Creaking chain

[hornofplenty]

So, I posted a while ago regarding an issue with a creaking chain. Thought it was an over tight chain, potential failed countershaft bearing etc. etc. all the usuals. I've countlessly check and re-aligned the chain, cleaned and lubed, checked for play in the bearing by removing the front sprocket and checking the countershaft for any wobbles. Taken it to two mechanics who can't find a thing wrong. It's a Hornet CB600f from 2000. Has done 48k. The bike rides beautifully, but when riding I can hear a low-level grating/whirring, and when I wheel the bike with the engine off there's a creaking from the chain and front sprocket area. It's been like this for about six months now and I've done around 4000 miles since then with no escalation in the problem. My question is, do bikes just develop sounds like this, due to age, or could there be an issue? The chain is a D.I.D gold x-ring with JTS sprockets. It's spotlessly cleaned and looking good, but I'm wondering if it could have stretched or there may be an internal problem with it regardless of looks. It's done 12k. Any advice, suggestions, help would be greatly appreciated.

[eastanglianbiker]

have you checked for wear in the chain and tight spots as even cleaning and lubing doesnt always sure them,can you not get t he bike onto a stand that has the rear wheel off the ground and slowly rotate the wheel to see if you can pinpoint where the noise is from,might also be worth checking suspension links as well in case one is dry or badly worn/seized

[Stu]

Probably chain rubbing against the chain buffer that's on the front of the swingarm

[mealexme]

I had a similar issue.

After riding with a tight chain which then seized up and got so tight that there was 0 slack in it what so ever, I looked up the potential issues. Then I started hearing the noise, similar to yours.

I loosened it, lubed it and even took it to a mechanic but they insisted the noise was normal. Two mechanics from the same garage said the same thing. The first just wheeled it back and forth, the second took it for a ride. I still hear it now, but I'm just being paranoid, I think there should be some noise coming from the chain, like there is a bicycle chain, but a little noisier because the chain is larger and rotates faster

Basically, if the mechanic says its ok, he is potentially loosing business, so I'd be inclined to believe him. If you've taken it for a second opinion and they say its ok too, then even better

Aslong as it doesnt get worse, I wouldnt worry about it too much

[Mr Fro]

My track bike had a similar thing. I replaced the chain and sprockets because they were past their best bit it still creaked a bit. I spent ages with straight edges aligning the wheel and finally got it right by shimming the front sprocket a smidge.

It's worth noting that I'm using a 520 set rather than the 530 OEM set so I had to adjust the chain guide too.