Bonneville America Forums Forums Technical Forums General Tech a vid of my chain and sprocket situation...

How does this look to yawll? Here is a short vid of my sprocket/chain condition... What do I need? a new chain?
In getting used to the bike, it seems to have noises coming from the rear wheel I've never (or remember hearing) heard before. A lot of chain noise but, its been a long time since I've had a chain driven scooter.

Comments appreciated before I go spending money.

I would say some lube and definately adjust that chain... Looking at the position of the rear wheel, you have plenty of adjustment.... The play should be around 1"....

What you dont say is how many miles on the chain ?

The chain is super loose. With you sitting on the bike, reach down to check the slack... it should be around 1". Meanwhile it was hard to read those sprockets (closer up and more time needed) but I thought maybe the front one looked worn.

Tip: When adjusting the chain it is important not to let the wheel go out of alignment.

WARNING!! Be careful when you clean and lubricate your chain!

Given that your motorsickle has 27,000 miles on the odometer, simply look at each link and see if you observe any link that is riveted. If you can't find one then you have the original chain.

If you have the original chain, then replace it along with the both sprockets. From what I see looking at your video, the front sprocket looks shot. The teeth are waved. That is, they are not symetrical.

When replacing a chain it is bestest to replace both sprockets at the same time. You can get by with replacing the chain and the front sprocket as the rear sprocket takes less abuse than the front sprocket, but this is not advised being this is a new ride for your wife.

New on the left, used on the right


Riveted Master link
Bottom of chain, third link from the right.

BTW, Your chain is loose. Way loose. omg loose. I even noticed in your video that some of the links are binding.

If your chain has a riveted link, then adjust it while the bike is on the side stand. If not see above post. I adjust mine to where the chain almost touches the swing arm when you press the bottom run up to the swingarm, midway 'tween the front and rear sprockets.

However I would lay money that you have the original chain, as most chains last 20K and I bet that the previous owner said, "WTF, I'm selling her after all so why dump 200 bucks on her". Ride the motorsickle like an old lady and the chain kit last closer to ... 27K! Notice I wrote 'kit' (two sprockets and a chain.)

This might help

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zB4DsHV8SAQ

Different bike but same principles

WAYYYYY too loose and adjusted pretty far back.
Do your wife a favor and get her a new chain and sprockets.

Wholly crap man!Prety fer forward don't ya mean Z.And I'd say that front sprocket prety much looks toasted,getem both.Good one Dave