Just back from a fantastic riding holiday in Corsica.


Like so many before me, riding two up with luggage. I recon we where at the 200 KG mark loaded, 150 KG without.

On smooth roads there wasn't a problem, as soon as we went over a bump then there was a grunch, I'm guessing the chain being stretch too far. Then on the Island we rode two up with-out luggage (150KG), only getting the grunching noise on bumps. The shock was on its highest setting so I couldn't raise the suspension further.

On the last 50kms back to the ferry, fully loaded and within 5 minutes had a rattling noise appear from what I suspected to be the gearbox. Can only be described as a metallic rattle / knock, (sounded like the main bearings going on a car engine)..... I had the wife take the train back to our friends with some of the luggage, whilst I rode the last 100kms.

So with luggage and me, I recon on around 135KG. The bike ran perfectly without any rattles or noises, a little whine in 5th, but I had this before when my front cog as worn, I've notices its wearing again...

Upon inspecting the bike, I've seen there are two plastic guides which are completely worn thought to the metal, they look like supports for the chain, when the bike is standing, as the chain doesn't make contact with someone sitting on it...

One of these guides is located on the large bolt which holds the engine crash frame on.

Assuming the worst and I've overstressed the gearbox input shaft, is there a bearing which would go first and if so can I check this ? or is it a case of open up and see !! the front sprocket, does it have a bearing in it, that might wear first ? no I'm guessing not....

And now no noise !! maybe the damage is done....

I'll do a full oil change and look for swarf, I'm hoping to fix it so I can ride over to the UK HUBB meet.

Any advise / experiences welcome...

Many thanks
Matt

"Apologies for the grammar"

Just did a full oil change, cleaned the oil tank sieve etc........... then I sieved all the oil. 2.4 ltrs of oil and found only 3 of the smallest metal splinters, max 1mm x 2mm.

So I'm guessing the gearbox and bearings have survived.


Now for a new chain, sprocket and rubber chain guides..........

Salut Matt

mate i think it could have been your chain scrubbing out on your chain rollers when overloaded, if you havent put roller bearing chain rollers , i imagine you bottumed out the upper chain rollers, if you havent put heavy duty motorcross ones in you will go through them in no time and then into the bolt... anyway.. maybe its something...completely different....phil

Hi Phil,

I know it sounds crazy but I'm now a little, better educated and are thinking along the same lines. I've driven 500 kms since Corsica, alone and without any problems. The chain rollers are rubbed through to the bolts..... I've ordered a new set...

I've also order additional sprockets and chains.....

I feel much happier knowing the internals are not mashing themselves to pieces....


Salut Matt