Hi guys, i'm a newb, and I've been riding my 03 F4i around and just lately i've noticed this wierd sorta scratching noise coming from my chain. From dead stopi open the throttle, nothing, but whenever i'm moving there is a noise coming from the chain.

the noise is scaring me from riding and i'm wondering if this is normal, or will i need a new chain? the bike only has 7K on it, can anyone assist?

 

I'm no mechanic type, but what I'd do is put it up on a rear wheel lift, take off the covers and the front sprocket covers and watch what it does by either running it or moving the wheel. Have you adjusted your chain lately?

 

Is it kind of a rythmic grinding at a steady cruise? Do you feel the bike lurching back and forth at all (even very little)? Almost sounds to me like the chain is kinked up. Is it lubed and adjusted properly? Put it up on the rear stand and spin the wheel, see if it binds up at one or more spots, and also feel the chain tension in a bunch of different spots, see if it's loose at one spot and tight at another, you chain is kinked up and needs to be replaced.

Also check the sprockets and make sure all teeth are there!

 

thanks guys went to the local bike mechanic did a thorough inspectio and it just needed an adjustment, but it was so loose that it was rubbing against the rod that connects the shifter to the tranny egads! i just got the bike the guy before me must have not cared... thanks everyone