Something is making a strange sound, Any ideas?

JackGarrett94 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2014 Karma :

Hey everyone, I went on a long ride on sunday with my friend, I done about 90 miles and done about 15 miles of being flat out on my little 125, I was staying between 65mph and 70mph (not bad for a honda xr 125)

On the way back home i heard a clunk and then my bike started to rattle, I pulled over and couldn't find anything wrong with her, I got her home but the whole way there she would rattle when i changed gears mainly from 2nd to 3rd and sometimes 4th, i found out my oil was low so i filled her up when i got back.

I rode her this morning and the rattle dosnt seem as bad it dosnt rattle when change gears to much, I have noticed it rattles on me when i go over a bumb (like a metal hitting something)

Could this be the chain, it is pretty lose, Or have i broke something inside?

Aslo my bike bogs down and dies if i rev it to hard in neutral but she is fine in 2nd gear and up. Strange. Any ideas?

Many thanks

Lord Percy · World Chat Champion Joined: 03 Aug 2012 Karma :

If the chain is quite loose then it could be the chain.

A similar thing happened to my bike after riding up from Reading to Yorkshire (so, same as you, long journey going flat out). The chain ended up really stretched and was dangerously floppy, with no more room on the screw to tighten it. It would sometimes bang against the frame, and was worst when changing gears. It was a scary ride doing the 8 miles to the next town to buy a new chain!

So yeah see if your chain is ok. You should have roughly an inch of free play when you put your finger in the middle of the length of the chain and push up and down. Do that test, but make sure to test it in a few different places because the chain will have tight points and slack points, so roll the rear wheel around and check a few times.

Not sure about why it's bogging down though.

mattfender666 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Jul 2013 Karma :

check exhaust bolts, make sure everything is tight, also pull the oil filler cap/dipstick, and sniff, if it smells like burnt you could have damaged the clutch from lack of oil. While your at it, is the side stand hanging off? friend of mine had similar rattling symptoms, and it turned out the side stand was only just hanging on!!

JackGarrett94 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2014 Karma :

mattfender666 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Jul 2013 Karma :

Where does the clunking /rattling feel like its coming from?

Carvel · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jun 2010 Karma :

JackGarrett94 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 16 May 2014 Karma :

mattfender666 · Nova Slayer Joined: 30 Jul 2013 Karma :

devojunior · Brolly Dolly Joined: 12 Sep 2010 Karma :

i dont mean to be rude here pal but come on have some common sense.

if your chain is loose and you think that could be causing a noise why not tighten the fecking thing then you can eliminate that from possible causes.

id just take it to a shop if i were you mate .

Robby · Dirty Old Man Joined: 16 May 2002 Karma :

My first thought is the front sprocket retainer coming loose, it would explain the symptoms.

How low was the oil? Still showing on the dipstick/sight glass?