Forum

[Robin]

Did another rear chain check before taking the bike for a ride in a moment. The rear chain IS too loose, in the sense that only one of the links has stretched so much that a roller doesn't immediately find it's proper position in the gearbox sprocket and makes a slight 'knocking' sound as it embeds itself firmly. Thanks for your intriguing set of calculations, Les H! Unfortunately I have to take the bike out as it is, but will put the spare chain on tomorrow and keep you informed.

[MadMike]

Robin chain links do not stretch. It simply is not possible. Chain wear is caused by wear in the pins and bushes which creates the illusion that the flat plates have stretched. So if you have a single link whic does not fit the sprocket it begs the question has somebody, perhaps even you, inserted an incorrect size link into the chain?

[Alan R]

Hi ROBIN }----------- It IS POSSIBLE to do a lengthy response without worrying about the time factor------just get into the habit of "right-clik & copy" then, if you do loose all your efforts (usually as a return to LOG-IN) then follow that LOG-IN procedure and when at the type stage just right-clik onto "paste". It works for me now but it did take a bit of getting used to. Our dear friend and contributor LES H frequently gets near the "War & Peace" award (in the nicest possible way, LES-matey !! )without the lock-out.

[Alan R]

Gents--------- just another consideration---------at any given road speed the rear wheel, chain and both sprockets will always be moving/rotating etc at the values for them that equate to 20mph ( or 30, or 40 etc. etc) as they are in a state of permanent connection and ratio. So, as LES H has very eloquently, correctly( and accurately)ruled out the primary chain and associated items TRY 20mph in >>3rd GEAR.

[Martin C]

If the final-drive chain is causing the knock, it's worth checking which way round the split-link is fitted. Quite a few of the 350 Classics were supplied with a final-drive chain where the clip side of the split link protruded far enough to foul on a fastener near the gearbox sprocket as it rotated, unless the clip side was on the inboard side of the chain. Maybe the same can happen to an Electra X?

[Robin]

I changed the rear chain today and took the bike out for a spin. The knock has entirely disappeared. Thanks for every ones input and Les H for pointing me in the right direction.

[rog]

MadMike, I didn't mean to imply some metal in the oil is acceptable. What I meant was that the noise very rapidly became so bad that I expected to find more than I did. As I understand it the Electra X has hardened steel rollers running directly in the relatively soft steel conrod. If there is excessive wear then the worn-off metal has gone somewhere - presumably into the oil!