I had my initial service done several weeks ago. At that time, they greased and tightened my chain. Since then, I've noticed a decent amount of noise coming from the front and rear sprokets and it's just starting to freak me out a little. It's a whining sound that increases and decreases with speed. While I am riding, I can hear it constantly. Right off the bat, I thought the chain wasn't lubed but it looks fine and I know it was not long ago. The guy at the shop had told me the chain was very loose before...is this why I never noticed?

Also, I had the bike up on the center stand today. I was spinning the rear wheel to inspect the noise. At one point I started it up and put it in gear. As I would let out the clutch, the wheel would spin but occasionally the chain would clank and sputter...definitely a unhealthy noise. I don't remember it doing this before my service. I assumed it was doing this because there was no load on the tire but still...in my mind a tight chain would not do this, a loose one would.

Let me know what you guys think. Thanks!!

How much slack does the chain currently have? 

On the sidestand the chain should have .8" to 1.2" of vertical movement in the bottom strand when you push it up with your finger. 

A chain tighter than spec will make a loud whirring noise, especially with a heavy rider on the bike.  Due to suspension geometry, the chain tightens as the rear squats.

I just tightened my chain over the weekend and it now makes noise too. Mine is on the tighter side of spec, but still within... I have a new rear tire on order, so when it comes in, I'll have to do the chain tension again, but I definitely notice more noise now that the chain is tighter. It went from about 38mm to about 25mm of slack to start making the noise. I measured it a bunch of different ways and I'm quite confident I'm on spec...

poor wheel alignment will make the chain growl.

check for tight links too.

After the service, it seemed tighter than .8-1.2. I did the same finger test today and it now looks to be within spec...on the tighter side though.

Quote from: ohgood on September 17, 2008, 06:11:35 PM
poor wheel alignment will make the chain growl.

check for tight links too.

Cool. Thanks. I'll check when I get home.

On the center stand in gear will make the chain hop and spit. and dam near look like it wants to jump a link, the chain should be measured with the bike on the side stand. Also, depending on your weight you need to adjust your rear suspension, because a hevier person will make the rear squat more and tighten chain. On a ride for instance If its bumpy you could stretch a link or two. Sounds funny but Voice of experience. Yeah Im a big guy on a little 500.. lol

B.kizzle:

It is not normal.  I had recent trouble with a new GS getting correct chain tension and correct alignment at the same time.  The dealer on initial  and their final service tried and returned the bike to me maladusted again.  Problem was, the right side axle was refusing to slip forward far enough -- it was catching on something or binding.  If the left side was adjsuted to match the alignemnt marks, the chain was too tight -- if the chain was set to be of correct tension, then the cogs were way out of alignment.  I finally took time and got the right side axle to slide its full range and that was the end of the problem.  Loosen up the axle and go all the way loose on the adjuster bolts.  Sit on the bike and roll backward, slam on the rear brake.  It took several trys to free my axle, but now it slides freely when loose.  Chain is much quieter now and easy to adjsut.

prs

I've checked the chain and it looks to be within spec. The notches on both sides of the rear swing arm match positions so I don't think one is "stuck" if they were both moved back to the same amount. I am still confused.

Quote from: B kizzle on September 18, 2008, 06:00:38 PM
I've checked the chain and it looks to be within spec. The notches on both sides of the rear swing arm match positions so I don't think one is "stuck" if they were both moved back to the same amount. I am still confused.

sorry buddy, but i think you need a few things:

thorough cleaning of the chain, inspection of the cogs, and clearance check of the clutch doo-hickey.
wheel alignment (not by the lines, but with the string thing)

string thing ? what string thing sayeth you ? this un : http://www.yamahafz1oa.com/sportryderswheelalignmentmethod.shtml

check that your rear cog doesn't look like sharks teeth.

check that your front cog isn't wobbling like a worn out shoe on the output shaft.


lastly, please take several pictures and upload them to photobucket (or whoever) and link to them here so we can see what you're looking at.

hopefully this is a simple fix, with a little help