[vtrman]

Hi, I'm new to the Forum, I ride a VTR1000 (hence the user name) but also a 2000 Bandit 1200 amongst other things.

The bike has done 20,000 miles now, and at first a light ticking noise appeared from around the final drive sprocket. Almost like a playing card placed in bicycle spokes.

The noise has got worse over the last 500 miles. Chain seems fine (no tight or damaged links) and trension is correct.

The clicking / knocking is most pronounced at low road speeds (less than 40mph) particularly when pulling out of low speed, very tight bends. If I put my left boot tight against the engine I can feel the knocking.

Over 40mph, it seems to smooth out and disappear (although wind noise then would make the noise harder to hear. so maybe it is still there.

I've just got back from a tour, and have not had chance to have a proper look yet. I wouldn't normally carry on riding with a noise like this - but I didn't really have much choice as I was leading a group of customers.

I've almost ruled out the drive chain, I need to check to see if the final drive sprocket has come loose, or is damaged / worn in some way.

Someone suggested it would be the bearing holding the final drive shaft (on which the final drive sprocket is mounted).

Before I start stripping it apart, does anyone have any tips or suggestions? Has this happened to anyone else?

If it's that bearing, can it be changed with engine in situ? How do I get the bearing out? Sorry - these things might be obvious when I get inside, but I haven't taken the cover off yet and just want some pointers if anyone else has had this problem

 

[Clint]

How have you ruled out the chain, exactly? This usually requires measuring a certain number of links to check wear.

When a chain is worn, it starts to climb the sprocket because the length of the individual links no longer matches the length of the sprocket tooth it's on. This usually presents itself on hard, low-speed acceleration.

Buy a new chain and sprockets. 20,000 miles is likely the end of that set.

 

[vtrman]

I've only checked the chain visually, and by trying to "pull" it off the rear sprocket teeth. I've also inspected and turned each link to see if any were tight or damaged.

I have not actually measured it, but just assumed that because there was losts of potential adjustment left, that it wouldn't be unduly stretched.

Your suggeston is useful, @ 20,000 miles it's about ready for chain & sprockets anyway - I just hope it's as simple as that.

 

[vtrman]

That man Rowdy Red really knows his stuff.

Thanks mate - you were right!

I changed the chain and sprockets and the problem has gone!!! Yippee!



The front sprocket was hooked, and the lock nut didn't seem tight enough. (the output shaft from the gearbox had no play and seemed as smooth as can be - GOOD).

The chain itself didn't appear to be worn (but obviously it was), and the rear sprocket seemed OK.

What a difference. It's as good as new again.

If anyone else gets this problem - change chain and sprockets first. I couldn't believe how quickly it went from riding OK - to appalling in just 500 miles. I've ridden bikes with far worse chains & sprockets before, and they were never this bad. (was that front sprocket a bit loose?? - possibly, as the tab washer wasn't bent over much)

Just test ridden it - 11.00 o'clock at night here in the UK.

Bill @ www.biketours-uk.com