Author  Comment 
Across02
Registered Member
Posts: 25
(4/23/02 1:19:08 pm)
Reply  Chain Tension
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 Hey Guys,

I just replaced my rear tyre after it went down but I am having trouble getting the correct tension on the chain.

When it is 3.5 off those alignment spacers (you know the little groves that have to be aligned on each side) it is to loose. Move it only a half to the 4th groove and I get a aweful grinding noise from the chain, but it seems to be the right tension.

Any ideas??

Cheers,
Nathan 

michael
Regular Poster
Posts: 105
(4/23/02 2:31:42 pm)
Reply | Edit  Re: Chain Tension
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 Mine makes some noise at the right tension. I found that when I cleaned the chain up well (degreaser momentarily, scrubbed & hosed off within a minute) and waxed it up, the noise was reduced but still there, sort of a clinking rattling sound as if the chain is touching somewhere. At a bike store with it recently and no comment was passed by the techs when they were on the bike with the noise being obviously made, so I figure a bit is OK. You arechecking the tension over the whole length of chain, right? 

Across02
Registered Member
Posts: 26
(4/23/02 3:59:49 pm)
Reply  Re: Chain Tension
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 I am checking the tension as per the picture in the manual. 15-25 mm play if I remember correctly.

I cant handle that noise. It wasnt there when I took it apart so I assume it must be something. It does sound as you describe,

Cheers,
Nathan 

Rich
Registered Member
Posts: 46
(4/23/02 9:28:13 pm)
Reply  chain
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 yeah, I found chain tension was a pain aswell. My old chain used to rattle around, make the bike handle dangerously and make horrible noises at any tension, so I put on a new chain and new sprockets (may as well I figured). No problem after that, except that the specified chain slack is way too tight. I'm running about 2 1/2 in slack a the centre, but usually just go by 'feel' when sitting on the bike and am poking the chain to see how it is, like an inch or so of slack when seated on it. Otherwise it'd make a terrible grinding-clickety-clickety even when stacked up with lube. 

I'm running more slack that tension because I figure if the chain pulls tight under full compression of the rear suspension, it wears the chain rollers prematurely, make it handle really strangely or just pull the wheel closer in the axle dropouts or even snap your chain after a while, and that could hurt alot. 

Oh yeah, try and make sure that the rear wheel is best aligned as possible so that the r.sprocket, chain and front sprocket are in alignment too. I look at the gap between the tyre and the swingarm and amount of exposed tension-adjuster bolt as my alignment markers are close to useless. 

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 9
(4/23/02 10:16:42 pm)
Reply  Noises
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 Hi guys, do any of the "noises" mentioned in this discussion sound at all similar to those outlined in the discussion headed "mechanic - sydney"............i'm still lost !!! 

Across02
Registered Member
Posts: 28
(4/24/02 10:31:32 am)
Reply  Re: Noises
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 It does sound sort of like the noise you are describing. Have you tried letting some tension out of the chain? 

Hermes
Registered Member
Posts: 36
(4/24/02 1:11:52 pm)
Reply  Re: Noises
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Is it worth getting a new chain on a 11 year old motorcycle (91 model)? 

The shop said I needed one (when they changed my rear tyre) but I think they just want money as they usually do. I keep it oiled and the tension is ok. 

I'm trying to justify the costs for something that old when money can be better spent elsewhere (like a Gixxer 600 upgrade).

What’s the general opinion on spending $xxx (plus labour) on a new chain?

Rgds,
H 

Boofhead
Newbie
Posts: 2
(4/24/02 1:58:05 pm)
Reply  Re: Noises
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 I bought my 91 accross 18months ago and spend the next 6 months chasing the slack in the chain. Eventually my rear sprocket was wound back as far as it could go. Finally when I kept dropping the chain I decided enough was enough and replaced the chain and sprokets with some top of the range gear. (Figured if I was gonna commute everyday then i'd be safer spending the money).

I have not had a single problem since...Chain tension is always spot on and the bike runs a hell of a lot quiter.

Spend the money in my opinion. You can't compromise on safety. 

Author  Comment 
anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 2
(3/26/02 8:08:21 am)
Reply  Mechanic- Sydney
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 Hi guys, I live in sydney and was wondering if anybody out there knows of a good mechanic located towards the city...i recently bought a bike (13000kms...97 model)and i would like to have it checked by an "independant" person if you know what i mean....there are a few odd noises

There is strange "rolling" type sound like something is rubbing....i cannot for the life of me locate it......i hear it when i "coast"......any thoughts....i cant see anything strange or touching........any thoughts re the noise and the mechanic ?

What are Action Suzuki like ?

