I can hear my chain running over the front sprocket (tick, tick, tick..) when I roll my bike around the garage. I don't remember hearing it when I first brought the bike home. I first noticed it when I went to the 13T in front, and I thought it caused by the smaller diameter of the the sprocket. I returned to the 14T a while ago, and I still hear the ticking when I roll the bike...

Is this normal, or is something out of alignment? I'm seeing some shiny spots on the flat surfaces, where the teeth taper to the front/back surfaces of the front sprocket (not on actual the teeth "points").

Bike only has around 2,000miles on it, mostly road (due to my broken collar bone last summer). Only changes I've made down there are going from 14T to 13T, and back to stock 14T. Chain gets lubed regularly with wax-based lube.

 

Yep its normal. As you are tiding, lean forward as you stand up on the pegs, if the noise gets louder then its pretty normal.

 

I'm talking about pushing it... engine off.

I don't hear any chain noise when riding... (pipe's too loud!)

 

Yep, normal. It'll be quieter after a cleaning/relube.

 

love your avatar.

 

Have you ever taken the rear wheel off?

If you have, did you make sure to get the outer bearing spacers installed correctly? The right side is marked with an "R" on the outside surface (against the swingarm) and the left one is plain (unmarked). Incorrect installation could mis-align the rear wheel/drive chain ever so slightly.

 

Good thought, but I've never had it apart that far. Just swapped front counter sprocket, then put the factory one back on.

The noise doesn't bother me as much as the shiny spots on the side surfaces of the sprocket where the chain contacts it...

 

Thanks! I say WTF a lot.

History of the Word ****

 

On the front or rear sprocket? I'd check the alignment, not just the rear axle spacers being on the correct sides (doubtful this is the case if you've never had it apart) but also the adjusters being equal. Don't use the marks, just put a straight-edge on the side of the rear sprocket and get it lined up with the chain.

 

It's the front sprocket that shows the shiny areas. I'll try checking the alignment.

BTW, even the *calendar* says WTF, after Tuesday...