Grinding noise from my motorcycle?

Question

I just bought a motorcycle, and its a 600 chain driven. I hear a subtle grinding. I'm new to motorcycles and wondering if that just how a chain driven is supposed to sound. I would imagine a chain going over sprockets has to make some noise, but how much? I'm pretty sure its the chain because the noise quickens the faster i go, but not louder. It reminds me of a saw going back and forth, just the constant change is pictch, back and forth. Any other ideas. Would a loose chain sound louder? And how tight should it be?

Answer 1

All kinds of sounds come from motorcycles!  You are probably correct thinking it is the chain.  An easy way to check would be to turn the engine off and let it roll down a hill.  There will still be some internals making a little noise, but it should be fine.  

CHECK/CHANGE YOUR ENGINE OIL. If it is OK I don't think I would worry.  Keep the chain oiled good and most like about an inch of slack halfway between the sprockets with the bike out of gear (check the bottom run of the chain).  Better to be a little loose than tight.

If its a dirt bike you may want to check to make sure none of the knobbies are rubbing anything.

Answer 2

good chance it will be the brakes that are grinding. when the chain / sprockets get worn you normally get a loud ticking or clicking noise as the chain catches and releases.

if you have a sticky brake caliper the pads will have worn to the metal and be rubbing metal to metal against the disc. check for scores on the disc surface (it should be nice and smooth ) getting the wheels off the ground and spinning them should soon tell you where the noise is coming from or not coming from

Answer 3

Ride your bike to a shop and let one of the mechanics test ride it for you.