1978 gs1000e whinning noise

[Jrwinder635]

I've got a 1978 gs1000e that runs just great. The only thing that makes me paranoid is a whining noise that gets louder as I go faster. We have put alot of work into the bike the the sound was persistent always through receiving the bike and now, months after. I just wanted to make sure nothing was wrong. It sounds like maybe something is rubbing near the chain or wheel? Sounds like a " wowowowow" type noise. Any ideas?

[chuck hahn]

Worn front sprocket..chain slightly out of alignment with the sprocket..or stiff link(s) in the chain.

[Nessism]

Wow, that sounds bad. I suggest you try to pinpoint the noise location. Maybe put the bike up on it's centerstand and run it in the same gear/rpm that causes the noise, then listen close.

[OldVet66]

What side of your front sprocket do you have your spacer on, case side or on the outside of the sprocket toward the nut?

[Jrwinder635]

Thank you for the advice. I am going to do everything you guys suggested. I may look into getting a new chain and sprockets just to be safe. The bike sat for about 20 years and my dad and I went through 2 months getting this bike into riding shape. I am a 20 year old, newly licensed motorcycle rider and I really want to keep this thing in total 1978 stock condition. Any suggestions on what chain and sprockets?

[Nessism]

The search feature will uncover many many threads on chains and sprockets.

Hint: when searching use Advanced Search, toggle Titles Only, and then type key words into the search box. "Chain" or "sprockets" will uncover tons of info to help you.

Hint 2: Your bike uses an old technology 630 chain/sprockets. That size is all but obsolete for motorcycle use since chain technology has improved in the last 30 years. Most GSR members here use 530 chains/sprockets. Z1 Enterprises is a good place to shop for such parts. You will need a spacer for the front sprocket, and since 530 has a different pitch, the teeth count on the sprockets will have to adjust accordingly. Again, tons of these details are in the archives so please dig in.

Good luck

[Jrwinder635]

Awesome. Thank you so much

[chef1366]

Wow, that sounds bad. I suggest you try to pinpoint the noise location. Maybe put the bike up on it's centerstand and run it in the same gear/rpm that causes the noise, then listen close.

Ed! Directions on using the search feature!
You've come a long way grasshopper.

[Nessism]

Ed! Directions on using the search feature!
You've come a long way grasshopper.

No I haven't Bill. I'm just in a generous mood.

The search feature reviles all. Newbies will save a lot of their own time by learning to find info instead of waiting for people to repeat what is already covered.

[salty_monk]

Www.z1enterprises.com - call them ask for a stock ratio chainset for your bike in a 530 pitch. They will figure out chain lengths etc for you and supply the spacer (which goes on the outside of the front sprocket under the nut).

[OldVet66]

I just ordered a 530 RK XSO X-Ring 9200LB chain, 116 links , 6mm spacer for the outside of the front sprocket, front 18 tooth sprocket, rear 50 tooth sprocket and clip link for $174.00 and change including Fedex shipping from Z1. Stock ratio 2.80 with 630 chain, 2.78 ratio with 530 chain, as close to stock as you can get.

[Jrwinder635]

I just ordered a 530 RK XSO X-Ring 9200LB chain, 106 links , 6mm spacer for the outside of the front sprocket, front 18 tooth sprocket, rear 50 tooth sprocket and clip link for $174.00 and change including Fedex shipping from Z1. Stock ratio 2.80 with 630 chain, 2.78 ratio with 530 chain, as close to stock as you can get.

Awesome, that's exactly what in was looking for. Thanks a lot.

[OldVet66]

If you want to PM me with your Email address, I'll foreword the Z1 email to you with the other gearing options, and links to the items.

[Jrwinder635]

I PM'd you. Not sure if it went though. Please let me know if you didn't get it

[OldVet66]

Got it twice. Hope it helps. I did a lot of reading on chains and this one should be a very good one. The spacer goes on the outside of the front sprocket, then the washer that fits over the splines, that bends over the nut to keep it from loosening. The steel sprockets are made by Emgo, very similar to the stock sprockets. Considering they should be changed with the chain, they are more than adequate, but not high tech racing materials.