discovered while cleaning chain...

I was cleaning my chain for my 650-SR and while rotating the rear wheel by hand there is a point where it gets hard to turn, then it loosens back up and spins freely again.

The OEM chain has been replaced with a master link type by the P.O.

ideas what this could be?

Does it bind up with the chain removed?

Time for new chain & both sprockets! The "Tight Spot" is a sign the chain is beyond it's useful life and can break at anytime.

MFolks wrote: Time for new chain & both sprockets! The "Tight Spot" is a sign the chain is beyond it's useful life and can break at anytime.

x2 +1 This is the classic sign of a worn chain and sprocket set. Go ahead and replace the whole set. You'll be glad you did. You need to replace the front and rear sprockets and the chain. If you continue to use any of the three worn parts then you will wear the other new pieces prematurely.

Was riding with a guy when his chain snapped :ohmy: Thankfully he was wearing a backpack and helmet because it whipped right around and nearly took him out if he didnt have that extra layer on his back

This usually happens to solid roller chains or when an O ring bursts on a O ring chain. The links freeze. You may actually find that the chain is within length specs but that you have two or more links no longer move freely. It's time to replace chain. When ever replacing a chain you MUST at minimum replace the rear sprocket. The front sprockets are made out of much harder steel and will SOMETIMES survive longer and a lot more punishment.

The tight-loose syndrome is the definitive symptom that the chain is toast....... it means it has non-uniform length as you rotate it around (some sections have stretched). Z1 Enterprises has the best prices on good X-ring chain and sprockets.

Thanks guys. Guess I will be investing in a new chain and sprockets.

I cleaned and visually inspected the rear sprocket and it looks new. Guess I have to pull the side cover off and take a look at the front sprocket.

Are there any special tools I need to replace the sprockets/chain?

Are you going to replace the chain with a smaller one like a 530? Ask Z1 for sprockets and chain.
The engine(countershaft) sprocket may give you some trouble. Some owners use an air impact gun to loosen the nut, others may get a breaker bar with a "cheater" for more leverage.

Considering a different ratio? I use www.gearingcommander.com when looking at possible ratio changes.

man, once I get ahead and think old Stella Blue is running strong I gotta drop more cash on her.

I was looking at the 530 chain and sprockets from Z1. How would I confirm what size/type of chain is already on there? The rear sprocket looks brand new and the chain is master link type so I am wondering if the P.O. already made the switch.

The size should be stamped on the side of the link plate, along with the brand. PO replaced, when was it ever lubed? Is it an O-rong type sealed link chain? Good quality/
Take a few pictures of the rear sprocket, with the chain on it, lifting the links/ chain off of the sprocket right at the rear of the bike. If you can lift it off the sprocket much = toast. Might be a Cheap Chain? Ebay China special?
Oh and when you get a new chain, you will get a master link. Maybe a clip type, or maybe a rivet in type. Maybe both, mine came with both. RK from Z1.

thanks Motor Head will check out tonight and take some pics.

I have only owned the bike for a few months and I'm slowly going through all the standard maintenance steps. I just cleaned and lubed the chain for the first time last weekend. It was pretty dirty don't know when the last time someone tended to it prior to me. And yes it is an o-ring type.