Chain jumping

[Robmac]

Can anybody please help me with what is wrong with my AT, when riding it feels like the chain is clonking. i put the bike up on its centre stand and ran it in gear when throttle is open it appears to run smoothish, but when i let the throttle off the chain starts jumping, and it sounds that what ever is causing the problem is coming from the engine area. When the clutch is pulled in it freewheels ok and out of gear the engine is perfect

Thank you

[AIRWOLF]

Check front sprocket is not worn. . . . . . when it start's to wear it does not let the chain release off the sprocket, this gives a 'snatching' feeling.
As you have had an AT for a while i am assuming you have correct chain tension.

[Wangit]

I had a bit of this on my old 72 Ironhead Harly, it turned out to be a very dirty chain. 2 days in a bucket of paraffin did the trick. Mind you the bike was so loud you could not hear it, but you could feel it in deceleration, it felt like it was snagging. Probably nothing to do with your problem, just thought I'd share.
Bob

[BobA]

Sorry, I really hate to be the bearer of bad tidings, but you may need to start praying.

A common problem with AT's that have been running with an overtight chain is the splines on the output shaft being stripped. Literally, because there is insufficient slack in the chain, the front sprocket chews the output shaft up.

Take the cover off to reveal the front sprocket (gear lever off, then a couple of bolts) and check that the sprocket fits snugly on the shaft with minimal play/lash.

This really is the worst case scenario, but it will also give you a chance to check the condition of the front sprocket which could be worn out.

Fingers Crossed for you


Bob

[dirtyden]

Check all your links . I had a similar problem , turned out one of the links had broken on one side only .
I would advise against riding till you track down the problem.

[Farmboy]

Well If im honest every bike I have owned with a chain did this.

When you put the bike on the centre stand and in 1st gear, letting it tick over the chain does appear to go tight then loose with a slight grabbing feeling, My old WR450 did it and i spent ages figuring it out, But then all my dirt bikes have done it, its all down to loose chains ( which you need on these bikes)

the slacker the chain the more it does it, Tighten the chain up and I bet it stops grabbing ( dont leave it like that, buts its worth trying it briefly to see if thats the cause )


HTH