Normal to have slack at the rear sprocket?

[chandlerbingfl]

I was lubing the chain and I noticed there was some slack at the rear sprocket. When I tugged on the chain back and forth I noticed the rear sprocket would move back and forth ~1/4-1/2 inch. Is this normal or indication of wear in the sprocket assembly?

Thanks!
chandlerbingfl

[Rookie Rider]

Do you mean the sprocket actually slides on its shaft, then id say NO, thats not normal. But im still a newbie so lets see what the veterans say.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by chandlerbingfl

I was lubing the chain and I noticed there was some slack at the rear sprocket. When I tugged on the chain back and forth I noticed the rear sprocket would move back and forth ~1/4-1/2 inch. Is this normal or indication of wear in the sprocket assembly?

Thanks!
chandlerbingfl

Yes a little play(1/4") is normal.There is a large rubber in the hub that can wear.It's only about $15.00 or so if needed.
:cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

Yup, it is normal to have a slight bit of rotation of the rear sprocket as the rubber cushion wears over time. If it is excessive you will experience rough shifts and jerking when applying or reducing the throttle. A new rubber cushion should give you a smoother ride overall. This is considered a wear item and easily replaced.
I can't remember a GZ owner having this issue before so it confirms in my mind that more power will wear the rubber cushions out sooner. Vstrom owners who were fairly aggressive had to replace them now and again. I used to check mine with every rear tire change and they were always very snug and not removable without some effort.
The rear sprocket was still snug when I sold the bike with 60,000 kms(37,000 miles).

[chandlerbingfl]

Originally Posted by blaine

Yes a little play(1/4") is normal.There is a large rubber in the hub that can wear.It's only about $15.00 or so if needed.
:cool:

OK thanks for the input guys.... I should be good to go then!

chandlerbingfl

[Rookie Rider]

Well there ya go

[tudorv]

Would changing that rubber thing in the hub be an easy task? I have a feeling mine is all but gone judging from the play of the sprocket.

[blaine]

Originally Posted by tudorv

Would changing that rubber thing in the hub be an easy task? I have a feeling mine is all but gone judging from the play of the sprocket.

Yep.Once you have the rear wheel removed,it will come out when you remove the sprocket assembly.It just presses into the hub.
:cool:

[Water Warrior 2]

What Blaine said. The rubber cushion is a press fit. If the old cushion is well worn it will just fall out once you remove the sprocket assembly. Remove the rear wheel and then just pull the sprocket assembly away from the wheel. The cushion is inside the sprocket assembly. The entire assembly design is simple and effective in it's duties.

Just a word to the wise when removing the rear wheel. Take pics for your own record of assembly. Do not mix up the axle spacers or you will hate yourself. Don't ask me how I know.