Grinding noise

[Anonymous]

When I'am traveling at low speeds I can hear a rubbing/grinding noise that sounds like it is coming from the front sprocket. I bought the bike(82'GS650e) three years ago from a 75 year old man who took decent care of it. When down shifting you can feel the vibration you can hear. I want to determine what the problem is before spring so I can do alot of riding, but im afraid it's something serious. The bike runs and sound great it only has 7000mi. thanks for info you may have.


Kevin

[Anonymous]

Grinding noise

How is the chain stretch and what is the condition of the sprockets?

[Anonymous]

grinding

The chain looks as old as the bike. I have only looked at the rear sprocket , and it does seem to have some wear. I have been pricing chains. Do you have any suggestions for a chain that is not a hundred dollars. J.C. Whitney has one thats fairly inexpensive. Im not sure of the quality. Thanks for the repley.

Kevin

[SqDancerLynn1]

Does sound like a chain problem. sometime you need to spend the extra $$$$ cheep chain maybe last 5-10K miles premium chain with proper care may last 20K miles or moreIt depends on how long you plan on having the bike. But any brand of chain is better than a rusted kinked one
so buy what you can afford.

[Anonymous]

You get what you pay for. The one for $100 is probably an O-ring chain and will last much longer. Chain wear, to a large extent, is relative to how often and how well you service it. Someone else on the forum may be able to advise you better on which brand is better.

If the chain is stretched a lot, it will probably jump around and make noise if you idle the bike in first gear on the center stand. You should really take the cover off and examine the front sproket before you buy anything.

[redliner1973]

you should also replace the sprockets as mandatory when replacing the chain. you would not believe the power of a chain coming off at 60mph. this is no place to skimp.......

[earlfor]

Re: grinding

I bought one chain from J C Whitney about a year ago for $60.
It lasted for aprox 1000 miles on my GS750 and at that point had beveled the teeth on the sprockets, had sticking links in it and was stretched almost to where I had no more adjustment left on the swingarm. I kept it lubed and normally clean. I replaced the sprockets and bought a Tsubaki premium "O" ring chain. I am still using that chain and those sprockets.
15,000 miles later, the Tsubaki chain has only needed a small adjustment three times. (that is a total of less than one adjustment mark on the swingarm). Two sprockets cost about $60 and you can get a J C Whitney chain for about $40...for a total of $100. But, you will be replacing them all frequently. The Tsubaki cost $170 +$60 for sprockets=$230 but I dont expect to need to replace anything before 30-40,000 miles.

As was already said though, just buy the best chain you can. Its money well spent.

Earl

Do you have any suggestions for a chain that is not a hundred dollars. J.C. Whitney has one thats fairly inexpensive. Im not sure of the quality. Thanks for the repley.

Kevin

[Anonymous]

I would take a close look at your current chain for rusted links. If you have some links that are really bad they could be having trouble bending around the small-diameter front sprocket. I also agree with the comments on going for a better quality chain.....it will pay for itself through longer life.