I've been reading and learning a lot about the F3 from this site for some time now, and I finally got one a few months ago. Anyways, it needed a little work, so I haven;t been riding much, but I took it out the other day and I was just cruising around at around 10mph, and suddenly the bike just kicked and threw me off. I didn't downshift or brake or anything, I have no idea what it could be. The chain is pretty dirty and I imagine old/in bad shape, but it's not real loose. I checked it and it doesn't sag much more that a half inch when I press down on it, maybe it's too tight? I am hoping it is just the chain, but I fear maybe it was something internal, perhaps the cam chain tensioner. I have read that the stock tensioner can sometimes foul up and potentially cause bent valves and other damage inside. Any ideas? I really want to go out and ride some more, but I am worried that even if I replace the chain it will happen again.

 

Did your rear tire lock??? If so what is going on with it now, is the rear tire stuck? Make sure the chain is straight and lubed...I doubt is the engine if it still runs and drives..

 

I honestly don't remember if the back tire locked, it happened so quickly. Everything is fine now, the bike seems like it always has. Although, I may just be listening closer for things, but I can hear a slight tick in the motor, which I assume to be the cam tensioner. I'll swap that to a manual and I expect it to go away. You think as long as I replace the chain and sprockets, and get the bike up to par it should be straight? I'm just worried about it happening again, so I want to check anything that could have caused this.

 

FB, sorry for the eye opener!!!!!!! endorphines and adrenalin rock, eh???!!!!!! I'd pull the back wheel... maybe even before you ride again, and check bearings and pads... maybe a pad cocked a little. Grasping but I would check all moving parts back there. Was the bike cold,w/ choke low/off, and "burped".Thats could be what caused Indian Larry that unfortunate wobble. Is the old chain dry and kinked, checked, slipped off the spocket? I don't think it was cct / valve interference, or you'd know it. When you figure it out, let us know... more things to be aware of, for all. Glad your OK !!!!!!!!! Clean and free, Ripp'n

 

Yea man, I'm lucky I was going slow. I had planned on replacing the chain, wheel bearings, pads, fluids ect, but I decided to take it out for a ride without. Ha, bad idea. I learned my lesson, now I can't wait to get some parts and get back riding.