Topic: Chain Noise Question

[Lil Red]

Been a LONG time since I've owned a chain drive bike...Was in the 60's yesterday in KC...went for a nice long ride.

I noticed that there's a audible whirring coming from the chain @ low speeds. On the centerstand it's a clicking noise when I spin the rear wheel pretty fast by hand. Is this normal?? It sat a long time, I put some chain lube on it. Was wondering if I should hit it again and pretty much just pour it on heavy this time.

I also got a smart charger for Christmas...Sure makes a difference with a fully charged battery...I mean BOOM started right up and idled almost instanly with no choke...no flat spots or off idle stumble...Like BUTTAH!!!

Forgot to mention...chain tension is to spec.

[MCRider]

On the centerstand, push up on the center of the lower run of the chain, taking all slack out of it. Pull the chain away from the rear sprocket at 3:00 o'clock, just pull on 1 link. If you can see daylight between the chain and the sprocket, it's worn out.

Clicking is usually a sign of wear as the chain is not nestling into the teeth as it rotates, causing the click.

First things last, how many miles on the chain/sprocket combo?

[Lil Red]

Hey Thanks!!!...I'll check that out...I have no idea on the chain mileage...The bike sat since 1985 till recently...It's got 25,000 miles total on it...Judging by the the way the rest of the bike runs, I'd say the guy previous owner was pretty meticulous...and he stored it all dry. I suppose I should invest in a new chain pretty soon.

[Duke McDukiedook]

New sprockets usually go hand in hand with new chains.

[MCRider]

Hey Thanks!!!...I'll check that out...I have no idea on the chain mileage...The bike sat since 1985 till recently...It's got 25,000 miles total on it...Judging by the the way the rest of the bike runs, I'd say the guy previous owner was pretty meticulous...and he stored it all dry. I suppose I should invest in a new chain pretty soon.

Old is OK if it didn't get rusty. But worn out is something else. Do the test and you'll know.

Another part of the test would be to spin the wheel slowly and if the chain gets tight in some places and loose in others it is worn.

At 25,000 miles you're on the bubble for new sprockets also. The combo of worn sprockets AND chain will make for a noisy situation. At 25,000 miles it could be on its 3rd or 4th chain. Many people don't change sprockets at each chain replacement, some never replace them.

Many suggest that you do. I'm in the camp that sprockets should be changed at ever 2nd or 3rd chain, compromising the ideal with the financially practicable.

Didn't ask what bike, we'd like to know. But the comments are universal so far.

[Lil Red]

75 CB400F !!!

[BobbyR]

Your chain at the very least is stiff and you would have to lube it good and wiggle the links to get it loose. Having said that it is probably toast anyway, to be on the safe side do a chain and sprocket replace and enjoy the bike.

[MCRider]

75 CB400F !!!

Must be you grinnin in the avatar? Good looking bike. That's a lot of miles for a 400, but no reason they can't take it.