Thanks Again 

Krazy Ivan
Registered Member
Posts: 17
(3/26/02 9:37:11 am)
Reply  Mechanic- Sydney
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 With 13,000kms and a '97 model, you really shouldn't be too fussed.

Now about that noise... I know that I can hear a little bit of brake grab on the discs if I'm pushing my bike along at a walking pace. Is this noise only applicable when you're on the move? Engine on? Engine off? Is the sound rubbery? Plastic? Metallic? Is it slight? Very loud?

If you're really worried, I'm up in Chatswood and can pull my bike out to 'compare noises' and whatever else you're not sure of.

krazy Ivan. 

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 3
(3/26/02 3:28:55 pm)
Reply  Mechanic- Sydney
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 Hi Krazy Ivan,

Thanks for your reply......

I can hear the noise when rolling (with or without the engine running).....it sounds "rhythmic" if you know what i mean......thats what made me initially think it was a "rubbing" sound of some type.......it does sound a little grindy and i'll be stuffed if i can work out exactly where its coming from.....

I sthe Across known for any "dodgy" sounds..........

Thanks 

michael
Registered Member
Posts: 66
(3/26/02 3:55:15 pm)
Reply | Edit  Re: Mechanic- Sydney
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 My guess is it sounds like the chain. Mine makes a rhythmic noise as it is pushed along (no engine, neutral) as well. Check for sprocket wear, adjust slack (p37 of owners manual) & lube it up if necessary. I did and I still have a bit of noise but it doesn't bother me when going. Methinks my exhaust is too loud!

I have found the guys at Action to be the amongst the nicest of people out of the 13 different bike stores I have been to in Sydney. Surprisingly I have also found them to often be amongst the cheapest for new parts. eg got my rear tyre and battery there on separate occasions at unbeatable prices, ditto my HJC CL-12 helmet at Parramatta action (on special). I figure they have good management, happy staff etc. Makes a big diff. for a customer's experience. 

Seansta
Newbie
Posts: 1
(4/9/02 2:35:08 pm)
Reply  Re: Mechanic- Sydney
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 Howdy,

I'm new to owning an Across myself but bought mine from Andrew Close Motorcycles in Redfern. They seem pretty good, cheap and looked after me okay. The other shops in the area said they're pretty good value when I sussed them out when purchasing so I could recommend them to you if your stuck. Replaced my right hand front indicator free of charge the other day so they're pretty cool post service-wise I think.

best of luck with it.
 

Edited by: Seansta at: 4/9/02 2:38:43 pm

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 4
(4/10/02 6:13:33 pm)
Reply  Mechanic
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 Hi Guys...thanks......

As suggested i have cleaned and lubricated the chain...this has made some progress, however, i think i may have now quietened the sound down enough to isolate the "true" sound....i feel that the front brake is rubbing on the disc slightly and the rear tyre may be rubbing on an arm on the right hand side of the bike....perhaps the tyre is not standard and is larger than recommended......any thoughts ??

Shane 

tramliner11
Newbie
Posts: 2
(4/10/02 7:04:26 pm)
Reply  Re: Mechanic
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 What size is the tyre? Stock is a 140/70 17".
 

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 5
(4/10/02 9:10:00 pm)
Reply  mechanic - sydney
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 You gotta love this......i dont know...i have yet to look.....as my log in suggests...."anothernewbie"........is the tyre size usually stated on the tyre ?.....i cant look until morning.....my poor bike lives outside !!!! 

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 6
(4/13/02 1:22:40 pm)
Reply  rubbing tyre ??
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 i checked....the rear is a 140........does anybody have a "rubbing" sound at the rear (thger Across...not them)..

Thanks - Shane 

Greg Across 96
Registered Member
Posts: 28
(4/14/02 2:26:51 am)
Reply  rubbing tyre ??
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 I run a 140 rear and the tire dosen't even come close to the rear swing arm (about a 10mm gap each side). This probably sounds like a stupid question but does the bike try and pull to one side when you accelerate? If so your rear wheel alighnment may be out, or worse still you have a loose or bent rear axle. Or a collapsed rear wheel bearing, but if it were the bearing it would be very loud under load. 

anothernewbie
Newbie
Posts: 7
(4/14/02 9:51:17 am)
Reply  rubbing tyre ?
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 the gap at first glance is about 5-10mm, however, i have been told the tye may be "out" .....due for a new one very soon anyway.........the bike doesnt pull to the side.....it must be something related to motion as the sound is not present when still.....it is rhythmic.....i had thought about the axle too.....unbelievable, i used to snap these on my pushbike too !!!

shall keep looking

once again guys, thanks for all your help....it is really appreciated