Triumphrat

Coxylisa · 07-24-2009, 11:38 AM

Hi I have a just returned to bikes after an absence of 12 years. I have bought a TT600 2002 reg and recently noticed that the chain appeared loose. I tightened this up making sure that the rear wheel was aligned accordingly with the indicators on the swingarm. I also noticed that there would be alot of difference in tension in different areas of the chain when the rear wheel was rotated (If the slackest part was located and tightned, then another area would feel very tight)

Since doing all this I have noticed that there seems to be an increase in the noise coming from the front sprocket area. This is really noticable when accelerating slowly. Over 35mph this "ticking" noise disappears (probably due to the noise of the engine). I am now concerned that there is something seriously wrong.

Advice from those more experienced would be greatly appreciated

Bonnie06Tangerine · 07-24-2009, 04:26 PM

How many miles are on the bike? The reason I ask because you mention in your post that it is a 2002 and chains will stretch after time, especially if the bike was ridden in a demanding manner from the previous owner(s) before you. If the bike is aligned properly then there shouldn't be any noise; ticks, pings, and rings are not a good thing when it comes to that. I would triple check your alignment and be sure without a doubt nothing is wrong with that, get your chain adjusted to where you think it should be and see what kind of slack is left over after that. If that persists then I would take it in to have someone take a look at it or perhaps someone else on here might have a better suggestion...

Coxylisa · 07-25-2009, 01:18 AM

Only 10,500 miles bike doesn't appear to have been abused

rs_tt · 07-25-2009, 08:47 AM

Replace the chain, A chain with tight spots will be noisy and can cause damage to the front sprocket drive bearings.
my 2 cents

Biggreentrophy · 07-25-2009, 09:02 AM

I had a similar problem on a Kaw.. the drive (little one) sprocket kept backing off due to a soft or worn retaining piece. I'm not sure how your sprocket is held on the shaft, hell I have not actually seen mine ,yet my mech assures me my chain and sprockets are still good yet it will be time soon to replace 'em. If that front sprocket slides away from the case too much the rivets on the chain will hit the case or frame or some thing and made a heck of a ticking!!

Raynewb · 07-27-2009, 03:40 PM

Tight and loose spots indicate the chain is at the end of its life. The miles you quote could suggest just that if it has not been looked after. The noise could be front sprockett damage or even a worn chain runner which will cause the chain to drag on the swing arm. Check the black rubber guard on the upper side of the swing arm to the rear of the front sprokett (just behind the point the swing arm joins the rest of the frame).
My advice is to change the chain and both front and rear sproketts. Just changing the chain is sure to result in the new one lasting no time at all as the sproketts wear to to the chain profile.
I personally have scottoilers on all my bikes TT600 included and get about 20,000 miles out of chain and sproketts.
Hope this is of some help.
Ray

RogD · 08-01-2009, 10:53 AM

Hi
I am with Ray on this. Recently had exactly the same issue with my Trident chain and sprockets. Did not notice a noise, but the chain was difficult to adjust, due to tight spots. It had done around 25k miles, and was well past its sell by date. When the chain was removed, the rear sprocket was OK, but the front was very badly hooked, so I had both changed and a new chain. The difference it made was incredible, so I would really recommend getting sprockets and chain replaced.

Roger

Flying Custard · 08-07-2009, 05:33 AM

The chain sounds shagged, perhaps lack of oiling in it's lifetime.

Adjust to the tightest spot - not the loosest - or you're putting great strain on things as the tight area becomes very tight when running, and does rapid repeated 'hits' as the chain goes round it's circuit, tight-loose-tight-loose etc.
Also test with your weight on it, in case the chain tensions up then.

Chains get a bit of tight-spot behaviour as they age, but too much of it means a replacement is due, chain+sprockets.

doodledog · 08-08-2009, 04:50 PM

Just a thought as your a back to bike guy, when you tighten the chain there should be about an inch of play up and down, WHEN YOUR SAT ON THE BIKE, if you tighten it withought your weight on the bike, when you sit on the bike the chain becomes bowstring tight and ruins the front sprocket output shaft seal and makes nasty noises from the front sprocket while its doing it, Just a thought.

Biggreentrophy · 08-08-2009, 06:54 PM

If your bike is like my '95 Trophy 3 ,then drive sprocket is hidden (arrrgh!) it may be worn....even though the driven (big 'un) looks ok. I had a KAWASAKI that gave up the "keeper" and the drive (little 'un) moved out to rub rivets against the case.....NOOISY!!! How many miles on the drive train? Lots of lube ....and I mean chain lube not something that will damage "o" or "x" rings.... (Please don't say WD-40!)The Factory service manual will give you the length of 20 links of chain (319mm MAX) is the wear limit....Trigonometry dictates that when the chain stretches beyond this point is will not mesh with the sprockets correctly and be noisier than a wife wanting a new kitchen!!!