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Whats normal for chain noise?

18K views 5 replies 4 participants last post by  Kawi636! 
#1 ·
Because of my inexperience, I just wanted to know if your chain is suppose to be loud and annoying? I can especially hear mine when passing parked cars, buildings, bridge barriers, etc, anything that reflects sound. It has a high pitched whine to it, not sure if this is normal or not. I just started riding again and just lubed and did my first chain adjustment and the noise is still there. Chain has about 5000 miles on it, sprocket teeth look fine. When wearing my helmet, I cant hear it, only when riding with no helmet. It sounds wrong? I have also found some tight rollers but when I used Dupont chain cleaner, I loosened them up alilttle. Any input would be great, thanks for your time.
 
#2 ·
Find a safe place, accelerate then select neutral and switch off the engine while the bike is rolling.

If your hear metallic clunky noises instead of a continuous low level frrrrr sound than there's probably something wrong with the chain.

I 've only heard of chain trouble with such low mileage on certain Asian (non Japan) made models though.


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#3 ·
Just tried that, it sounds like a chain rolling with no whine noise, only frrrr. It seems to only make that whine noise under acceleration only? What does yours sound like? Its not completely silent is it? Not sure if mine was made in Japan or not, but if you look at the fit and finish, its not perfect if that's any indication of where its made? i.e. seams not fitting perfectly etc. But, I may have the dealership check it out just in case, maybe have them test ride it for me if they can? Maybe a higher quality chain/sprocket set will do some good? The owner before me didn't take care of the chain in my opinion because when I got it, it was completely black and some rollers wouldn't move, he rode the bike up to 4300 miles. But alright, thanks for the input.
 
#4 ·
You are welcome my friend, yes a chain is never completely silent but since it doesn't sound clunky it's probably ok for a few thousand more miles. Another bad sign is when you need to tighten the chain often, especially if you don't put much strain on it. It would be a good idea to have it checked by a mechanic anyway just to be sure though.


I changed mine at around 40.000kms as a precaution and according to the manual. I took good care of it and it was still in good condition despite track days, long trips etc. My new bike specific set is this:


http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-650r-er6/349601-2012-ninja-650-sprocket.html


Finally, the whine under acceleration could be coming from the fuel pump instead of the chain. I can usually hear it coming from the lower right side of my fuel tank so maybe this is the case with your bike too?
 
#6 ·
Hey everyone, I need some help with my chain. I have bought a new sprocket kit invluding the chain. So now I'm the middle of the process of changing the sprockets and all when I go to adjust the chain slack with the two nuts that's next to the swing arm it seems that the nut doesn't wanna move amd is now stripped is there any solution to the problem I just need my chain tightened ...
 
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