Weird (scrapping) noise when riding my Versys

C

Changnoi1

Senior Member
Joined
Apr 13, 2011
Location
Nan, Thailand
Bikes
Kawasaki Z250
Since a few rides I noticed a weird scrapping noise when riding at lower speed and lower rev. Well maybe that is the only time to really hear & feel it (I have the idea I feel it). I suspect the chain to be at fault, although at 22k I think chain & sprockets should still be ok? And a bit weird the noise seem to be gone when pulling in the clutch.

I have never replaced a chain on a big bike. Now I read some conflicting information on replacing the chain ..... the manual says "it is an endless chain and does not need to be cut for installation" .... while elsewhere I read "because the chain is around the swing-arm it needs to be cut"???

Anyone has experience in replacing a drive chain of an Versys?

Well first I will put the bike on an service-stand and check the chain fully myself, to try to find where the noisy is coming from.

Chang Noi
 
Difficult to say what the noise is as there can be quite a few things causing problems but then again I am far from an expert in these things. However, as you say that the noise disappears when you pull in the clutch I would guess that the chain and/or sprocket would be at "fault" as there would be no or very little tension on the chain and sprockets.

While reading fora like ADVRider and so on most people seem to change their chains and sprockets after about 20000 miles/30000 KM. so that would be quite a bit more than you have on them now. On the other hand it might be a false economy to wait to long to replace them. Like you planned to do, have a good look at them or bring it to the Kawa dealer for them to have a look at it.
 
This sounds like exactly the same as i experienced with my dtracker a few months back.

Took the bike to kawasaki and they said they couldn't hear or feel the noise i was (becoming paranoid about) hearing!

One thought i had was that it could be the nylon/plastic chain guide having been roughed up a bit and giving extra noise when coasting and therefore the chain being slack.

I gave the bike a thorough wash and sold it after that, as every time i rode it, i was more interested in defining & knowing the issue than i was actually riding it. Now that is stupid eh? Don't answer that ;)

Ally
 
Re:Weird (scrapping) noise when ....

OK I just come back from the Kawasaki-doctor .... of course the doctor did not hear anything and said all was fine. I asked him to put the bike on a service-stand (I should buy me one) and open the front-spocket-cover. And looking at the front sprocket I would say it is a bit (wrongly) worn out (see attached photo). Then the doctor asked how much km I did and declared "chain too old" .... nothing wrong with the sprockets?

So I had the doctor clean the chain and lube it .... the noise de-creased dramatically but it is still there and I now know for sure I can even feel it.

So I went for a second opinion (with commercial interests but also a biker) .... conclusion : Stretched out chain.

I think chain and sprockets should be replaced at the same time .... right?

Then what to replace it with?
DID 520 Gold (Made in Japan) for 1800thb or Kawasaki stock chain (DID made in Thailand) or something else?
Front sprocket from Kawasaki and rear sprocket EK 46T (aluminium inside & steel outside) for 3800thb ?

The kawa shop is charging 3500thb for the 2 sprockets + chain (DID made in Thailand).

Chang Noi
 

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Ok had new front + rear sprocket + chain installed today .... and the bike rides like new. The chain was for sure at fault, although you could argue if the new sprockets were necessary. Did cost me 3528 thb + 100 thb for EMS from Udon to KK.

It is all stock Kawa, do DID 520 VP2 chain and SunStar 46 rear sprocket. I will have the old set cleaned and compare to the new set, just for learning. First look at chain seems to show that indeed quit a few O-rings are actually damaged, and weird (or not?) mostly on the inner side. But it is really amazing how much better the bike is riding .... now realising that the chain was already ****ed quit a few KM's ago.

Getting off the old-rivit link and putting the new one on was a bit more work (less easy) as I thought.

So for future savings ... I will give my chain + sprockets a bit more TLC.

Chang Noi
 
You should always replace the sprockets along with the chain. using old sprockets will wear your new chain prematurely. also a service stand is a worthwhile investment to clean and lube it especially in wet conditions along with checking the slack and keeping it adjusted correctly. A scott oiler would also increase the life of your chain and sprockets as well especially if you do a lot of touring miles and don't have the place, time and gear to clean, lube it and check the slack so often.
 
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