VFR800Fi-Y rear swing arm alignment?

[VFR-MLC2000]

VFR800Fi-Y Rear wheel out of line? - Is this possible?

My VFR800 started making clunking sounds from the general direction of the rear sprocket after a long haul down to Italy. The chain is properly adjusted and well lubed by the Scottoiler (though it did run dry for about 50miles before I noticed it in the middle of the trip) and it only makes the noise under acceleration or cornering - coasting along seems to be fine, but maybe there is just too much wind noise to hear it...

Closer inspection revealed abnormal wear on the edges of the chain sideplates and deep indentations round the sproket teeth - as though it had been trying to jump the sprocket - a la derailleur gears on a push-bike.

The bike has never been crashed to my knowledge and had given miles of trouble-free service before this problem arose. I did drop it onto its side when I slipped on some diesel just before boarding the ferry (how embarrassing was that!?) - but it was at zero speed and not hard enough to even scratch the fairing much.

I'm a bit alarmed by the thought of the chain jumping off as I'm going along and I'd be really grateful if anyone can tell me if this is a known problem. Is there perhaps some cunning method of aligning the rear swing arm that might had gone out of adjustment after 500miles of 100mph+ riding?

Thanks to all who take the time to read this

[McJamweasel]

Hi,

I'm not sure about the alignment but you can check that by using a long, striaght piece of wood or metal. Hold it along the bike flat against the rear wheel on each side and check how far away from the front wheel it is. It should be the same on each side.

If the alignment is not out then check your wheel bearings. It sounds like they could be buggered.
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BCF: Be yourself, just don't be an arse.

[MarJay]

Sounds like you need to check yourt Cush drive rubbers and your rear wheel bearings.

If its mainly to do with the sprocket and chain jumping off of it etc, then I would say its more than likely the cush drive rubbers.

Remove the rear sprocket and have a look what is underneath... there should be four or five bits of rubber there and they should fill the holes they occupy completely.

I would imagine that doing 500 miles two up with heavy luggage would give them a rough old time as they are designed to cushion the rear wheel and chain relationship so that yu can pull away and use engine braking etc without any jerking and without too much transmission lash.

Give them a check and see what happens!
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Guest]

Yep, another vote for cush rubbers/wheel or sprocket carrier bearing.

[VFR-MLC2000]

Thanks for the suggestions - The cush drive was not well and the chain was pretty worn too. New bits set me back a little over 160GBP and a day on my knees. All sorted - and Kornel's great online manual provided the pics and the torque settings to help me on my way.

What a great forum - this is the first time I have posted and the response has been helpful and generous.