Chain tension/condition affecting shifting?

Hey all,

'94 750F, 29000 miles, bone stock.

Need opinions on the relationship between chain tension and erratic shifting. More specifically, would incorrect chain tension be causing me to occasionally miss my shifts from 5 to 6 or down from 6 to 5 while downshifting at speed... I'm talking about normal highway speeds, not under load like high revving or anything, just normal shifting conditions.

I've also recently started to hear a clicking from the rear while riding, so last night I had a look at the chain and noticed that it was bone dry; no lube, and that there was one link in particular that was causing a clicking sound every time the chain completed one rotation.

Long story short, I followed the correct chain tensioning procedure per Honda factory manual and re lubed, re adjusted by measuring at the correct place (in line with the rear tire sidewall), and took it out for a spin. Clicking stopped and all seems well.

However, did not have time to ride it out of my neighborhood as it was late.

So I'm now wondering if my chain tension (it was too tight, apparently.) coupled with the lack of lube was the culprit behind my missed shifts.

What are your opinions on this?

TIA

 

If it hasn't been recently replaced, you need a new set of sprockets and chain as originals are almost always toasted by 20-25,000 miles, less if left unlubed.

Any loose driveline slack--worn chain, sprockets, wrong tension, cush rubbers--can affect your feeling of smooth shifting and clutch release but not so much actually getting into any gear.

 

My Tres Gen bike has a factory pro shift kit with the fancy detent arm and stiffer spring.

Here is the deal with shifting from 5 to 6th and I want you to take this from a higher source (if you can hear orgin music playing in the background - this is guudd.)

Simply wait to go at least 85 mph up to 100 mph to shift from 5th into 6th and your problems will go away. I promise. Have experienced where you are at and once I have followed that mantra, its all good! Down shifting, I have never had a problem, up-shifting 6th is kind of an over-drive and likes RPMssS...

Gen 3 and Gen 4 are similar so, "Give her the berries and dont be afraid to REV IT."

 

Time for a new chain and sprockets. Lots of chain and sprocket info on any site carrying same.