« previous next »
Pages: [1]   Go Down

Author Topic: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?  (Read 3319 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline zwish

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 25
1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« on: August 13, 2012, 05:42:22 AM »
I have a '74 CL125 that runs great. It has recently (past 150 miles or so) developed a kind of chirping/whirring noise coming from the engine. The bike runs great, holds a steady idle and I ride it almost daily. I saw this video:

Cute li'l 1974 Honda CL125 motorcyle-w/tuneup tips

And in the video description, the owner suggests that you need to adjust a timing chain ever 500 miles or so. I'm sure it's been well over 500 miles since this bike has had any adjustment like that.

Here's the quote from the video description:

"KEEP THE TIMING CHAIN ADJUSTED PROPERLY! These bikes are notorious for timing chain problems. They need constant adjustment, and have a badly designed tensioning system to start with, so keep a constant ear out for any timing chain noise, and adjust promptly when there is a rattle or whine. Fail to keep the timing chain adjusted properly, and you will not be happy... Just adjust the screw in or out with the motor running until the motor is as quiet as you can get it. Then tighten the lock nut down. That's the easy but unscientific way to do it. "

I don't know what screw this person is talking about or if this is even the noise I'm hearing, but I'm trying to be cautious.  This noise increases as you roll on the throttle. If you pull in the clutch to coast, the noise goes away, so it's only when the engine is under power. The bike only has 1,700 miles on it. I don't know much about working on motorcycles and I've checked the shop manual that I have and can't seem to figure it out. Can anyone tell me how to do it? I just want to make sure that I'm properly maintaining this bike. Thank you.
Logged

Offline zwish

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 25
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #1 on: August 13, 2012, 08:08:06 AM »
Whoops, should have posted this in the "other bikes" section.  Sorry about that.
Logged

Offline Sniper X

  • Resistance is not futile, it is voltage devided by current.
  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 147
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #2 on: August 13, 2012, 08:30:37 AM »
Cool bike though. Did you find a retro fit fix for the design problem?
Logged
1973 CB350 Four, 1969 CL350 Scrambler (2) 1985 BMW R80RT.

Offline Don R

  • My Sandcast is a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,123
  • Saver of unloved motorcycles.
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #3 on: August 13, 2012, 09:43:33 AM »
I didn't hear a chirp but a chirp or squeal can be a bearing grabbing a shaft.
Logged
No matter how many times you paint over a shadow, it's still there.
 CEO at the no kill motorcycle shop.
 You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.

Offline zwish

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 25
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #4 on: August 13, 2012, 09:30:19 PM »
That's not my video.  Sorry if I wasn't clear in my original post.  I came across this video and in the video description, the owner stresses the importance of tensioning the timing chain.  I do not know how to do this and couldn't find any info.  I was curious if you folks knew.  Thanks.
Logged

Offline zwish

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 25
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #5 on: August 15, 2012, 06:12:04 AM »
Bump,

Anyone know which screw you need to adjust?  Thanks.
Logged

Offline Flying J

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,386
Re: 1974 CL125 - Chirp/Timing Chain?
« Reply #6 on: August 17, 2012, 08:09:25 AM »
I know we already sorted this out zwish but for anybody else who stumbles onto this thread or has a similar question here is the manual.
http://www.dotheton.com/downloads/Honda%20CB100%20CB125%20CL100%20SL100%20CD125%20SL125%20Workshop.pdf
Logged
Pages: [1]   Go Up
« previous next »