Front Sprocket Noise after Chain & Sprockets Replacement

[Aaron702]

Hi everyone. New poster here.

Have had my 2008 FZ6 S2 for a year and a half and have just replaced the chain and both sprockets. I replaced them with a DID VX Heavy Duty X-Ring chain and JT sprocket kit. This is my first replacement on the FZ6, but I have done it on several bikes before so am not new to the process.

Ever since fitting the new parts, my front sprocket has been making a clicking noise. It gets worse at speed (it's not the engine as it persists with the clutch pulled in) and around 20mph and 40mph there is a resonant vibration felt through the foot pegs.

Things I have checked:

• Chain tension is correct (loosening or tightening does not affect the noise)
• Chain/wheel alignment is correct
• Front sprocket is installed correctly/on the correct way round and torqued to spec
• Front sprocket washer is in place and the front sprocket is all the way on the output shaft
• Rear sprocket is installed correctly and torqued to spec
• Chain is lubricated
• There are no stuck links
• The chain is not jumping on the teeth

Lots of people have told me that the noise is to be expected, particularly when using an all-steel aftermarket front sprocket (as opposed to them OEM part that has rubber on both sides), however the vibration through the pegs is definitely off-putting.

Any advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[Gary in NJ]

What is the pitch of the front sprocket (number of teeth)? If you went smaller I’d expect some noise. But in general, a plain steel sprocket will be noisier. I assume this is a linkless chain.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

What brand / type chain lube?

.

 

[Aaron702]

What is the pitch of the front sprocket (number of teeth)? If you went smaller I’d expect some noise. But in general, a plain steel sprocket will be noisier. I assume this is a linkless chain.

It's the same as the original sprocket.

What brand / type chain lube?

.

Lube is currently this one although I have multiple and it makes no difference - https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/556064

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Well, if the chain is adjusted to 2" total up and down, there's
nothing wrong.

Not being OEM, it's not behaving the same as it IS different.

(I have the exact same chain but with the OEM sprockets-No excess noise/vibes)

I suspect to "correct" the issue an OEM sprocket is your answer.

.

 

[Aaron702]

Well, if the chain is adjusted to 2" total up and down, there's
nothing wrong.

Not being OEM, it's not behaving the same as it IS different.

(I have the exact same chain but with the OEM sprockets-No excess noise/vibes)

I suspect to "correct" the issue an OEM sprocket is your answer.

.

I went and measured my chain slack yesterday and loosened it slightly. No difference, and after having ridden the bike a few more times since discovering the issue I am certain something is wrong.

There is a resonant frequency in the bike present at 20mph and 45mph that is consistent with the speed of the wheels. It feels slightly more pronounced on deceleration.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

How many miles on the bike?

Parked inside?

And to confirm, it was fine before the sprockets and chain swap, correct?

 

[Aaron702]

How many miles on the bike?

Parked inside?

And to confirm, it was fine before the sprockets and chain swap, correct?

29800 and garaged.

No issues before the new chain and sprockets.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

Well, I'd inspect both sprockets for any run out, (side to side and concentric)
One may be machined incorrectly.

You've likely done enough chain/sprocket swaps, double checking
your install work, just for S & G's wouldn't hurt. Especially the
sprocket carrier, rubbers installed fully, etc...

That chain is about the best you can get so I don't think it's that.

Worst case scenario, put on OEM sprockets and be done with it..

.

 

[Gary in NJ]

…or at least put OEM sprockets back on to see if the problem goes away. Then you can swap them one at a time to see which one is making or causing the noise/vibration.

 

[Aaron702]

Well, I'd inspect both sprockets for any run out, (side to side and concentric)
One may be machined incorrectly.

You've likely done enough chain/sprocket swaps, double checking
your install work, just for S & G's wouldn't hurt. Especially the
sprocket carrier, rubbers installed fully, etc...

That chain is about the best you can get so I don't think it's that.

Worst case scenario, put on OEM sprockets and be done with it..

.

I'm going to take the whole thing apart and re-do it. Do you know if the front sprocket can be removed again without breaking the chain (i.e. is there enough room to simply lift it off once the rear wheel is out?).

 

[Gary in NJ]

Yes, once the rear wheel is off you will have plenty of slack to remove the chain and sprocket together.

 

[TownsendsFJR1300]

For the chain, did you get the one (probably) where you have to install the master link
using a tool?

If so, did you check you final link "spec's" once installed (ML not too tight).

Such as :

 

[Aaron702]

For the chain, did you get the one (probably) where you have to install the master link
using a tool?

If so, did you check you final link "spec's" once installed (ML not too tight).

Such as :

Yes. I pressed the plate on the master link using a tool and measured it using callipers to ensure it was pressed on the correct amount.

 

[Macconraoi]

I replaced my chain and sprockets last year. I had the same noise. Turns out I used a plain front sprocket. I changed it to a rubber sided "silent Sprocket" noise gone.