To make a long story short, within the last couple of weeks my bike has been making a strange noise when up-shifting into third gear, as well as down-shifting into third. The noise is most prominent in lower RPMs.It's a sort of clanking coming from the chain. At first I thought it was just a little loose. I adjusted it, but it has not helped. I'm thinking it may be time for a new chain?It's just odd that it only happens in third gear. Has anyone else experienced anything like this?

 

^^ I've recently noticed mine doing something similar when taking off in 1st. Mine really sounds like I need to tighten my chain or something. Kind of a clicking noise coming from the back sprocket area. Mine is normally only when i take off from a dead stop though. It may happen in higher gears when I put pressure on the chain but I can't hear it if it is.

 

How many miles on your chain and sprokets? Teeth on the sprockets worn? Last time chain was cleaned and lubed? Sometimes the axle can be off centered. I used to use the marks on the swingarm and axle to make adjustments, but found that they can be stamped from the factory a little off. I use a tape measure and go from the swingarm bolt to the axle to make sure both sides are the same. I'd check these first to rule them out. If not could be the cush drive. Good Luck.

 

How much play should there be on the bottom section of chain? I have been told 1/2" to 1". That sound correct?

 

If you're only getting the noise w/ 3rd gear I'd expect the problem to be the 3rd gear not the chain.