so something in my driveline now *clunks*

[redhenracing2]

Alright, so yesterday I took off from a red light rather quickly because I was in a hurry to get over several lanes. I brought the front wheel up just a tad, and as soon as I did so I heard a distinctive *clunk sound*. Now every time I take off 'spiritedly', it jerks. Its kinda like a tooth may have broke off the front sprocket or something. It will jerk and then go back to normal. If I am already rolling with the clutch out in first gear, and then I lay on the throttle, it does it. Basically any time a lot of torque is applied to the driveline quickly. Its as if something in the driveline slips and then catches again. My chain does have WAY too much slack (it rests on the centerstand), could that be the issue? Thoughts?

[Skeets]

I know this might sound crazy but I had this same problem on my 07 Gs500f (that is now totaled). But under different circumstances. Mine would do it if I wasn't going fast enough. (like starting out in 2nd with not enough gas) It never did it before but a noise would come from the chain area.

Anyone know?

[redhenracing2]

(like starting out in 2nd with not enough gas)

Why would you try to launch in second?

[Paulcet]

Why would you try to launch in second?

I've done it.... Didn't make it into 1st at a light and didn't know it.  It was not pretty.

As to your clunk, it sounds like you are on the right track.  Just do it, then let us know if there is still a problem.

[08GSSteve]

it is your chain and sprockets

Look at your sprocket teeth and I bet they are worn so bad they teeth look like shark fins.  When you crank the torque on the slack is being picket up and the worn teeth are slipping (clunk) then the front sprocket will grab.  It will get to the point where when you corner one day the chain will simply run off the sprocket and if you are lucky will not destroy your engine case.  If the teeth are not worn then get rid of that slack in the chain before you kill yourself and or your engine.

[Skeets]

(like starting out in 2nd with not enough gas)

Why would you try to launch in second?

Not launching in second...say a speed bump is coming and i slow down, I pull in clutch go over bump and and give gas let out clutch. When doing so it makes like a shudder noise near the chain.

[redhenracing2]

it is your chain and sprockets

Look at your sprocket teeth and I bet they are worn so bad they teeth look like shark fins.

Yeah I knew before-hand that my sprockets were in rough shape, along with the chain. I haven't looked at the front one myself but when the shop inspected it a few months ago they said it was on its last leg. Since it started doing this, I have been taking it very easy on the bike trying to keep it from doing it, but it seems to be getting worse. I just wanted to see if anybody thought it was something serious like a stripped gear or something? And thank you for your valuable input.

[PaviSays]

Eh, as for taking off in second, I do it all the time, hahah.  Unintentionally most of the time, I usually pull in the clutch and coast into parking position so I can just hit the kill switch, brake, then drop the clutch out in the spot.  I actually did that today parking outside my friend's house uphill.  I started out going up the hill in second from a stop.  No clunking or anything, but I knew something felt weird so I downshifted with no problems. 

Back on topic here for a moment, it definitely sounds like your sprockets are wearing down.  Just wondering, could this also be a problem on a bicycle?  Back when I rode that thing probably 60-70 miles/week that would happen when in too high of a gear going up a hill.  My chain would pop off then catch back on.

[redhenracing2]

Back on topic here for a moment, it definitely sounds like your sprockets are wearing down.  Just wondering, could this also be a problem on a bicycle?  Back when I rode that thing probably 60-70 miles/week that would happen when in too high of a gear going up a hill.  My chain would pop off then catch back on.

EXACTLY. Thats why I immediately suspected the sprockets because it is EXACTLY like a bicycle doing that. I used to ride a good 50 miles a week myself and had that problem myself.

[Bridger]

Driveline?

[redhenracing2]

Driveline?

That's what everything from the flywheel back is usually referred to as on a car. I work at a car dealership so I have a tendency to use terms that don't necessarily apply to bikes. As long as you get the point, does it really matter?

[Bridger]

It does matter, you're probably confusing people with your question and your customers at work.  Drivetrain is the term you're looking for, and the term you should be using at work.  A driveline is a specific part which is used on cars, trucks etc.  There is no driveline on a GS.  The drivetrain is all of the components that deliver power to the wheel(s) from the engine.  Transmission, drivelines transfer case, axles, rear end, CV's etc etc are automotive drivetrain components. 

[redhenracing2]

Drivetrain is the term you're looking for

Well I'm a southern guy, we have our own lingo for stuff. And the two terms are interchangeable to us so I never realized there was a difference . . . . thanks for the info I guess. Anywho . . . . Im bout to go have a peek at my front sprocket. Pics will follow.

[JB848]

Drivetrain is the term you're looking for

Well I'm a southern guy, we have our own lingo for stuff. And the two terms are interchangeable to us so I never realized there was a difference . . . . thanks for the info I guess. Anywho . . . . Im bout to go have a peek at my front sprocket. Pics will follow.

I would try putting some zip ties around the front sprocket to take up the slack. Then check left rear blinker for N.C. mud insert.

[redhenracing2]

I would try putting some zip ties around the front sprocket to take up the slack.

That was my first thought, but then I remembered that I used alll of them when I put it back together after painting it 












*not (in reference to the idea that I actually thought of doing that. I wasnt kidding about the other part  )

[DoD#i]

Get off the computer, Grab a 10mm wrench (for the gearshift lever) and an 8mm socket & ratchet and get the sprocket cover off to have a look. Takes 5 minutes.

What you hope is wrong - worn teeth on sprocket, or worn splines on sprocket. Replace sprocket and chain and rear sprocket if needed, all better. Don't replace the sprocket and leave the chain - the old chain will ruin the new sprocket in short order.

What you hope is not wrong - splines on output shaft where sprocket mounts stripped. Repairable, but not economically - start looking for a scrapyard engine (and associated tranny - the whole point is to avoid the extensive labor and pricey parts needed to replace the tansmission output shaft).

Less likely - internal splines/gears  - remedy same as above - look for a usable unit from a scrapped bike.

[redhenracing2]

Alright, I did some digging and got some pics. Not exactly sure what I'm supposed to be looking for so I ask you kind brethren: anything look out of order here?







And note the slack in the chain, with it already adjusted out as far as it can go. Slight pressure downward will make it easily touch the centerstand, and pushing up will easily make it touch the swingarm. I know this is too much slack, but could it be causing my trouble here?

[ohgood]

that chain is soup. (done)

the front cog is soup. (done)

the rear cog ? dunno, it's prolly done too since there wasn't any oil even splashed on from roadway debris.

don't ride the bike with that much slack. really, it's like walking into a prison ward and begging for someone to amputate something.

the front cog doesn't even wrap 40%. once you see a new set it will be aparent.

the next question is "where can i get a 110 link chain and a 15T front cog... and will you guys look at my rear cog that i have provided nice clear, macro pictures of and tell me if it's done too  ?"

ok, that's about all for now.

[JB848]

I don't think I have ever seen a front sprocket that worn even on a dirt bike! 

[redhenracing2]

the next question is "where can i get a 110 link chain and a 15T front cog... and will you guys look at my rear cog that i have provided nice clear, macro pictures of and tell me if it's done too  ?"

ok, that's about all for now.

I was actually gonna go 14/39 when I replaced everything, still need a 110 chain? And as for my pitiful rear sprocket . . . well here it is . . . (I know its bad, thats why I didnt have to ask)