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Rhythmic clunking, vibrations hard to explain.
- bloglos
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Yesterday I noticed a feint, rhythmic vibration on the foot pegs when I hit the breaks. Today it seemed to get a little worse and I noticed it while just coasting and not braking. Braking is smooth and I don't think it's the problem. It feels like I'm riding over evenly spaced tiny bumps in the road. Like something is catching. Sorry for the poor description.
Anyone have any ideas or offer any advice as to what I should start checking to figure this out? I've cleaned and oiled the chain a few times throughout the summer but I don't really know if the chain could cause this and frankly I don't know how to spot a worn chain.
Any help or suggestions are appreciated.
78 KZ650 C2 - Runner
77 KZ650 B1 - Project
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- TeK9iNe
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Rarely, but sometimes, there can be a problem with the transmission/output shaft assembly.
There is a number of easy things to check:
Start with brake discs since you felt it there first - Disc warp/wear/damage Pads - wear, damage, stuck debris.
If drum in the rear - dissasemble and spec for wear/damage.
Wheels - Tire pressure, wear/damage/ balance/trueness.
Bearings - Spec, wear/damage, maintenence.
A chain is basically considered worn when it exceeds its origional length by 2% Your service limit is 323mm over a 20 link pin2pin length. Measure in several spots.
Check alignment too. It should ride on the center of the sprocket, not hard to one side or another, a little off is ok.
The manual is the best source for maintenence and ideas as to where the problem is.
GL.
Motorcycle Shop Owner/Operator
79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors
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- Patton
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And also inspect rear sprocket for wear.
Sprocket teeth should not be missing, hooked (dished), sharp, broken, or worn away.
Good Fortune!
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1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- MFolks
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You'll quickly see if there are tight and loose places in the chain. When replacing elements of the drive mechanism, always buy new front and rear sprockets along with a quality chain.
When considering changing sprocket sizes, I use www.gearingcommander.com
1982 GPZ1100 B2
General Dynamics/Convair 1983-1993
GLCM BGM-109 Tomahawk, AGM-129A Advanced Cruise Missile (ACM)
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- bloglos
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I'll check it out this weekend and hopefully it turns out to be something suggested here.
If there is a kink in the chain, does that generally mean it need replacing?
78 KZ650 C2 - Runner
77 KZ650 B1 - Project
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- TeK9iNe
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When replacing elements of the drive mechanism, always buy new front and rear sprockets along with a quality chain.
+1 Yes, absolutely.
New chain old sprockets, and vice versa, will wear down super fast. All three should be new/excellent condition.
Motorcycle Shop Owner/Operator
79 Kawie Z1000 LTD
81 Kawie Z1000 CSR
83 Honda VT750C A
85 Kawie GPZ900 A2
86 Zukie GS1150 EG
93 Yamie XV1100 E
Lucky to have rolled many old bikes through my doors
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- Patton
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More importantly, it's dangerous to life and limb when a drive chain breaks while riding.
And may also damage the engine cases and other bike parts.
Good Fortune!
1973 Z1
KZ900 LTD
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- PLUMMEN
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Still recovering,some days are better than others.
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- Vter Bob
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Georgia, Vermont
1981 KZ550 LTD
1982 KZ1000 LTD
1999 ZG1000 Concours
Greetings from the Peoples Republic of Vermont, home of Ethan Allen, 2 American Presidents, a socialist US Senator and.....Homer & Bart Simpson
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- bloglos
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Didn't have a chance to check the bike this past weekend, too busy, but I'll be checking it today. I was able to grab the OEM part numbers for the drive chain and rear sprocket from the Kawasaki website for my model, but I'll be damned if I was able to find a part number for the front sprocket? Any body know where I could find this? Also, other then front/rear sprocket and chain, anything else I should be ordering that I'm not thinking of?
Thank goodness for this forum, you guys are great.
78 KZ650 C2 - Runner
77 KZ650 B1 - Project
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- OKC_Kent
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Go to Z1 Enterprises and buy the chain and sprockets they have for your model. If you can afford an x-ring chain (about $90) go for it. I did 30,000 miles ago and am about to replace it this week. I think that's great life for a chain and the price is good.
Oklahoma City, OK
78 KZ650 B2 82,000+ miles
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- 650ed
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The tires are new so no problem with cupping, also, I run tire pressure based on advice from these forums, I have a 120/90-18 rear (36psi) and 100/90-19 front(32psi).
Didn't have a chance to check the bike this past weekend, too busy, but I'll be checking it today. I was able to grab the OEM part numbers for the drive chain and rear sprocket from the Kawasaki website for my model, but I'll be damned if I was able to find a part number for the front sprocket? Any body know where I could find this? Also, other then front/rear sprocket and chain, anything else I should be ordering that I'm not thinking of?
Thank goodness for this forum, you guys are great.
You'll need part #92024-44 20mm lock washer for the engine sprocket (don;t reuse the old one and be sure to use the locking agent specified in the FSM)
The 16 tooth engine sprocket is part #13144-063.
Ed
1977 KZ650-C1 Original Owner - Stock (with additional invisible FIAMM horn)
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