"click click" noise when rear wheel spins

[jtopiso_imp]

I don't know if I have an issue or a feature with my 17'RS, which has only 4000km on the odometer.

I noticed a noise (more like a metallic "knock") when I let it roll down a short slope in my parking, so I switched the engine off, and listened while riding at a very low speed (walking pace):

"click, click (short pause) click click (short pause)..."

So I put the bike on the center stand, hand spin the rear wheel, and I get two clicks (knocks) per revolution (non equispaced). It only makes the noise if the wheel is spun forwards, not rearwards.

It seems like it's coming from the transmission. At least is coming from the front end of the chain, and not the rear sprocket or hub.

Any ideas? I am thinking on the slipper clutch.

The bike runs great otherwise.

[Houtman_imp]

Perhaps check the front sprocket area ?

[jtopiso_imp]

Perhaps check the front sprocket area ?

Yes, I will remove the chain guard and have a look when I have time.

[Gumby 1100_imp]

Perhaps check the front sprocket area ?

Yes, I will remove the chain guard and have a look when I have time.

Yes, I will remove the chain guard and have a look when I have time.
Good idea, but you might also have to remove the cover to expose the front sprocket. Tight or bent chain links will have more trouble on the smaller front sprocket and you will see them jump.

How is your rear wheel and chain alignment? Have you adjusted your chain lately?

[max]

To find out if it is the chain you could mark the side with a small piece of masking tape and spin the chain.
If the tape is always in the same place when the clicks happen it's time to examine the links.

To check for wear you are looking at some links wearing out ( getting longer ) and if the chain is dancing up and down at the same time the tape is in a particular place ( in sync ) it calls for the same inspection.

As highly unlikely as it may be for the low miles of the chain it's not impossible and you may eliminate the chain by doing these checks if not already done so, interesting find

If you remove the oil filler cap on the right you can see if the clutch basket is rotating, i am picking it is stationary since it is connected to the crank shaft.

[beardyweirdy@me.com_imp]

I’d loosen the rear axel and spin the wheel. Loosen the chain and listen then tighten. Try moving the chain adjusters either side to eliminate the sound. Quite likely it’s a miss-aligned wheel or too tight chain.


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[jtopiso_imp]

Thank you all for the responses. I won't be able to check it this week, but I will post what I find out when I remove the cover and the guards, and I'll loose and re-tighten chain just in case.

Strange thing I've notice this morning: when the bike is "cold" (as cold as it can be in this mediterranean "hottest summer ever"), the sound is not there. I get the noise when I am back from a ride. :-?

[Jfro5687_imp]

Are you sure its nothing to do with the rear brake caliper? Could you have something caught in there, grit or a small stone? If you push the caliper inwards quite hard you can squeeze the pads away from the disc so that there is no contact between them. Spin the rear wheel and see if it stops? ***** Make sure you pump the rear brake pedal though to re-set the pads or you'll have no brake!****

[jtopiso_imp]

Solved!
It was the chain alignment being slightly off.

Thank you all!

[Cormanus]

I'm glad you found the problem, jtopsio.