View Full Version : chain condition and weird rear tire wear..
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 03:49 AM
im having a problem, and im trying to track down the cause.
my 2004 600 F4i is my commuter and i never have the time to get into the turns, or scrub the edges of my tire. even though i know my tire is squared, i don't think this is normal for the center of the tread to be feathering.
like i said.. 100% commuter. pilot powers... 34 front, 36.5PSI rear (digital). 3 lines on front, position 6 on rear preload's. 1 turn out on compression, and 1.5 turns out on rebound. no racing to red lights, not hard on the throttle, no wheelies.. regular 70 mph freeway miles..
i can't understand why my rear tire feathers up like this.. the front is absolutely normal.
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/hot_tire_2.JPG (http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/hot_tire_2.JPG)
now.. part 2 of my diagnose.. chain tension. at 1st the chain felt a bit sloopy.. but after an adjustment, didn't seam to help any. but i did notice that a few links were a bit more sticky than others, and held its shape around the sprocket. my only thoughts are that at high revolutions of that chain, the void and harmonic balance of that chain binding and straightening would be causing that rear tire to chatter, and cause it to feather.. i have no clue..
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_1.JPG (http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_1.JPG)
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_2.JPG (http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_2.JPG)
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_3.JPG (http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_3.JPG)
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_4.JPG (http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/f4i_chain_4.JPG)
even though the chain has a few sticky links.. its in pretty good shape. also the sprocket is in good condition also.. i want to avoid chainging parts for fun.. could this possibly be related to my tire wear?
Chas4RR
07-31-2008, 08:44 AM
It could be a combination of rear suspension settings and the roads you commute on. Do you get a lot of hop on the rear when you ride to work? Tire pressure isn't too high or I would say that. As far as chain, I have a few sticky links like yours and was thinking it chain time, but fwiw I don't get that sort of tire wear on my bike. I do run a higher rear pressure though (44 psi).
How smooth is the rear on a good section of smooth pavement - if you don't get any weird harmonic vibrations on smooth asphalt them I don't think its chain. You could also have a really out of balance/out of round rear wheel/tire too.
Are you sure your rear wheel is running straight? Check the adjusters on both sides to make sure they're the same.
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 10:11 AM
the adjusters are lined up, and in half way through the life of the chain.. the sprocket also looks good.
on smooth land, the bike glides.. so thats why i can't understand why my rear tire is generating so much heat. when im on the ruff area of the 10, the bike does very well, the ride is better than average... so i can't see the tire bouncing up and down chopping up that much.
i hate to throw on a new set of tires just to see this start happening again. but then again, my added contact patch (square tire) could possibly be my downfall to this weird feathering problem.
Vtec44
07-31-2008, 10:38 AM
I'm not sure what's the recommended PSI for that particular model/brand of tire, but I generally run low 40's for just commuting on my Dunlops years back (41/41). It can be a combination of incorrect suspension settings for your weight and and low tire pressure. You'll probably need a new chain & sprockets BTW. Most likely the O-ring seal cracked, the lubricant leaked out, dirt/water got in there... who knows :dunno
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 10:43 AM
really, i thought up in the 40's way too high. i thought a upper 30's was more than enough.
and yeah, im looking around online right now.. any suggestions on chains? cost effective of course.. i don't plan on changing my gears, it runs fine right now as it is...
so where can you find the best deal on chains?
Vtec44
07-31-2008, 10:45 AM
PM nomadrip on here, he owns http://www.nomadicmoto.com.
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 10:49 AM
i don't doubt he's a nice or decent guy, but his prices are a bit high. the cheapest chain kit he sold was nearly 200 bucks.
SBTG is selling a RK kit for 150. what do i do about the master link?
do i have to buy the rivet tool, or are those clip on links good enough? would you trust them?
Vtec44
07-31-2008, 11:03 AM
It depends on which type of chain you're getting I think. My DID X-ring cost like $200 alone, without the sprockets. :ohno I think d!rty on SBN has the riviting tool and he's in the area. I don't think I trust the clip on type...
