Possible Chain issue

[Holmsey]

Hi people.
My chain is on about 19000 miles and I am aware it will need changing as there are a few tight spots, I oil it at least every other day with chainsaw oil.
My problem is that every morning there is a distinct mechanical 'clunking' noise whilst riding ... The noise goes when I pull the clutch in and free wheel... and the noise seems to disappear after about 20 minutes although every now and again I can hear it but it is much more quieter than first thing in the morning.
My question is. .. could this just be the chain while it is cold and loosens up when warm OR is there something more serious I should be worrying about. .. I doubt I'll be able to get her to Kwackboy's shop until after Christmas. .. unless it's something serious.
TIA 

[Hondaman]

Probably just a knackerd chain,  how far can you pull it away from the rear sprocket?

[Holmsey]

Not tried yet but she is adjusted back to its max point.

[tallpaul]

Erm...time to don the black cap Mr Holmes...!

[imindoors]

You might want to check the front sprocket whilst your hands are greasy. I had a similar noise which wasn't improved by changing the chain. It was a worn front sprocket (similar mileage to yours), some will say that you need to change both sprockets and the chain at the same time, but my rear sprocket was (and still is) fine. The front had definitely worn more quickly than the rear.

Hope this helps.

[Holmsey]

Cheers
I will check but plan to replace all the sprockets at the same time 

[NTBooth]

I had what sounds like the same issue a few weeks ago, horrible sounding mechanical crunching when letting the clutch out, seemed to ease up after a little riding. Would go away if I held the clutch in, I was convinced this was a real horrible mechanical issue but turns out my chain was just knackered (almost same as yours about 16500 miles on it), couldn't hold its tension,I would get it tightened up and then be loose again 100 miles later making the same noise.

Looks like your in for a new chain ( might aswell do sprockets etc at same time).

Pictures of the chain and sprocket set might help to confirm though?

[Joe Rocket]

There is no reason why you should put a new chain on old sprocket(s). If your chain has done 19k Holmsey then I wouldn't hesitate to change the 'kit' even if either sprocket isn't obviously worn. 

The whole thing should then do another 19k............. 

[Hondaman]

Fit a decent DID X ring chain, you should get over 30k with a smattering of maintenance ;)

[Holmsey]

Thanks people.... It will all be changed in the new year ... when Santa delivers my presents ... (DID X ring already on the list  )

[Brockett]

A worn chain is likely to have worn "o" rings. Water gets in the links and all the lube has probably gone despite the dabbing of chainsaw oil. This can cause a link to partially seize. When you start your bike the seized link is reluctant to turn round the sprocket or if it is seized on the sprocket is reluctant to straighten. As you drive for a little while the partially seized link 'gives in' until the bike is stopped for a few hours. And then it starts all over again hence the clonking for the first few miles.

Maybe.

[MartinW]

Maybe.

I agree though 

[Holmsey]

Sounds like a good explanation to me Brockett. ... You must be an expert 

[boac]

I had similar noises before I replaced my chain and sprockets a couple of weeks ago, they were on about 16500 as well. Just keep a close eye on the chain tension until you get them replaced especially if you're already at max. I stupidly let mine get too loose thinking 'oh well, will all be replaced next week' and then I had the chain come off. Was lucky it happened a couple of blocks from home as I slowly turned onto my road rather than when I was hammering it down the motorway.

The rear sprocket looked fine but when the cover came off to get the chain back on the front sprocket was very obviously hooked. The difference in how smooth the bike felt once they were changed was massive.

[Hondaman]

For some reason, Suzuki don't put wear marker stickers on. If the adjusters are right back, you could be on borrowed time. Don't underestimate the danger of a snapped chain.

Front sprockets wear more as they are ~1/3the size and run the chain 3 times more than the rear.

[Brucey]

Don't take any chances with a worn chain. A friend of mine **used** to have an old XJ600 until he left his chain too long and it snapped at 90mph. He was really lucky - it cut his engine in half rather than taking his leg off. Change the sprockets at the same time. My chain was toast due to hooked teeth on the front sprocket at a ridiculously low 14,500 miles, I suspect due to the previous owner not really looking after it for it's first 2,000 miles. I changed to a DID X ring Gold but used a Suzuki front sprocket as it has a rubber damper on it, which I understand isn't used on after-market ones. I've got a Scottoiler fitted and expect at least 25,000 from it.

[Petstep]

My chain was pretty clunky and rattly at 23000. Reluctantly changed chain and both sprockets.

Couldn't believe the difference! Not just quiet and without the rattle,  but the whole machine felt tighter and crisper,  more responsive. I wish I'd changed then a few thou earlier.

[Holmsey]

Just a quick update .... took Suzy out today and waited for the clunking to start ... But ... It was a silent .... can chains go good again? ??????

[user650]

Did you lube it up  before giving it a good ride

[Holmsey]

Mate .... I've been smothering it with chainsaw oil every other day ... You should see my swing arm at the moment