okay, i realize this is extremely vague... in first gear is really where i notice it. when taking off from a stop, "normal" takeoff speed, as i'm lettin the clutch out i hear this weird *** clicking. i also get a weird vibration through my handle bars. i ignored it for a while, but its getting worse. it sounds almost like chain, but my chain is in good condition, tightened where it should be. clutch isnt adjusted weird in anyway. anyone ever encountered this?

bike history-- minty, 20k miles, new ape cct, well maintained....

any help at all appreciated!


--Paul

 

I would probably focus on the drivetrain first.


-Rear wheel straight? Might be chain rubbing against rear sprocket. Possible could be warped or damaged sprocket also. Seen this a few times on various bikes. Kinked or dry chains will also make noise as the revolve around the sprockets.

-Wheel bearings clicking? When was the last time they were checked, cleaned, and greased?

-Rotors warped? Might be contacting calipers or brackets.



I would probably recommend getting the bike on a stand and checking from there. Much easier to hear drivetrain noises when the engine is off. I would try to isolate the drivetrain from the engine/transmission first.

If there is any doubt in your CCT, and it didn't make noise before, then you could try putting the old CCT back in.

Also, does it only happen in 1st gear, or can you notice it throughout all gears?

Hopefully that gives you a few ideas to get you started.

 

I did some trouble shooting, i took my chain guard off, and i let it run on the stand, and i got it to mimick my problem, but i think, but it wasnt real consistant. so i was frustrated and bored and decided to do a low rpm burnout in the grass. bingo! problem mimicked. i think it was in fact in my chain. its weird though cuz it isnt really loose... tomorrow i'm gonna tighten it a little bit and see if it goes away. hopefully its just that. I just rode from IN to sturgis and back a few weeks ago, and i tightened it prior to that hopefully it stretched alot, and its just coincidence that i'm noticing it now.

 

If its only "clicking" under load when you have weight on the suspension, then the chain may be too tight.

Try rotating the rear wheel by hand while it is on the stand and pay close attention to where the chain meets the sprocket.

 

there could be a tight spot in the chain also , do you lube your chain on a regular basis ?

 

dont feel like reading all of that but it sounds like a possible clutch issue... broken plate maybe? basket bearing going bad? it only takes 20 minutes to open it up to see if the plates and everything is all good...

 

(sorry i took so long to get back) I think its def. the chain. it sounds like the chain clicks alot on the front sprocket. on the stands running in first the chain wants to kinda bounce. i loosened it, tightened it, i'm somewhere around 1" slack i'd say. i took a digital caliper and made damn sure the wheel is straight. could my chain just be ****? never replaced a chain before. it has about 10k on it, but its a good x ring chain, not really abused. should i just say screw it and ignore the noise? my sprockets look fine, not pointed or anything weird...

any help appreciated.. --Paul

 

if the chain has a tight spot in it you will probably need to replace it , does it get tight then loose as you turn the back wheel ?

 

cant say i noticed it, but i'll check it out tomorrow. i'll lube the **** out of it before i go to work, then see what happens when i'm back home i think for starters.

 

I'd have to agree with OMR and look at a tight spot in the chain. Ten thou on a chain is pretty good. I'd say it's met the end of it's useful life.

I normally like to replace the chain and sprockets at the same time. They wear as a group, so I replace them as a group. Now I know stunters go through quite a few different rear sprockets, so that call is up to you.
If the front sprocket is stock, replace it with the chain. If the rear has been changed out, I would probably take that sprocket off and verify that it is true and not bent. Check for any unusual wear patterns with the teeth.

I'd also take your front sprocket cover/guard off and make sure it is not hitting anything in there. I've seen mounting pins get bent slightly and hit the chain as is goes around.