1982 GS450L drive chain binding

[Ishamael]

OK guys, need some help.

Went out for a ride today, to take the bike over to the dealer to get inspected. Before I left, I checked my tire pressure and saw that my back tire was a little low (which ticked me off, because they're only a month old...but anyhow). So, I stopped at my first gas station to get some air, but as I pulled in I heard a weird clunking noise from the back wheel.

I stopped, put the bike on the centerstand and spun the back wheel. It spun fine for about 7/8 of a turn, and then the chain just bound right up. With some force I could get it free with a pop, and then it would spin most of the way again and bind up.

The chain doesn't appear to be damaged in any way, and neither does the sprocket. So what's going on??

Thanks in advance.

[earlfor]

A tight spot in the chain as the wheel is rotated is common. usually, it is not so tight as to bind the wheel. Chain tension is supposed to be set to the correct slack when the bike is on the centerstand and the rear wheel has been rotated to the tightest position in the chain. The problem is the chain tension has not been set correctly. At the tightest point, there should be at least 1" above and 1" below centerline in slack in the chain.

Earl

OK guys, need some help.

Went out for a ride today, to take the bike over to the dealer to get inspected. Before I left, I checked my tire pressure and saw that my back tire was a little low (which ticked me off, because they're only a month old...but anyhow). So, I stopped at my first gas station to get some air, but as I pulled in I heard a weird clunking noise from the back wheel.

I stopped, put the bike on the centerstand and spun the back wheel. It spun fine for about 7/8 of a turn, and then the chain just bound right up. With some force I could get it free with a pop, and then it would spin most of the way again and bind up.

The chain doesn't appear to be damaged in any way, and neither does the sprocket. So what's going on??

Thanks in advance.

[Ishamael]

A tight spot in the chain as the wheel is rotated is common. usually, it is not so tight as to bind the wheel. Chain tension is supposed to be set to the correct slack when the bike is on the centerstand and the rear wheel has been rotated to the tightest position in the chain. The problem is the chain tension has not been set correctly. At the tightest point, there should be at least 1" above and 1" below centerline in slack in the chain.

Earl

Thanks Earl, but actually the tension was correct. I found the problem, there was a link in the chain that was sticking. I used some chain lube and pliers, and got some chain oil deep in there, and that seems to have loosened it right up. I will be more diligent with my chain lubings now.

Thanks!

[earlfor]

The problem with not being punctual with bike maintenance, is usually something will decide its time to quit working, or break at 3am on a dark country road, 40 miles from the nearest frog farm. :-)

Earl

Thanks Earl, but actually the tension was correct. I found the problem, there was a link in the chain that was sticking. I used some chain lube and pliers, and got some chain oil deep in there, and that seems to have loosened it right up. I will be more diligent with my chain lubings now.

Thanks!

[Arfdog]

A tight spot in the chain as the wheel is rotated is common. usually, it is not so tight as to bind the wheel. Chain tension is supposed to be set to the correct slack when the bike is on the centerstand and the rear wheel has been rotated to the tightest position in the chain. The problem is the chain tension has not been set correctly. At the tightest point, there should be at least 1" above and 1" below centerline in slack in the chain.

Earl

I adjust my chain this way, but have always found it annoying when I ride:
If slow down for a light or something by shutting the throttle and not braking (so I coast along slowing down slowly) and the light changes and I open the throttle again, there is a jerk . This has got to be the engine taking up the slack in the chain I guess.

Is there any way to prevent this? I overtightened my chain on my RXS100 once, and noticed that this problem disappeared completely, it was so smooth and was tempted not to introduce the slack back in.

Arf

[earlfor]

I adjust my chain this way, but have always found it annoying when I ride:
If slow down for a light or something by shutting the throttle and not braking (so I coast along slowing down slowly) and the light changes and I open the throttle again, there is a jerk . This has got to be the engine taking up the slack in the chain I guess.

Is there any way to prevent this? I overtightened my chain on my RXS100 once, and noticed that this problem disappeared completely, it was so smooth and was tempted not to introduce the slack back in.

Arf

Yes, I pull in the clutch, use the brakes and downshift to match the gearing to engine rpm.

E.

[Guest]

Frog farms???????:shock: :shock:

[Arfdog]

Yes, I pull in the clutch, use the brakes and downshift to match the gearing to engine rpm.

E.

Yeah, but sometimes in traffic that is flowing, but slowing down and speeding up by small amounts constantly, its a pain in the ass to shift gears when one could simply vary one's speed by easing off and on the throttle.. Even in this sort of situation I get a clunk when easing the throttle ON to speed up a bit.

[Nessism]

A few comments:

- A tight spot in the chain indicates the chain is worn and should be changed.

- Chains should never be run too tight. It stresses out the engine cases and transmission bearings which can cause bearing failure and/or the bearing to spin in the case.

- I also have no idea what a Frog Farm is???

[gerkin]

ive had this tight spot a few times but a ride all winter ,sometimes i forget to lube ,,my mate uses atf applied with abrush [dont overdo it it will get on your tyre] after every ride ,and hes chain looks as clean and as good as one lubed by a scottolier