Chain slap vs. PV rattle vs. Clutch Chatter

[kdxkid]

Got a question for you all:

I have a new to me (low hours, under 10) 2011 GG EC300. I noticed some type of rattle / chatter when riding a gear high in low RPMs. This isn't a squeel or squak, and it occurred while ridding when the engine is loaded up in low RPM. Only other thing I can think of is maybe the my plate was rattling - I will isolate that.

 

[nknudsen]

Got a question for you all:

I have a new to me (low hours, under 10) 2011 GG EC300. I noticed some type of rattle / chatter when riding a gear high in low RPMs. This isn't a squeel or squak, and it occurred while ridding when the engine is loaded up in low RPM. Only other thing I can think of is maybe the my plate was rattling - I will isolate that.

I vote for chain slap. Might be a bit loose but they still can make noise at low RPM, high load situations.

 

[kdxkid]

I vote for chain slap. Might be a bit loose but they still can make noise at low RPM, high load situations.

Any way to actually diagnose chain slap?

 

[gasgasman]

You can try tightening the chain, see if the noise changes.

 

[nknudsen]

Any way to actually diagnose chain slap?

You can look down and watch the chain when trying to replicate the noise, the movement of the chain might match the sound your hearing. I have a fresh chain and sprockets on mine and will still hear chain slap when lugged, it's easy to do on a blacktop road ride.

 

[kdxkid]

good point - I will try this.

Is chain slap an issue (assuming chain tension is correct) or something to live with

 

[SS109]

Chain slap is a non-issue as long as your chain is properly adjusted.

 

[Davehuge]

Definitely sounds like a slack chain, no big deal. It may only need tensioning slightly to eliminate the noise.

 

[Neil E.]

Put a strip of 1/8 x 3/4 (3 x 20mm) closed cell foam weatherstrip along the front top of the swingarm. This will tone down the rattle. Don't go too thick on the foam or you may need a couple of washers under the chain guide mounting bolt.

 

[kdxkid]

Do you mean under the plastic chain guard thing?

 

[Neil E.]

Exactly. It acts as an insulator so chain vibration on the slider doesn't get amplified by the swingarm. Do make sure your sprocket alignment and chain tension is correct. You should have only slight chain play when the suspension is compressed to the maximum tension point. This is when the swingarm pivot, front sprocket centerline and rear sprocket centerline are exactly aligned.

On some bikes it's easy to remove the shock for checking. Other guys use a strap to compress the rear suspension. The fastest way is to have two heavy friends compress the suspension while you check the chain.

 

[Jakobi]

Chain slap for sure. All great advice above, or just live with it and keep the revs up a bit higher. Only time I really hear my chain slapping is on transport sections when I'm putting along.