2009 250 Chain and sprocket problem! : KawiForums.com Kawasaki Forums: Kawasaki motorcycle forums

DevTrammel · 12-10-2012, 06:52 PM

I've looked everywhere on the internet and I cant find anything on this. Fully stock with only 5000 miles on my bike, the bike runs kind of rough because it is very sticky. Chain slack is up to standards but the chain on top sags just enough to touch the plastic guard under it. This is picking up some plastic which is gouged out by the chain. Do I need a new sprocket? Maybe just a good cleaning? The only reason I can think I would need a new sprocket is because I often do freeway travel and the bike sees high rpms. I can post a few pictures if needed. Thank you for reading.

**prs** · 12-10-2012, 06:59 PM

Assuming everything is lined up and installed correctly, your stock chain and sprockets should be good at 5000 miles. Post those pics when you get time. Sounds as if maybe you have a little too much slack in the chain but I don't know what you mean about your bike running rough because it's "very sticky." A little extra slack in the chain shouldn't really cause too many problems but you'd want to get it adjusted correctly.

J-moges · 12-10-2012, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevTrammel

I've looked everywhere on the internet and I cant find anything on this. Fully stock with only 5000 miles on my bike, the bike runs kind of rough because it is very sticky. Chain slack is up to standards but the chain on top sags just enough to touch the plastic guard under it. This is picking up some plastic which is gouged out by the chain. Do I need a new sprocket? Maybe just a good cleaning? The only reason I can think I would need a new sprocket is because I often do freeway travel and the bike sees high rpms. I can post a few pictures if needed. Thank you for reading.

That is normal. Gravity pulls the chain down some. But yeah, what is "sticky"? I know the 250 isn't the most powerful bike, but the chain sliding on the plastic by the swingarm won't affect it a noticeable amount.

Actonite · 12-12-2012, 11:26 AM

I would suggest you first check to make sure the rear tire is straight and then re-check the chain adjustment. I suspect it was not done correctly. Check this out for some useful information - How do I measure chain slack? - Ninja250Wiki

Dablue1 · 12-12-2012, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DevTrammel

I've looked everywhere on the internet and I cant find anything on this. Fully stock with only 5000 miles on my bike, the bike runs kind of rough because it is very sticky. Chain slack is up to standards but the chain on top sags just enough to touch the plastic guard under it. This is picking up some plastic which is gouged out by the chain. Do I need a new sprocket? Maybe just a good cleaning? The only reason I can think I would need a new sprocket is because I often do freeway travel and the bike sees high rpms. I can post a few pictures if needed. Thank you for reading.

You may find from time to time that the swingarm and chain will flex enough so that the chain will hit the chain guide, especially with stock sprockets. If you want to reduce your rpms for hwy riding, consider a 15 tooth front sprocket and a 43 tooth rear. This combo will provide a good balance of acceleration and cruising speeds. Also the extra little bit in diameter of the 15t front sprocket will move the chain away from the chain guide and reduce the rubbing a bit.

Normally you'd want to change your chain with new sprockets, but with so little miles on your stock ones you should be ok not changing them. The most important thing is the make sure your chain gets cleaned real well, lubed, and adjusted properly for your model year.

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