Xtremespeed
Expert Class
Posts: 415
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posted March 09, 2008 02:01 PM
Noise after front sprocket change?
I just switched to a 16t Vortex front sprocket on the 14. My chain and original sprockets have about 4200 miles on them and have been kept cleaned, lubed, and adjusted religiously. Now I have a roaring or humming noise on light throttle cruise and decel. Don't hear it on accel. I can't really tell where it's coming from. Almost sounds like it's in the front wheel area, but I have never heard this noise before. I checked the chain adjustment and it's right. Could this noise be from the new sprocket wearing in? Also, the bike hasn't been ridden much lately. Anything else you guys can think of to check? I can't imagine that I did anything wrong. It's pretty straight forward. Any help would be appreciated.
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When in doubt, Flick it!
  
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kawabunga
Expert Class
Cogswell Cogs Installed
Posts: 284
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posted March 09, 2008 02:28 PM
Check your front tire pressure first off with the wheel off the ground, rotate it and listen for any unusual noise. Hold the front brake on slightly while turning the front wheel and see if the lever feels the same every 360 degrees of rotation. If there is any difference in lever feel you may have a warped rotor. The lever pulsating when braking while riding will indicate a warped rotor as well. This should eliminate any front wheel issues. Now put the rear end up in the air, check tire pressure, spin wheel by hand and eyeball down the chain and make sure it is tracking straight. If using the marks on your swingarm for adjustment, dont ! They are never spot on, but a guide line. Adjust your chain until the wheel spins freely. A quarter turn on one adjuster can make a major difference in the chain tracking dead center. Lude it up good and go ride it. Keep us posted on the result. Hope this helps you.
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pazx14rider
Zone Head
Posts: 953
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posted March 09, 2008 03:44 PM
did you check rear wheel alignment or possible tight spot in the chain, had that problem on my 750. If it just started after the sprocket change i would check in that area, also axle nut too tight? good luck let us know what u find
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Xtremespeed
Expert Class
Posts: 415
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posted March 09, 2008 05:11 PM
Pretty much checked all that. Guess I'll go back over everything. Thanks guys.
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When in doubt, Flick it!
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jeff martin
Pro (closed)
jamming
Posts: 1168
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posted March 09, 2008 05:37 PM
Did you put the correct shim behind the sprocket..Make sure the chain is'not dragging on the case..I am just guessing some have the shim's and some dont..Haven't took mine off yet..
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i play with boats my wife plays with my dingy.
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madkawboy
Expert Class
Posts: 398
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posted March 09, 2008 05:42 PM
The original front sprocket has a rubber dampner on the outer edge of the it and your Vortex that you installed does not have the rubber dampner. When you install an aftermarket front sprocket you will hear a roaring/humming noise and this is normal. This is why some guys use a OEM sprocket off another bike that is one down in the front so they can keep the rubber dampner. This sounds like the noise you are hearing. Hope this helps.
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2007 ZX-14
Stock Wheel Base, footshifting, pump gas
5.94 @ 128 mph
1.50 60ft
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dubious
Needs a life
Needs more time to ride!
Posts: 8442
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posted March 09, 2008 06:22 PM
like madkawboy said...
also if you install a new sproket with worn chain and rear sproket, they have not worn as a set, so the stretched chain does not mesh well with new sproket.....
the worn chain will eventually wear in the new sproket...
Not to scare you but inform you...
check to make sure the chian is not trying to climb the sproket though, broken chain have been know to occcurr from this scenario and I am sure i don't have to explain what other damage can be the end result of a snapped chain.
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natural selection.....
destiny will overcome intervention.
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Bently
Needs a life
2012 14r In Blue and no Mods!
Posts: 5428
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posted March 09, 2008 06:23 PM
+1 it's normal but very much a pain to hear and feel. The guy I sold my 14 to brought it back the next day and said there was a bad vibration and I told him what it was and he had me put the stocker back on and just like that all was good.
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zx14mike
Zone Head
Posts: 891
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posted March 09, 2008 06:54 PM
madkawboy said "madkawboy
Novice Class
Posts: 76
posted March 09, 2008 06:42 PM
The original front sprocket has a rubber dampner on the outer edge of the it and your Vortex that you installed does not have the rubber dampner. When you install an aftermarket front sprocket you will hear a roaring/humming noise and this is normal. This is why some guys use a OEM sprocket off another bike that is one down in the front so they can keep the rubber dampner. This sounds like the noise you are hearing. Hope this helps."
+1, it gets better with time but the rubber damper does make a difference...........if it bothers you you could always buy a new chain and larger rear sprocket for the same effect.
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ninja14
Pro
Posts: 1136
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posted March 09, 2008 09:12 PM
Need LOUDER pipes :-/
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2006 Turbo ZX-14.
2005 V-max 20th Anniv.
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Xtremespeed
Expert Class
Posts: 415
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posted March 12, 2008 02:38 PM
Thanks for the input guys. When I changed the front sprocket on my 12, I used a ZX-11d sprocket wih the damper, so it was quiet. Never even thought about the damper this go around. I rechecked everything last night, and I don't see anything wrong. The chain is in excellent shape and the alignment is perfect. I'm sure the sprocket is what I'm hearing. I bought my 12 in 02, and have only had my 14 since, so it's been a long time since I have changed to an aftermarket sprocket being that I used the ZX-11d sprocket on the 12. Thanks for reminding me about the damper. I noticed it on the factory sprocket and thought about the vibration, but forgot all about the noise. I really don't feel any extra vibration though. Time to go ride.
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When in doubt, Flick it!
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