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 11:10 AM
yeah, im looking for the economy line chain.. nothing too crazy.
i PM'ed dirty on SBN and he's offered to once over my bike, incase im missing something obvious.. i'll hit him up about the chain tool also.
yeah, ive used clip on links at work a few times, but they were on slow turning heavy torque applications.. not automotive type.
i would think theose clip on links were like plugging a tire.. never as good as a patch.
Davey Cracker
07-31-2008, 12:33 PM
Tire looks fine but you need a new chain.
Chas4RR
07-31-2008, 12:54 PM
Damn - my chain needs replacing too then. You guys think its a bad aidea to run a chain like that for one more track day?
Davey Cracker
07-31-2008, 01:07 PM
Yea i do
Chas4RR
07-31-2008, 01:25 PM
crap - where can I pick up decent chain and sprockets Sat morning? called 411 parts but the only "kit" they have is an RK chain and its a clip type. Otherwise, I have no idea where to begin as far as piecing together a chain/sprocket combo other than recommendations you guys might have.
Oh, sorry to threadjack - hope this is helping. :D
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 08:15 PM
i went to chaparral this morning and picked up a DID XSO 520 X ring chain, and both sprockets for 180 retail.. thats with tax.
i went 525 and stock gearing cuz im fine with the performance.. and since im a freeway flyer, i can't give away any of my top end. also, theordically the 525 should be stronger than the 520.
i hope to have it installed this weekend.
i went to chaparral this morning and picked up a DID XSO 520 X ring chain, and both sprockets for 180 retail.. thats with tax.
i went 525 and stock gearing cuz im fine with the performance.. and since im a freeway flyer, i can't give away any of my top end. also, theordically the 525 should be stronger than the 520.
i hope to have it installed this weekend.
Good call, if you're a freeway whore you'll really appreciate the stock gearing. I went -1/+1 on my RC and it kinda sucked. Didn't see much gain in the acceleration and my fuel mileage went to shit. The fuel light would come on just after 100 miles, and since the gearing was off I was probably only getting 85-90 miles out of 4 gallons.
BTW, on your old chain, what did you use to clean and lube it?
Built B16A
07-31-2008, 11:14 PM
simple green.. finger nail brush... maximus chain wax...
just picked up some of that "blueray" chain lube today.. supposedly it comes out thicker, and more like a lithium wax.. i'll take pics when i get home.. its a super nice chain, i wanted a semi professional chain with better than O rings's... this has a X ring.. supposedly better?
Vtec44
07-31-2008, 11:42 PM
X ring design has 2 sealing points, so it's suppose to be better.
http://precision.thomasnet.com/ImgMedium/X-Ring.jpg
Chas4RR
08-01-2008, 12:15 AM
I used the Dupont Teflon lube on my chain, and NEVER cleaned it. It lasted 12.5K miles, but the sprockets still look good. Thanks for the heads up on the chaparral deal - that a good price and I may pay them a visit 2mrw cause my chain is definitely toast. I lubed the EFF out of it and its still sticking on like 4 links. crap.
Davey Cracker
08-01-2008, 12:45 AM
I used the Dupont Teflon lube on my chain, and NEVER cleaned it. It lasted 12.5K miles, but the sprockets still look good. Thanks for the heads up on the chaparral deal - that a good price and I may pay them a visit 2mrw cause my chain is definitely toast. I lubed the EFF out of it and its still sticking on like 4 links. crap.
Once a chain kinks i don't then it can be un-kinked.... not that i've ever seen.
You could probably run it, but i personally wouldn't.
Once a chain kinks i don't then it can be un-kinked.... not that i've ever seen.
You could probably run it, but i personally wouldn't.
Tried that with my last chain, had a huge tight spot that couldn't be fixed with any amount of lube I sprayed on it. Got so bad that it made the tire chatter on decel, so I said fuck it and had Mach 1 put a new chain on. Paid way too much but it was a good chain and it turned out I needed a new water pump anyways.
Built B16A
08-01-2008, 02:03 AM
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/new_chain_1.JPG
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/new_chain_2.JPG
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/new_chain_3.JPG
http://www.tamparacing.com/photopost/data/500/new_chain_4.JPG
BOOYAAA! now i have plans saturday afternoon. :D
Nice! Get somebody to loan you a chain tool? It's pretty easy to rivet the master link.
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