Loose rear end

[primal]

Ever since I had to change the rear tire on my bike, the rear tire hasn't felt the same. It would feel like the rear end would, for lack of a better term, slide around occasionally. It almost felt like I had an underinflated tire. At first I attributed this to it being a new tire, or the wind (it was pretty windy when I started riding again). But the past two days I've decided that its not my imagination anymore. After a bit of research, I concluded that it could be a few things:

* Chain too tight
* Loose spokes
* Rear wheel out of alignment

So, today I lowered the chain tension, tightened a few spokes, and aligned the wheel (difficult to do!). I also took the time to tighten the rear axle nut just a bit more. I went out for a ride and it seems to be riding much better, but I wanted to ask you all for your opinions on what else it might be. The first thing I checked was my tire pressure, and its fine, so I know its not that.

Any other suggestions? I want to make sure I haven't missed anything.

[patrick_777]

How are the sprocket teeth? Are they worn at all? Did you tension the chain to the manual's recommendation? Also make certain the tire is mounted on the rim in the right direction...it's easy to miss at a glance even for a long time tire guy.

How many miles are on the tire now? I know some slippery-ness is normal for the first 5-10 miles due to the roundness of the tread. Did you change brands and tread-patterns?

Questions questions questions...

[primal]

Sprocket teeth seem fine, but I'll take a closer look tomorrow. I ended up tensioning the chain initially to have about 10mm slack, however I was spinning my rear tire today and the chain was kind of loud at certain spots (I'm assuming the "tight" region of the chain), so I loosened it a bit.

Tire is mounted correctly. There are probably 200-300 miles on the tire now, so it's definitely not slick any more. The ONLY tire I could find was the Dunlop 404. I had a Kenda Challenger on before, and I liked it better, but every supplier was on back order.

[patrick_777]

It could just be the tread pattern and differences in the tire shape. When it comes to handling and road-feel, tires can be night and day from each other. If there were that many different tires for the GZ, it would be good to compile an opinion list for how they feel and ride, but I just don't think there's that much choice out there.

[Dupo]

When you changed tires, did you go to a different brand?

when i went from dunflop to metzler .... holy crap what a difference (in a positive way). the biggest difference was in the handling of the bike between the two brands.

now, what i noticed is with the metzlers was that if there is ANY drop in air pressure it feels like im sliding around on the back tire. very noticeable. with the dunflops .... not as noticeable.

So my input is either its the different brand/feel of the new tire that you arent used to OR the tire is more prone to air pressure differences and you feel it more than before.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Dupo

So my input is either its the different brand/feel of the new tire that you arent used to OR the tire is more prone to air pressure differences and you feel it more than before.

:plus1:

What pressure ARE you running? Zuki recommended or max. for the tire?
On my previous bike, a new set of different brand tires almost made me run off the road on the first turn.

(Different subject)
Your chain description doesn't sound too good......but then 10 mm slack isn't much if you are using any pressure at all to get that. Need to keep an eye on that and/or give it a closer inspection.

[primal]

Originally Posted by Easy Rider

Well, I did loosen it up last night, but I'll keep an eye on it.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by primal

Well, I did loosen it up last night, but I'll keep an eye on it.

Oops, missed that.

So, I guess the question IS: Does it still do this: "I was spinning my rear tire today and the chain was kind of loud at certain spots ...." ??

If it does, it might indicate some links binding as it goes over the front sprocket (max. flex), in which case it might be nearing replacement.....regardless of the overall "stretch".

OTOH, it might just need a good cleaning and some "real" oil (I don't like "wax").

OR.....it might just be one of those things that makes us nervous the first time you hear/feel it !! :biggrin:

[primal]

It doesn't make the loud clanking noise (not really clanking, but I can't think of any other term) at certain spots any more. It does click a bit, but it does that throughout the length of the chain, and it seems normal sounding to me (i.e. not alarming sounding). The next dry day I'll lube it to see if that helps. BTW, I've been using the Dupont Teflon chain lube since I got the bike.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by primal

BTW, I've been using the Dupont Teflon chain lube since I got the bike.

I like PTFE lubes for other things, particularly cables, but never tried it on a chain. If it stays "wet" I'd say it's probably OK. The things I don't like are the ones that are stiff....like wax. Just don't think they can keep the O-rings properly lubed.