Horrible clanky noise :(

[SnowStrom]

Let me start with the disclaimer that the closest I get to a spanner is being one.

In the last couple of days there's been a clanking noise when pulling away, noticeable in first and second. It's almost like something clanking as it revolves, have made sure there's nothing loose. It's due for the 24k mile service now so obviously will ask them to check, just wondered if any of you had any ideas? It's only while accelerating, no noise while coasting or slowing down.

Thanks xx

[Mr Nick]

Any idea where on the bike the clank seems to come from: front, rear, engine, left, right?

Does it sound like it's an clear clank or one that's inside and muffled?

[greywolf]

The first thing that comes to mind is the condition of the chain and sprockets and possibly a loose chain.

[Juvecu]

+1, first thought here was chain as well.

[mr_diver]

I agree

original chain????

at 24k could be well past it's best.
I get around 15-17k from a chain... they hardly ever get cleaned but the scottoiler is set to overkill  

[Gassoon]

I agree with those blokes - chain must be the first suspect!

If it is that, get them to put a gold DID one on

[greywolf]

See if any chain links are kinked, not swiveling freely. If so replace the chain soon or it could break. The most common mileage before chain replacement is required is 20,000 miles according to the poll at http://www.stromtrooper.com/v-strom-ser ... ain-2.html

[Jacko]

I've got 24k on one of mine, no Scottoiler, still within stretch spec, no tight spots and all links are free moving.

[frez]

The two I changed on mine both lasted about 25k miles. The other thing to check would be the sprocket bearing.

[SnowStrom]

Thanks blokes, I will give it a good clean & inspect tomorrow. It is the original chain; I have a scottoiler and put extra chain goop on when I clean it. What's the difference between the nornal chain and a gold DID one? (Apsrt from the colour, obvs)

[mr_diver]

Quality!

[Juvecu]

The gold looking one doesn't rust. I think it's a pacified nickel-something plating.

[greywolf]

The color is only on the outer plates and it isn't much, if any, protection. I once managed to ride through some salt I didn't notice. The next day, I found specks of salt stuck to the lubricant coating of the chain and rust spots all over.

[SnowStrom]

Ah I see - I'm not too bothered about rustiness,  I've managed to keep this chain in vusually good condition despite 2 winters worth of salty shitty motorways. Are there any other chains people can recommend for being good quality so I can do some budgeting?  I assume it's the same as a pushbike in that you have to change the bit with the teeth too? :D

[MartinW]

... I assume it's the same as a pushbike in that you have to change the bit with the teeth too?...

We call them sprockets. After 24K Miles on the original you really should replace both the chain and sprockets. Most people on here would recommend a DID X-Ring Chain and JT Sprockets.

[SnowStrom]

Thanks very much everyone xx

[Juvecu]

+1 for a DID chain and JT Sprockets. Buying a cheap chain is usually false economy and if it snaps it can cause a lot of damage (speaking from first hand experience )

[TravellingStrom]

Sounds exactly what happened to me on an OEM setup in the states. A loud clunking in lower gears that matched the speed as I was pulling away. I reckon definite chain issue. Get a full new kit. After market sprockets are cheaper but the OEM front is the only one with rubber damper and is less noisy

[SnowStrom]

Definitely the chain, blokes! Gave each of the links a flex up and down while I was oiling it and the noise has stopped. Still having the chain & sprocket replaced next week though

[gixerpaul]

I had a clunking noise last year, was the front sprocket being worn, the teeth had began to hook causing the chain to want to pull back on its self and clunking as it dropped off the worn tooth.