Chain Slap Nosie 82 GS750E

[82Suzie]

My 82 GS750E has been out of service for a while I searched for over heating and electrical demons. The time away from daily riding has made me aware of other things that I didn't notice before. Now that I have the bike back on the road I noticed a crackling noise from the engine to rear of the bike. While servicing the chain I discovered the source of the Nosie and it was the chain slapping again the chain cover. I tried two covers, both stock units and received the same result. With some finesse (twisting & bending) I was able to get most of to stop. Today I went for a ride and at times it was quite down there but towards the end of the ride some of the commotion had returned. The chain is a stock replacement 630 with less than 5k on it. Has this happened to others and if so what is the solution short of removing the chain guard?

[Rob S.]

When I bought my '82 11E seven years ago, chain made a distinct slapping noise under certain conditions (off throttle after acceleration?). It seems my situation was something else, as my 630 was excessively loose and slapping against the upper swing arm near the front sprocket.

Adjusters were at their max, so chain needed replacement. Which is just what I did (right after it snapped a couple of miles from home). After more than two decades off two wheels, it was a labor (read LABOR) of love for this then 57-year-old to push all 567 lbs home up two hills.

You didn't explicitly say so, but may we assume your chain is adjusted properly? Sounds like you suspect chain guard(s) not straight and true. Of course it's easy enough to take a test ride sans chain guard (or even live without one).

[Rijko]

The chain is a stock replacement 630 with less than 5k on it. Has this happened to others and if so what is the solution short of removing the chain guard?

You do not mention the sprockets replaced.
5K is more than enough for a new chain to wear to the state of old worn sprockets ?

[Rich82GS750TZ]

Yeah, what Rob said. Make sure your chain slack is adjusted properly per the manual. If you don’t have one, download one from BikCliff’s website. The image below is from your manual. Some states (PA and I’m sure some others) require a chain guard for inspection.

[Rob S.]

I like that oval rear sprocket. So that's how an automatic chain tensioner works!

[82Suzie]

Thanks for the input, Yes in my haste to write the message I forgot to say the chain was adjusted properly..

[mrbill5491]

Check your chain for a tight spot, rotate the wheel while inspecting the chain. Even new ones will have a slight loose and tight spot though a wore chain it will be more pronounced.