Gravel noise on decel

Discussion in '6th Generation 2002-2013' started by Snoqualmiedan, Aug 30, 2014.

  1. Snoqualmiedan

    Snoqualmiedan New Member

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    Question for all of you guys. I was on the last leg of a 400 mile trip and I noticed a gravelly noise when I would turn off my throttle in 4th and 5th gear. If I engage the clutch or even put on any throttle, the sound goes away. It does not occur at slower speeds or in 1st or 2nd gear. Ideas on what is going on? By the way, I am a second owner of a 2002 vfr800 and have put 3000 miles on since I got the bike in June 2014. The bike has 12k miles on it. It's the first time it has ever made the noise and I thought it was due to the long ride, but the noise came back the next day as I was commuting to work on the freeway. Does it just need a tune? Could it be the chain? Thoughts?
     
  2. skimad4x4

    skimad4x4 "Official" VFRWorld Greeter

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    Hi and welcome to the MadHouse:welcome:

    When you get time please head over to the Introductions section of the Forum and say Hi to the rest of the folks on here. Please note the folks on here like to see pictures, so when you do, make sure you include a picture of your bike, or folks will be raggin on you fairly soon.

    :focus:

    The most likely culprit is the chain so check that first. If you are using it for commuting especially if that means you are sometimes riding in rain and forgot chain lube, then the poor thing may already be a rusty, snatchy mess which needs replacement.

    If the chain tension is seriously wrong it will wear out quickly. Check the deflection at the mid point of the chain on the lower run of the chain where you should be able to move the chain about 1 inch. Its important to rotate the chain at least one full circuit - checking to see if there are any tight spots. Ideally you should not have a tight spot on a chain, but if there is one, that is where you need to set the slack.

    Also check the state of the sprockets if they are more like a ninja throwing star than a consistent series of U shaped teeth then its probably time to fit a full chain and sprocket set. If you are not sure post up some photos.

    If the chain is too loose, then as you add power the chain slack will tend to reduce, but as you back off the throttle the reverse happens allowing the slack chain to wear out the swing arm protection strip. Which is possibly the noise you are hearing. So before you ride the bike again, get the bike up on the centre stand and check the state of that chain now - bad things can happen if they break whilst out on the freeway!

    Take care




    SkiMad
     
  3. TOE CUTTER

    TOE CUTTER Mullet Man

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    Dr. Toe Cutter is prepared to give a diagnosis of a chain lube allergy. It is a common ailment and easily cured.

    :worthless:
     
  4. Snoqualmiedan

    Snoqualmiedan New Member

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    Thanks skimad for your reply. I took the bike to my local shop to have my front tire replaced and had them check my chain. It was super loose and was the culprit. Bike is running like a champ now.
     
  5. VIFFER RIDER

    VIFFER RIDER New Member

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    I really should lube my chain once a week but soo freaken lazy and lack time. I ride like 300 miles a week so i really should.....
     
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