Install a 16 Tooth Front Sprocket

[blaine]

welcome to the fourm.try the 16t,not a big deal to change back if you don't like it.

[brucea]

I bought two sockets from http://www.cheapcycleparts.com

They always have reasonable prices and fast service.

They were showing two 16 tooth sockets available, and I was not sure which one to get, so I bought one of each.

When they arrived, they are the same socket, just from different suppliers.

So, if you order from that site, just buy the less expensive one.

Your installation guide was awesome, and I did it myself in less than 40 minutes.

[nautec]

I did mine pretty quick on Friday and finally got to ride it today. I really do like it since it feels a lot more "calm" at 55-60 mph. One thing I noticed is there is a fast winding noise from the bike. Kinda sounds like a fast spinning metal wheel. I guess it is from not having those rubber rings on both sides of the sprocket. Bought mine from BikeBandit.com for $22 and came in pretty quick. Had to go to Sears to get a 30mm socket.

[blaine]

The noise you are hearing is the chain mating to the new sprocket and will disappear in a few miles. :rawk: :2tup:

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by blaine

The noise you are hearing is the chain mating to the new sprocket and will disappear in a few miles. :rawk: :2tup:

Most likely that Blaine is absolutely right but......just to be sure, I think I'd take the front sprocket cover off one more time and make sure that everything is lined up properly.

If you didn't get the new sprocket all the way on (if that is even possible), it might be scraping the side of the chain or rubbing on the cover.

Highly unlikely, I think, but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

Having the chain adjusted too tight might make it noisy too. You did re-check for proper slack after hooking it all back up......right ??

[nautec]

I readjusted the windshield and I think that is causing a lot of noise I noticed. I am going to return the windshield back to the original position and see how it goes. It is possible that the chain is a lot snugger after I installed the sprocket so I might try loosening it just a bit.

[alantf]

Originally Posted by nautec

It is possible that the chain is a lot snugger after I installed the sprocket

This suggests that you did not check the chain tension after doing the job. O_o Not a good thing .

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by nautec

It is possible that the chain is a lot snugger after I installed the sprocket so I might try loosening it just a bit.

Not only possible but highly likely.......IF you didn't loosen the rear axle during the sprocket install. The extra tooth will automatically make it tighter.

[nautec]

I did measure it. Before the sprocket change, the chain gave around 13mm. After I put it on, it will only give around 5mm and not any more. So it was snugger than original. I'm fairly confident that all the noise is really coming from my improperly placed windshield. That's what I think all the noise is really coming from with my full face helmet on. This noise only happens above 45 mph.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by nautec

After I put it on, it will only give around 5mm and not any more.

That's what I think all the noise is really coming from with my full face helmet on. This noise only happens above 45 mph.

OK, whole different ball game then BUT....5 "MM" slack in the chain amounts to about none at all.
I don't think that's within spec. even. Did you turn the back wheel to see if that was the tightest point ??

You can prove it once and for all by riding just once, out of traffic, with the helmet OFF.
It is usually pretty easy to tell the difference between wind noise and chain noise.
I think it's likely that your chain is too tight; noise or no.