Strange Vibrations
Posted: Sat Sep 30, 2017 10:09 pm
Well the high-dollar Tsubaki Sigma chain ain't what the previous Tsubaki Omega was. This one lasted about half of what the previous chain lasted. (22k vs 43k miles) Maybe it had to do with all that 2-up riding with Daniel.
For the past year I have been trying to figure out a surge/vibration issue at highway speed. (between 50-65mph) I thought I had the surge solved when I found the final drive chain loose and adjusted it to spec. Shortly after this I began noticing a rhythmic vibration whenever I got the chain adjusted properly.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I checked the drive chain and found it correct but when I backed Hidalgo out of the garage I looked down and saw that it was *very* loose. Move back some more and it was correct. Move back some more and it was loose. Darn it!! The chain is wearing unevenly!! It's time for a new chain.
Before removing the old chain I measured the difference between tight and loose:
Tight: 1 1/4" deflection
Loose: 2 1/2" deflection
Measuring the chain shows that it is at the wear limit of 12.7" for 21-pins. Some measured a little more and some measured a little less.
See the attached pic for wear of the Master Link.
I wasn't able to locate another Tsubaki so I went with a JT Sprockets X1R HD X-ring chain. We'll see how well it lasts.
For the past year I have been trying to figure out a surge/vibration issue at highway speed. (between 50-65mph) I thought I had the surge solved when I found the final drive chain loose and adjusted it to spec. Shortly after this I began noticing a rhythmic vibration whenever I got the chain adjusted properly.
Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I checked the drive chain and found it correct but when I backed Hidalgo out of the garage I looked down and saw that it was *very* loose. Move back some more and it was correct. Move back some more and it was loose. Darn it!! The chain is wearing unevenly!! It's time for a new chain.
Before removing the old chain I measured the difference between tight and loose:
Tight: 1 1/4" deflection
Loose: 2 1/2" deflection
Measuring the chain shows that it is at the wear limit of 12.7" for 21-pins. Some measured a little more and some measured a little less.
See the attached pic for wear of the Master Link.
I wasn't able to locate another Tsubaki so I went with a JT Sprockets X1R HD X-ring chain. We'll see how well it lasts.