What Causes Abnormal Noise in Motorcycle Chains?
2 Answers
Motorcycle chain abnormal noise reasons are as follows: Poor fit between chain and sprocket: When there is poor fit between the chain and sprocket, abnormal noise may occur during riding. This situation cannot be adjusted by oneself and requires replacement of the entire chain and sprocket set, which should be handled by professionals. You can inspect it yourself, but attempting repairs may lead to more serious faults. Insufficient lubrication of motorcycle chain: This is the first thing to check when discovering chain noise during daily riding. If inspection reveals insufficient lubrication, you need to add lubricating oil. This can be resolved by yourself. Chain jam at certain point: When the chain gets jammed, abnormal noise will inevitably occur during riding. The rider should promptly inspect and clean it to avoid chain derailment while riding.
I've been riding motorcycles for many years and have encountered chain noise issues several times. The most common causes are a loose chain or insufficient lubrication due to lack of oil. You can feel the creaking sound getting louder as you ride. Over time, chains wear out, and the increased gap between the chain and sprockets also contributes to the problem, especially after rainy days when mud and sand can clog the chain gaps, making the noise worse. Regular maintenance is crucial: I make it a habit to spray some chain wax every 200 kilometers to prevent dust buildup and reduce wear. If the chain is severely worn, it needs to be replaced; otherwise, it can affect riding safety. When checking, shake the rear wheel by hand—if the chain wobbles more than 1 centimeter, tighten the adjustment bolts immediately.
