Noise from 16t sprocket

[Monkey Fist]

I just switched out my front sprocket to a 16t per the how-to posted here and have what I hope is a couple of quick questions. Should I expect to hear additional noise from the new front sprocket? Is this due to the lack of the rubber on the after market sprocket and will this noise eventually decrease.

[Sarris]

I had no additional noises after installation. Be sure that your chain is well lubed and not to tight. See the owners manual (page 52) for the correct amount of chain slack. That is usually the source of chain noise. Unless of course it's worn out.

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Monkey Fist

Should I expect to hear additional noise from the new front sprocket? Is this due to the lack of the rubber on the after market sprocket and will this noise eventually decrease.

No and no and no. Something is wrong.......or you have the ears of superman! :roll:

The rubber ring is just a shock absorber that is supposed to reduce shock to the chain from jerky clutch/transmission operations.

If the chain is not worn out and it is tensioned properly, then it might be out of alignment.....that is, sprocket not on the shaft far enough or on crooked.

The engine noises will be a little different but I can't imagine being able to HEAR the chain operation OVER the engine noise.

Did the old and new sprocket look pretty much alike, like angle and depth of the teeth ??

This is very strange. Any chance the guard is not back on right and the chain is rubbing??

[patrick_777]

You might also want to check wheel and chain alignment. If the sprockets are out of line then you'll hear chain noise as the links engage and disengage the sprocket teeth.

In any case, this does not bode well for your chain OR sprockets.

[Monkey Fist]

The bike is new so a worn chain is not likely, I can't hear the noise over the bike only when i coast after letting off the throttle and engage the clutch. Nothing rubbing that I noticed and as for the sprockets, they look comparable in angle and depth of teeth. The noise does sound like links engaging and disengaging. It seems to be most likely that the sprockets are out of alignment. I will double check the seating of the front sprocket on the shaft. I did check the chain tension and found it was a bit tight, however after adjustment the noise did not lessen. If all else fails I will replace with the 15t sprocket to see if this affects the sound, if it does then maybe i am just overly sensitive to new sounds from my bike. If not I'll take it to the shop. Thanks for all of your input.

[jonathan180iq]

Yeah, it's almost definately just not aligned properly if you are hearing the chain "chinking"

Let us know how it goes.

[patrick_777]

When I first got mine, the chain was startlingly loose (like over an inch slack). After adjusting it, I kept hearing a harmonic roar at speeds above 40. It bothered me after a couple of rides, so I loosened and readjusted the alignment of the rear wheel. No more sound.

I still need to clean and lube the chain and sprockets though. (Adding to the list)

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Monkey Fist

The bike is new so a worn chain is not likely,

OK, sounds to me like it "probably" is normal.
I don't coast much.....and near to none with it in neutral and the clutch engaged.

The alignment and tension needs to be checked but I certainly would NOT put the old sprocket back on without a second opinion FIRST.

How about chain LUBE? What you describe could be a sign that it needs some. IIRC, dry lubes and waxes tend to make for a slightly louder chain but it's been a LONG time and I'm not sure about that.

[Monkey Fist]

So after tinkering a while longer making some rear wheel alignment adjustments I went for a slow ride around the neighborhood. All seems well, minimal noise ( like I said I'm just overly sensitive to any "new noise" emanating from my bike) I appreciate the input and patience with the questions.

Thanks all.