Clicking in 1st & 2nd gear on 2003 Bandit 600S

[banditman600]

I was riding with my girlfriend on my bike today and noticed when I took off in 1st and 2nd there was a clicking that seemed to come from under me. It would only do it in the low RPM's and for about 3 seconds in each gear then stop. Seemed to be about one click every 1/2-3/4 seconds so about 3 or 4 total before I up-shifted to 2nd then same thing again. I have no problems in higher gears but when compression braking I feel something click slightly till the RPM's drop down. I don't know much about motorcycles at all but any info would be helpful cause I don't want to spend a ton of money at the shop. Thanks!

[Motorcycle Forum]

[Drifter]

Sounds like it might be time for some chain maintenance.

[Easy Rider]

Sounds like it might be time for some chain maintenance.

My guess is it's way PAST time for chain maintenance.

Plus inspect the rear tire and fender to be sure something isn't rubbing.
Can we assume that you have the shock pre-load turned up to high for 2-up ??

[banditman600]

By chain maintenance are we talking a clean, oil, and an adjustment or is there more to it than that? I am in the process of ordering a manuel for this bike but till then I'm pretty much in the dark aka bike-tarded. And yes the shock pre load is turned up as well. Thank you for the quick responses!!

[slozomby]

By chain maintenance are we talking a clean, oil, and an adjustment or is there more to it than that?

yes. possibly a replacement depending on condition.

how long have you had the bike and have you been keeping up w/ at least lubing the chain/changing the oil......??

[Easy Rider]

yes. possibly a replacement depending on condition.

how long have you had the bike and have you been keeping up w/ at least lubing the chain/changing the oil......??

And maybe even more important.......how many miles on the bike and does the chain look rusted or corroded.
(I went used bike shopping in central Florida and the condition of some chains made me sick.)

The bike is ~ 8 years old. If we assume that it is the original chain, was neglected it's whole life and it has more than 15 K miles or so........then I think it's due for a new one, and maybe sprockets too.

If you get the back wheel off the ground and spin it slowly, you should hear a nice, very soft regular tic-tic-tic as the chain goes around.
If you hear tic-tic-clunk, then it's a gonner.

[slozomby]

The bike is ~ 8 years old. If we assume that it is the original chain, was neglected it's whole life and it has more than 15 K miles or so........then I think it's due for a new one, and maybe sprockets too.

i hate making that assumption altho it usually turns out to be correct.

[banditman600]

Thanks guys for all the ideas. I ended up just having to get a new chain cause mine had an insane tight spot in it and was pretty much just %%%%ed. Quick replies and top notch advice fella's. Definitely recommend this forum to my friends!!!

[Drifter]

Glad you got it worked out.

Like Easy stated check your sprockets. A lot of people replace the sprockets with the chain. I don't do this every time but after a while they will start to give you problems also. I usually replace them every other chain replacement. I know you just replaced the chain which probably fixed the problem but just for your information on the internet you can find some chain and sprocket combos for a decent price. Keep an eye on that new chain, they stretch a bit and good maintenance can drastically extend the life of the chain.

Any bike pics? We just can't get enough.

[banditman600]

I'll throw up a bike pic as soon as I can...its not in the greatest shape after a drunk person knocked it over. I'm looking to throw a new exhaust package on because the stock one just isn't cutting it for me anymore, sounds like most of the sound is coming from the engine and not the exhaust so I'm looking for something a little louder and with a little bit more a purr to it. Any input??