A week ago I lubed my chain for the first time since...well...I had never lubed the chain and have been riding it now for 6 months. Had no issues with chain before hand. Lubed it and then there was a noise from the front sprocket...a clicking sound everytime it turns...sounds like bearing in the transmission. Checked the chain and it was tight...loosened the chain and noise went away...rode it and noise came back...checked the chain and it was tight again...have done this now three times, and it tightened back up and noise came back. I have now tightened the axle past torque spec, and the tensioner's both have the double nuts like they are supposed to. Any suggestions at why this might be happening?

 

Sounds like it's time to replace your chain, bro. I had a similar situation. Bought the bike, rode it around for month or so, then started getting chain noises. Tightened it a few times and then had to replace it. Once the chain get stretched out too far our of spec it won't fit the sprockets right and will make those funny noises when running, that is what it does when it's slipping on the teeth. That's going to cause additional strain on the chain.Get a new chain before you ride much more cause if it breaks while you are riding your engine is gonna be f#$%'ed.

 

Zoom, I read this before and I'm not sure how the chain keeps tightening itself other than tight spots in the chain. Are you setting the freeplay per the manual?
Soulman, you're talking about having to keep tightening it, which is definitely a sign that the chain is on it's last leg.... but the opposite problem that the OP is saying he has. Also, snapping a chain doesn't necessarily mean that the engine will be screwed. I've snapped them and shot 'em right out the back. Others have locked the rear, some have busted plastics or their leg, etc. Still never good, but killing the engine isn't the norm.

 

Yep, I set the free play to 3/4 inch. The manual says set it between 5/8 to 1 inch from center of chain while sitting on it.

 

make sure you have both nuts on the end of the chain tensioner to adjust. with only one you can get some wiggle either way depending on what nut you have on there.

 

Chains don't always wear evenly. Check the freeplay at several spots and if you are forced to use that chain for a while, set the freeplay at the tightest spot you find. I'd start shopping for a new chain.

 

I also would strongly recommend never tightening the axle nut or anything else past spec. Spec torque will hold it just fine. All you are doing is risking stripping something and having to buy new parts.