Hi everyone, I'm completely new here and have been searching the threads for the answer but can't seem to find it. I got my L's a month ago and have been riding a 2007 GS500 - and loving it!

I'm getting a grinding noise when pulling out of first gear, sometimes when the bike is cold, sometimes when warm. It doesn't happen all the time, but almost 50% sometimes more when pulling away, only in first do I hear it. It sounds like the gear isn't connecting properly and the chain takes a split second to catch onto the sprockets. I've checked the tension and there's more slack in some parts of the chain than others. The sprockets, although not completely worn, are worn, and haven't been changed for 20K (ish) apparently. Chain is otherwise in good nick.

Any advice on what the problem might be?

I'm considering ordering a new chain and sprockets anyway, but also wanted to know what the best teeth combo and chain link number would be, or what the factory number is.

Thanks in advance and sorry for the question if it's a repeat!

Cheers

If your chain is dodgy in spots looks like it needs replacement along with the sprockets, but I would certainly suggest purchasing a Profi CAT laser alignment tool. Soon after getting new tires fitted from a professional specialist motorcycle place, after buying a the Profi CAT I found the chain to be slightly misaligned, not a lot maybe about 2mm. It's so easy to check and if it's perfectly aligned with place less stress on the chain. In fact misalignment may very well be a big part of your current problem.

Have a look here:

http://www.gearingcommander.com/

Sounds like you definitely need a new gear set. I'd say stick with your current gearing (or at least stock gearing).

Big Rich - do you mean I might need a whole new set of gears to replace the ones I have? Do you think it's that bad? I was hoping it might be related to the alignment/sprockets/chain as it sounds like the chain isn't quite grabbing correctly in the instance the gear kicks in. Now you mention it, maybe that first gear is the problem. I may drop her in to a mechanic for a health check, as I'm so new to all this, but I'm just worried a mechanic will spray me with a whole host of other problems!

I was going to go through one thing at a time i.e. 1. change sprockets and chain 2. check alignment is correct .. and if that didn't fix the problem 3. check gears and clutch. Does that sound like a sensible order of checks?

Cheers guys

Whoa, sorry. When I said gear set I meant chain and sprockets. But while you have the back wheel off, look at the rubbers the sprocket carrier slips into. Once those rubbers get old / worn, it can "jerk" the drive train when starting and stopping.

I'm thinking 15 teeth on front and 39 on back with a stock 110 link chain, would that work? Are there other things to think about with the chain? There seem to be some much cheaper than others out there, and I'm not sure what specific chain I'm meant to be looking for apart from it being an O ring.

520VX2 110 link
DID/RK are good ones for example
16/39 is perfect (unless you're a seasoned rider and know you need something else)

Thanks guys, I think it's good advice to stick to 16/39 until I know what I'm doing. I could only find a 110 XMO chain but apparently they can be reduced to fit. Cheers for the advice

I did have an issue with my bike that might be similar to what you are experiencing.  In addition to some worn sprockets and a worn chain, the front sprocket had worn out splines.  It had a degree or two of rotation on the splined final drive shaft coming out of the transmission.
The play in the splines, the play in the teeth, and the play in the chain all culminated to an occasional rough launch.  Depending on how it was when I came to a stop sometimes the final drive would have to turn a bit for the whole drivetrain to get all the slack out, and if it was a quick launch it could have a sudden jerk to it.

Just as expected, the more play the system gained the harder it was on all the components, the harder it was on all the components the faster it started to wear, the faster it started to wear the more play the system gained, so on and so forth.  I kept adjusting the slack out and running with it because I was short on money and needed it to last as long as possible.
Stupid me, of course it led to an eventual catastrophic failure.  Chain got thrown off the rear sprocket, bound in the swing-arm, and locked the rear wheel up.  Lucky for me I was already coming to a stop, unlucky for me it ended a perfectly good riding day quite prematurely and needed to be trailered back.

This is the look of well worn sprockets and a neglected, damaged, and TWISTED chain!  Just after I got the rear end untangled...



Bottom line is, don't neglect the drive-train.  If the chain looks like it could use replacing, replace it.  If one sprocket looks a little worn, replace them both.  Ideal, replace all 3 components at once.  Don't risk what I did.  You might end up seriously hurt!

appreciate that share Watcher, nice one. It sounds like it could be the same problem! I should post a picture of my sprockets, but they are worn but not too bad compared to new ones. I'm going to change all three though, and see if that eliminates it. As I'm a 'noob' I'm getting a mechanic to do it. I was surprised to hear (maybe in NSW?) that many mechanic won't change parts if you supply them yourself as they can't verify their quality/safety. Wasn't sure if that was just a line or not, but I trust this one so we'll see.

Guys, quick update. I plucked up the courage to buy and change the clutch. The bike runs like a dream, well chuffed!