just de-gunked the carbs changes all of the fluids and tuned it up last weekend Any ideas?

[hawksonfire]

Is the chain chirpping when you're engine braking? If so, it needs to be lubed. Also it sounds like you're new to motorcycle mechanics you should get the service manual it is a must.. Most likely it needs to be lubed.
REMEMBER "LUBE YOUR CHAIN WHEN HOT ADJUST WHEN COLD" spray the lube on the top side of the bottom run as you spin the tire slowly counterclockwise(this pushes lube through the o-rings via centrifigal force). A piece of box positioned behind the chain keeps lube from getting on your tire and brake.let it sit for 1-2 hours and wipe off excess lube as you only need lube on your o-rings. If you are new to motorcycle mechanics this probably isnt clear, so go to a shop(youll have to to get lube at one)and ask questions. As for your varying tightness question it's due to "Chain stretch" as a chain will stretch differently across it length. Ask the shop what Im talking about theyll probably spin the chain and show you how slack changes as you rotate the tire.

[bk94si]

Sounds like you need a new chain, that one is worn.

[hawksonfire]

Yeah bryan you have no way of knowing that w/o looking at it

[bk94si]

Sorry GT but that is one sign of a worn chain. I'm not saying this is it absolutely but it is a very strong possibility.

[SkinnE]

+1 on Brian's comment. It is true that we can't diagnose much without seeing it, but...

Generally speaking, if there is any slack between the chain and sprocket at any point, that is to say, if you can 'pluck' the chain off of the sprocket, they need replaced. To note if you are indeed new to motorcycles, when replacing the chain you will want to replace both sprockets at the same time.

I have to say it's odd that it's come up all of a sudden. Are the sprocket bolts tight? Both front and rear?

If you're unsure, find someone who knows about bikes and ask them to take a look.

E

[blue88]

Thanks for the feedback. I can take a car apart and put it back together, but I am new to bikes.

The chain has definatly worn more in some plaes than others. At some, if not most, points, the chain is fairly tight. At other points, you can "pluck" it off of the sprocket.

The front sprocket is in fact loose. One bolt is missing. Would fixing this correct my problems? Go to a Honda dealer for the bolt?

[SkinnE]

Thanks for the feedback. I can take a car apart and put it back together, but I am new to bikes.

The chain has definatly worn more in some plaes than others. At some, if not most, points, the chain is fairly tight. At other points, you can "pluck" it off of the sprocket.

The front sprocket is in fact loose. One bolt is missing. Would fixing this correct my problems? Go to a Honda dealer for the bolt?

You're welcome.

It doesn't sound like it is only the front sprocket bolt, but replacing this first to rule it out would be a good idea. There is a fiche in one of the sticky threads near the top of this forum where you can find the part. The one bolt won't be too expensive, even from a Honda dealer. You might as well get two and have a matched pair. I definitely would put in a high tensile bolt, and not a mild steel one from the hardware shop. But then I probably don't need to tell you that.

I'm not certain, but I suspect that the chain has developed a tight/loose condition, possibly caused by the loose sprocket, maybe not. One thing you can do when you get around to replacing the chain and sprocket, be it now or later, is to shim the rear sprocket. It is known that there is a small amount of play between the sprocket carrier and the sprocket (when the bolts are loose). This can be taken up with three small shims (pieces of soda can are perfect for this), strategically placed. In the FAQ/KB on HawkGT.com there is a write up on how to do this. If you don't get the rear sprocket centred with the shim trick, it will be ever so slightly eccentric, and will give a tight loose symptom. With a good chain, it would be cyclical, based on rear wheel position, as opposed to chain postition, if that makes sense. With a chain of unknown condition, there is no easy way to tell which is the cause.


Good luck,

E

[motorcycleman]

How do the teeth on the sprockets look? are they symetrical, or more worn on one side? Your chain may be loose on the sprocket if it is worn. a picture would help us give you better info.

[JR]

This sounds also like a previous problem asked by another lister about the front spocket moving on the shaft from side to side.

[icycle]

I ran into the same problem on my Hawk last year. (except for the missing sprocket bolt) The sprockets appeared to be even and I knew that over 26000 miles with one chain it was due to be replaced anyway.
I changed the sprockets, chain, and cush rubbers all at the same time and no more problem. Got everything from Hord.

[blue88]

Well guys, I lubed the chain and replaced the bolt on the front sprocket this weekend. It is much quieter now, but I am not sure if the problem is fixed. I would not mind a new chain and sprockets. It has aftermarket on now and its way short. I do too much highway.

I will have to wait for non essentials, though. I have to get this thing through inspection first. I have a couple of small issues that I will post about soon.

P.S.

Does anyone know someone who wont bend me over on a Maryland Inspection?

[cfiiman]

Just my opinion here, but I would just simply replace it all, JD can get you the sprockets, JT aftermarket for like 35 bucks or something and a chain is 89 for a DID o-ring, and the cush rubber is 25bucks...It took me a couple of hours to replace all that (I go slow ) and my bike rides totally different...There was a lot of bucking around and slack noise coming fromt the chain and I'm sure the sprockets as mine where in bad shape...Best decision I made, it is money WELL spent...I am of the opinion that these parts are too important to just ride until whenever, or until someone has money for them, if it snaps it will cause a lot more damage to your bike, and more importantly to you...I know it sucks, I just bought mine, and all I wanted to do was ride it, but I took it down for a few days while the parts came in and I could change them out, better safe than sorry, and like I said you will be very pleased with how much better it runs...And considering that a dealer would probably charge like freakin 200+ dollars labor to do it, if you could find one that would even work on an old bike (mine around here said they wouldn't ) it is an easy job in the garage and the labor savings pays for all your parts Anyway just my opinion...