1980 GS1100LT front spocket loosens up

[Anonymous]

Hey guys,
The front spocket on my 80 GS1100LT keeps getting loose. There does not appear to be a lock washer on it. Check Clymers and it says nothing about lock washer on the L models but it does mention them on other models. Does anyone know how to keep the nut from becoming loose. I have torqued it properly and it still loosens up. IS Loctite the only solution or is there something I am missing.
Thanks
Brian

[Anonymous]

Get a lockwasher from Suzuki, for an "80" GS 1100 ET, and put it on there, I think Clymers must have made a mistake, I can't imagine why the "L" model wouldn't have one.

[Anonymous]

lockwashers

I never had much faith in lockwashers for this reason that was explained to me by an oldtimer.
The lockwasher works because the edge of the washer digs in to the underside of the bolt/nut. The only way this is going to happen is by the connection coming loose, the reason being if they're tight, the washer is basically flattened out and the sharp edge is flush with the surrounding area. Once it comes loose common sense says that all or most available torque is lost and the squeeze or compression of the joint is gone.
Another thing I don't like about lockwashers is that they're made from a harder steel to give it the spring to push back, therefore are more prone to breakage.
IMHO (for whatever that's worth) I'd go with a nylon or deformed lock nut depending on the strength and locktite or better still a castilated (sp) nut and cotter pin....Mike

[earlfor]

The "lockwasher" for the countershaft sprocket is actually a "french lock".
That is not a common lockwasher, but a washer with bendable (is that a word :-) ) tabs and a splined center that fits the splined countershaft. The tabs are driven over the flat of the countershaft nut to keep it from rotating once tightened. (much like the tab rings on the rear sprocket bolts) Otder one from your local dealer. They are cheap.

Do NOT use a malformed nut in place of the correct type of lockwasher or the correct nylock nut.

Earl

[Anonymous]

The microfiche from the dealer and Bikebandit.com do not show any type of washer. Does anyone know if the sprocket nut is supposed to be a ny-lock nut. Mine does not have any nylon on it, and the dealer couldn't tell me anything.
Thanks,
Brian

[earlfor]

Ok then, tell your dealer you want a nylok nut (self locking) to fit an 85 GS 1150E countershaft. (that is a stock part for that bike) I am 99% sure the countershaft threads are the same on the 1100-1150.

Earl

The microfiche from the dealer and Bikebandit.com do not show any type of washer. Does anyone know if the sprocket nut is supposed to be a ny-lock nut. Mine does not have any nylon on it, and the dealer couldn't tell me anything.
Thanks,
Brian

[Anonymous]

I would assume, if Brian doesn't want to try a lock washer from an "80" 1100 E, on his "80" 1100 L, he surely wouldn't use a locknut from an "85" 1150.

[Billy Ricks]

My drive sprocket nut stripped out and fell off last week. Couldn't get the Suzuki part and had to get a Kawasaki nut. They are mighty proud of them, something to the tune of about $27. You do need the french lock Earl described.

[Anonymous]

OK guys, I think I figured it out. After careful inspection it appears the the previous owner had replaced the drive sprocket on backwards and put a washer behind the gear against the spacer. I took the gear nut to the dealer and he said it was for sure (or used to be ) a nylok nut. I put the gear on correctly put some loctite on the shaft replaced the nut and ordered a new one which will go on as soon as it arrives. Also, I ran the bike on the main stand just to make sure that there was not something wrong with the assembly that would cause somebody to redesign it. All appears well, only conclusion is that they mixed motorcycle fixin' with beer drinkin'. Thanks for all of the responses you all have been a great help, and I am very thankful for this site.
Thanks,
Brian

[jimcor]

OK guys, I think I figured it out. All appears well, only conclusion is that they mixed motorcycle fixin' with beer drinkin'. Thanks for all of the responses you all have been a great help, and I am very thankful for this site.
Thanks,
Brian

Please quaff one for us all! :?

[Anonymous]

Just curious, What kind of washer did you find behind the sprocket? Was it a regular split type lock washer, a french type washer like comes on the 1100 E, or just a flat washer? Glad you got the sprocket turning in the right direction, & hope this takes care of the problem

[Anonymous]

It was just a flat washer that is not on any parts list that I checked. It just appeared that whoever had the bike before put it there because with the sprocket reversed it wouldn't snug up to the spacer. By the looks of it, doing it right was way more complicated than re-engineering it. Like I said they must have been drinkin' and wrenchin'.
Thanks,
Brian