Topic: Clicking noise 1973 cb500

[scott jones]

There is a clicking noise while riding my bike. It seems to be coming form the final drive area & engine chain sprocket. The noise is persistant when coasting in neutral. I have spun the rear wheel while the bike is on the center stand & in neutral. I hear no unusal noises or loud clicking. Any ideas before I take the left engine side cover off & look in there?

[DaveBarbier]

I’d make sure the rear sprocket is aligned with the front. You aren’t using an o-ring chain are you? If it’s on the center stand the rear suspension is relaxed, might only do it if it’s loaded. I’d remove the cover and have a look. Does it do it if you push the bike around with engine off? I assume it changes frequency as you speed up/slow down?

[Scott S]

 Center stand touching the chain?

[scott jones]

I don't think I have a oring chain. I'm sure its the original chain but you guys don't know of any tell tale symptoms like this clicking sound for the cb500? I'll check the chain and see if it's hitting anything. I hadn't thought about the fact the rear suspension is relaxed on the center stand. I hear the noise when I'm riding the bike espescially in neutral and the rear suspension is loaded. The side cover is a little intimidating because of the clutch cable. I'll check it out. Thanks, Scott.

[scott jones]

I'm pretty sure it's the chain making the clicking noise. Took a look at it last night. It's in rough shape. Probably should be replaced. It was very loose too.

[DaveBarbier]

I'm pretty sure it's the chain making the clicking noise. Took a look at it last night. It's in rough shape. Probably should be replaced. It was very loose too.

Chain and sprockets normally get replaced together.

[Deltarider]

Chain and sprockets normally get replaced together.

Normally for a CB500 is that a set of sprockets will last 2 standard chains. At least they did on mine for the last 100.000 km. (I learned this from a dealer who owned a CB500 himself)

[scott jones]

I'm pretty sure it's the original chain. The bike has 20,000 miles on it. I hope the sprockets are ok. I want to take the side cover off but I'm afraid to. Looks complicated. I'm sure its very dirty in there.

[Scott S]

 It's not complicated.  Probably the hardest part is getting the screws broken free. Be sure to check the clutch pushrod to see if it's broken. And don't lose the ball bearing in the lifter mechanism.

[scott jones]

Ok thanks. I'll look at it this weekend. I do have a nut driver for the screws.

[Deltarider]

Ok thanks. I'll look at it this weekend. I do have a nut driver for the screws.

An impact driver is ideal. You may consider to replace the crossheads by allen bolts. Do not forget to tighten the cover well.

[scott jones]

I meant impact driver. Thanks I will.

[Scott S]

 Check your center stand.  Is it rubbing the chain?

My ex GF had a 400F. Somehow,  a nut got caught in the chain..... can't remember details now.... but put the bike on the center stand and rotate the wheel.
 Then, put it on the ground and roll it.

 K.I.S.S. Look for the simple stuff first?

[scott jones]

Thanks buddy. The center stand is hitting the chain. I'll make a stop for it. 

[Scott S]

 CB750.com, 4into1.com,  etc, all sell versions of this.  Or fab one up from scrap metal.
 I'll drill a hole in the end and attach a rubber bumper,  too.

[Scott S]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,71682.0.html

[scott jones]

Thats exactly what i am going to do. Thanks.