New 16 tooth front sprocket noise?

[Blitzburgh7sb]

2003 GZ250, 6500 miles. New rider and bike owner.

I just replaced the front sprocket with a 16 tooth from bikebandit. Easy instll overall but had a hell of a time getting off the 30mm nut. But after doing the change I now hear a low whiny noise that patterns the sprocket speed. Checked to make sure all is tight and the nut was set to correct torque. I know its not the valves b/c one, if already had a noise from them and will be checking/adjusting them soon and two, its only there when the sprocket is turning/bike moving, not there at idle. Has anyone had this issue? Also, I noticed a slight play in the sprocket that may or may not have been there before. When moving the bike in neutral forward and backward there is about an 1/2 play before engaging the front sprocket??? Bike runs fine except for the noise. Should I be alarmed?

Thanks

"From my perspective, you learn more in failure than you do in success."

"We don't live in our fears, we live in our hopes."

- Mike Tomlin


Blitz

[JWR]

the bike in neutral forward and backward there is about an 1/2 play before engaging the front sprocket???



Mine always had this much play.
The play is from the cush drive in the rear wheel. These are rubber blocks on the chain side of the rear wheel.

I believe Sarris changes his out when he replaces the rear tire.

It is easy to change, remove tire, rear sprocket, this releases the cover, and there you are.

[Blitzburgh7sb]

Thanks for the response JWR. That eliminates one of my concerns so now I just have to figure out what is causing that noise right at the front sprocket. Was thinking that the rubber dampener that was on the stock sprocket muffled this but I dont see anyone else mentioning it on the how to topic for sprocket change. Maybe its the lock washer that had to be straightened and then re-bent. Wonder if I can replace it?

Blitz

"From my perspective, you learn more in failure than you do in success."

"We don't live in our fears, we live in our hopes."

- Mike Tomlin

[Water Warrior 2]

What did the old sprocket look like ? Were the teeth bent over a bit or otherwise showing a lot of wear ? The reasoning is this. If the old sprocket was toast it would cause abnormal wear on the chain and now the chain is trying to live with a new unworn sprocket. Can you post a pic of the old sprocket ?

Oh yeah, just thought of this, did you readjust the chain after installing the new larger sprocket. The chain could be too tight if you did not.

[blaine]

Sometimes the chain will make a little noise for the first hundred miles or so.The noise is the chain mating to the new sprocket and will disappear.That is if it is not worn like W.W stated.The washer just gets bent over as a safety so the nut does not back off.
:cool: :roll:

[Blitzburgh7sb]

What did the old sprocket look like ?
Looked fine, no sign of significant wear. Pic attached.

did you readjust the chain after installing the new larger sprocket
Yes readjusted, kept it slightly loose to specs just in case there were tight spots.

The noise is the chain mating to the new sprocket and will disappear.
Hope this is it, I will monitor and post the results after some miles.

Like I said earlier, bike is running great, the results from the sprocket change were just as advertised here. Thanks for all the responses, I am not as concerned about safety of the bike as I was earlier....time to ride!

PS I kept the old chain b/c it did not appear worn and was in good shape overall.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by Blitzburgh7sb

PS I kept the old chain b/c it did not appear worn and was in good shape overall.

Your old sprocket is in good shape.The noise will disappear when chain mates with new sprocket.
:cool:

[Blitzburgh7sb]

Appreciate the responses JWR, Water Warrior and Blaine. Very helpfull.

Had the bike for about a month, just got my Florida motorcycle endorsement and tomorrow I register and ride. Farther than a quarter mile from my house that is. Actually learned alot taking the required training class thru Harley Davidson. Abused their bike's clutch and brakes instead of my own.

Thanks.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by blaine

The noise will disappear when chain mates with new sprocket.

I pretty much agree with everybody else but might add that you should re-check your chain slack adjustment after a couple of hundred miles cause being too loose could contribute to your noise too. So could not being properly lubed.

[Blitzburgh7sb]

Yes, I will re-check it after some miles and post any noises/or lack of, for future riders.