engine clatter

Hi all,

Bike's done just over 30k miles and is due for a service, but over the last couple of weeks i've noticed a clattering sort of noise, when pulling away at low revs and low speeds, most noticable when around 4k rpm and in 1st and 2nd gears. Is worse when cold but doesn't disappear when warm. Doesn't occur when idling / revving the engine while stationary or when coasting. Doesn't happen / can't hear at higher gears and speeds.

Engine oil level is fine - any ideas what it might be?

Rich.

P.S. sounds vaguely like a train going over dodgy rails.

[Bibio]

fubar chain and sprockets

Originally Posted by Bibio

fubar chain and sprockets

Ill go with that. How old is it? What do you use to lube it?

Original chain and sprockets, lubed by a daily squeeze of my lubeman (ooh,err) filled with engine oil.

Originally Posted by ThEGr33k

Ill go with that. How old is it? What do you use to lube it?

Chain lube of some kind, most likely. It's good stuff... helps prevent chains snapping

30K miles on one chain id deffo say that. Get a new Chain and Sprockets, the difference for you will be massive

Originally Posted by Dan

Chain lube of some kind, most likely. It's good stuff... helps prevent chains snapping

Yea yea... I used a Scottoiler but the nozzle had moved off of the chain and I obviously didn't check it enough to realise... But tbh with the way mine went id say it wasn't really that that caused it, I think I literally had a weak link from the off.

Just unlucky.

Check the free play in the chain, and check the condition of the sprockets...especially the front sproket (i noticed mine got more worn than the rear sprocket).

Does the bike change gear fine? engage neutral fine? engage gear fine?

sounds like you broked it

rear sprocket doesn't look too worn and pointy, chain is a little loose but not overly. Not sure on front sprocket as i can't see it??

Service + new chain/sprockets booked for 12 days time so hopefully it'll hold out till then!


i've de-greased and re-lubed the chain, doesn't appear stiff at all, but hoping the service will cure all ills.

The front sprocket is behind a cover, where the gear shift lever is 3 x 8 mm bolts hold it on (at least it does on my curvy). You can easily whip it off and have a good look there. You'll also be able to inspect, clean and (if need be) adjust the clutch worm drive mechanism if it ever came to it

Anyway, hopefully the C & S will solve your noise issue