Anyone feel free to chime in at any time. Lol. I'm kidding I know y'all stay busy answering dumb people questions like mine
ZX9 clunking
Hey guys. Got me a project bike. But im worried about this one. Im new to biking.... but not new ro mechanics. Ok. When driving my 98 ZX9c im getting a clunking from the lower part of the bike.. not when I shift but...well for example, im in fourrh gear and come to a stop sign. When I let off the throttle..CLUNK... then I start to go again and another clunk.. I thought it was slack in the chain (and it was....a lot) so I tightened itnn still same problem. Any Ideas or sudgestions?. Im hoping its nothing major. The wife has me on a tight budjet on my project bike that she didn't want me to get in the first place...lol bet none of y'all ever had that problem.LOLOL anyway. Thisbhappensbin all gears by the way. One more quick question. Bike has 18 plus K miles on it and I do not know if valves I have ever been adjusted. I have never adjusted them or any other valves for that matter. Anyone got a link to a video or I can tell me how to do this? Thanks again
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Put it up on a rear stand, engine off, in-gear, then grab the rear wheel and turn it forward and back to see if there's a lot of play. If so, the rubber "cushdrive" in the wheel is most likely worn and needs replacing.
If that's not it, the trans is the next possible cause (hopefully it's the drive).
Jay
If that's not it, the trans is the next possible cause (hopefully it's the drive).
Jay
Thanks Jay I also just went to my local Kawasaki dealer he said the same thing about the rubber crush drive but he said that it's more than likely sprocket and chain ware. Is this a possibility also? I did tell you this before but when I got the by the chain was very rusty so everdently they did not heat mine up on the chain.Put it up on a rear stand, engine off, in-gear, then grab the rear wheel and turn it forward and back to see if there's a lot of play. If so, the rubber "cushdrive" in the wheel is most likely worn and needs replacing.
If that's not it, the trans is the next possible cause (hopefully it's the drive).
Jay
If the chain and sprockets are bad you can definitely get some odd behavior. If you pull back on the chain in the middle of the rear sprocket (very back of the sprocket) you shouldn't be able to see more than 1/2 of a sprocket tooth. If the tooth is hooked at all the sprocket is junk - same for the front sprocket.
If the chain is rusty, I'd replace it. If the sprockets show any signs of wear, I'd replace those too. You will get the best life out of all the components if you replace them all at the same time.
Jay
If the chain is rusty, I'd replace it. If the sprockets show any signs of wear, I'd replace those too. You will get the best life out of all the components if you replace them all at the same time.
Jay
Yup. Same as he told me. The chain and sprocket shows a little ware but no hook on the teeth. In gear with rear tire off the ground I have about 2 in. Of play back and fourth. This is normal correct? If so it must be the chain and sprockets because I tighten the chain up yesterday. It had bought the bike with about 3 inches of play in it but it is still doing the same clunking.
Look at where the play is coming from. Is the sprocket and carrier staying put when you spin the wheel? If so, that's a cushdrive problem.
When you tighten a chain you need to find the tightest spot first, then set tension there. If there is a lot of difference between the tight and loose spot you have issues that need to be corrected. A chain that is too tight can also cause damage.
I'd still buy a new chain if I were you.
Jay
When you tighten a chain you need to find the tightest spot first, then set tension there. If there is a lot of difference between the tight and loose spot you have issues that need to be corrected. A chain that is too tight can also cause damage.
I'd still buy a new chain if I were you.
Jay
10-4... will keep yall up to date
You only want about 1 inch of chain slack when the bike is on the stand and make sure you sit on the bike with the kickstand not in use then put it on kickstand and check chainjameskeyes1981 said:Yup. Same as he told me. The chain and sprocket shows a little ware but no hook on the teeth. In gear with rear tire off the ground I have about 2 in. Of play back and fourth. This is normal correct? If so it must be the chain and sprockets because I tighten the chain up yesterday. It had bought the bike with about 3 inches of play in it but it is still doing the same clunking.
Awsome info. I appreciate the great advice. as for the play, I took my bike to get the front tire replaced and a friend of mine that I didn't know was a Kawi mechanic :facepalm: Told me there is NO cush drive left and that its metel on metal in there and recommended me to get one, so I have one on the way. Should be here wed. Any takers on how to change the cush drive? lolYou only want about 1 inch of chain slack when the bike is on the stand and make sure you sit on the bike with the kickstand not in use then put it on kickstand and check chain
Not difficult. Just remove the rear wheel and pull out the sprocket and carrier. The new rubber parts go in the wells on the wheel and the sprocket and carrier lugs drop in between them.Awsome info. I appreciate the great advice. as for the play, I took my bike to get the front tire replaced and a friend of mine that I didn't know was a Kawi mechanic :facepalm: Told me there is NO cush drive left and that its metel on metal in there and recommended me to get one, so I have one on the way. Should be here wed. Any takers on how to change the cush drive? lol
Jay
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