I did a search loooking for a thread about what I think is a trans problem but none of them sounded like the problem I'm having. I have a 96 F3 which is new to me. Been taking some short rides testing out the dependability as I am a new rider and I do not know the background on this bike. Anyway, when I go thru 1st and 2nd gear I hear a terrible noise like the chain is jumping/binding or gears crunching together. I don't "feel" any jerking or loss in acceleration. When I shift into 3rd gear I can't hear the noise but can't rule out it being there due to wind noise and such. I looked at the rear sprocket and chain and all looks good. I will pull the front sprocket cover off today and look at that. Anyone have similar issues or an idea what I'm facing? It has fresh oil and filter.

 

You certainly don't want to hear those types of noises coming from your bike. How is the tension on your chain, is it within specifications ? I believe the slack should be between 15mm - 25mm at it's loosest point. Do you have paddock stands ? Maybe put the bike up on then and run it through 1st and 2nd. Naturally you've got to be careful doing this as it can be dangerous.

 

I don't have stands but I could probably rig something. I also saw in another post where it was suggested to pull the front sprocket off and let it idle and see if it stall makes noise. I'm beginning to lean more towards the chain/sprockets as the bike hasn't been ridden in a couple years and it has 18,000 miles on it. I am a bigger guy also, would that have anything to do with tension in the chain?

 

You being bigger shouldnt effect the chain tension too much due to the swing arms arc, the rear wheel stays fairly close to the same position when the shock is under load as unstressed, but sounds more like a tension problem then a transmission problem.