Creaking Noise When Accelerating

Picked up my new (to me) bike on Sat & noticed it has a creaking sound coming from the chain area when I'm accelerating & it goes when I come off the throttle - chain doesn't feel too tight (about an inch movement without me on it). The harder I accelerate, the louder it gets.

Any ideas what it could be? Not had a chance to get it up on a stand yet to take a look

[LewSpeight]

Could it be something as simple as the rear plastics moving with your weight being thrown to the back of the bike?

[jambo]

With the bike stationary, compress the rear using the grab handle and see if you can replicate it when not moving.

Assuming the chain is in good condition, the swing arm & suspension bearings may or may not have grease in them.

Jambo

Its consistent with the wheel rotation I think, dissapears when I'm off throttle but doesn't start until around 20mph? Had a similar noise on my old GSXR when the chain was too tight but I heard it on & off the throttle and from the off.

Originally Posted by jambo

With the bike stationary, compress the rear using the grab handle and see if you can replicate it when not moving.

Assuming the chain is in good condition, the swing arm & suspension bearings may or may not have grease in them.

Jambo

Have tried that, no sound when Im stationary - just on acceleration & seems to get louder the faster I go

[jambo]

OK, are we talking a creak as you get on the power that then goes away, or a noise that sticks around as long as you've got the throttle open, even after the suspension has settled?

If you get the rear wheel off the ground and spin it by hand does everything move smoothly, without any play?

The slack in the chain should be ~25-30mm with the bike on it's side stand at the tightest point. Is there oil on the chain and do you know how long ago in terms of time & mileage it was fitted?

Jambo

The noise stays aslong as the throttles open with the suspension settled. Not had the wheel in the air yet as I've only ridden it home from the place where I bought it & then to work this morning - I'll get the rear off the ground & see where were at.

The chain is lubed up, looks to be ok but probably due a change soon - bikes on 18k and the place I bought it said it looks to be on the original chain/sprockets - chain related you think?

[jambo]

If the noise is continuous then we're into chain / bearing noise as the suspension will settle out quite fast.

I'd consider taking it back if you just bought it from a dealer unless they declared this and let them have a look.

It's hard to say if the chain would be shot after 18,000. Some make it well past this, some don't. Maintenance (use of a scottoiler or similar) and type of use are big factors. It's possible the chain is either over tight, or has been dry up until recently in which case it may have had it.

Jambo