Well it seems the noise i have been hearing is coming from my chain.Rode into work this morning with my half helmet on and was better able to hear the noise. it sounds like it is slapping around as i take off and acccelerate. My question is i have been looking into chains and sprokets, and i am getting some mixed reviews on master links. Some people are recomending not to use a clip style master link.They say it is not safe. I am trying to do the chain myself instead of paying a dealer ($$$$$). i do not have a chain breaker or install tool. A buddy of mine who own's a 800 has a clip type master link and says he has no problem. I am trying to save some $ by doing this myself but i want to make sure im safe.
Well, I must be the biggest dumbass. Cuz I actually have a $150.00 master link installation tool, but I installed a cheap-o clip-on chain I bought for $40.00 on Ebay. I don't do a lot of riding, but the link and chain are holding up just fine. I make sure to eyeball the masterlink every time I clean my chain and to run the proper chain slack, and that's it. Disclaimer: The clip doesn't just hold on by the spring in the clip. The link plates must be compressed together very hard for the clip to go on in the first place. So it definitely helps to have a link tool for installation, even for a clip-on! On the safety side of the coin, once the O-rings on the master link get worn down, the clip won't be held on as strong. So if you use a clip-on, I'd replace it once any of seals start going south. In addition, you can often rent a tool from a dealer for 10 dollars or so. So unless the chain, itself, saves you a lot of money, don't worry too much about the cost of installing a rivetted master link. Also, clip-on type chains are no longer considered safe, because rivetted links are safER. The current VFR manual on my bike (92) specifically recommends rivetted style, only. So you're not going to have anyone to complain to if your chain comes loose, locks your back tire, and causes loads of damage. It sounds like your chain either has some sticky links, excessive slack, or a bad tight spot. You should be able to verify the first 2 just by looking at it. Sticky links will stand out like a sore thumb and give off a distinctive clackety noise. Excess chain slack is another no-brainer. A tight spot can be diagnosed in a few seconds, once you get the rear wheel off the ground.
