BillN Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Hi All, I've got an issue with my UK 2015 MT-09 Tracer that I was hoping the collective knowledge of these forums might be able to diagnose and give me advice about. Although the bike is old for a Tracer, it's only done 14,000 miles as I mainly use it for commuting within London. In the last few weeks it has developed a new noise that to my untrained ear sounds a bit like trouble. When starting off moving from either a standstill or slow movement I can hear a dull knocking sound coming from somewhere in the direction of the engine. Typically I hear 2 or 3 knocks about a second or so apart from each other. As I get up to speed I'm not sure if the knocks go away as the engine revs start drowning everything else out. Like I said, I am no expert in anything mechanical, but I do know that when a vehicle starts making a noise it didn't used to, that generally can't be good. Does anyone here have an idea of what might be causing it? I'm happy to provide any more information if it will help. Thanks in advance! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
draco_1967 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Check your chain for kinked links. If it's the factory chain, it is probably worn out. My 2019 has a little over 14k miles, and makes the same noise (based on your description). 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ride365 Posted December 1, 2020 Share Posted December 1, 2020 Yup sounds like chain/sprockets to me. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillN Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Hi people, so this morning before I set off for work I gave my chain a good spraying with chain oil, and sure enough, the sound completely went away. Thank you very much for your diagnosis - it may have seemed simple for you but I can assure you I wouldn't have figured it out. Panic over, thanks again! 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ride365 Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 If original chain/sprockets, you ought to be considering replacing soon especially if you've not been lubing regularly. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
draco_1967 Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 It will last a little while, but it will keep coming back. It happens when chain links have lost the grease on the rollers inside the o-rings/x-rings. They will become stiff, and not flex like they should when they go around the front sprocket. Change them as soon as you can. Chain failures can cause serious damage (to bike and rider). 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BillN Posted December 2, 2020 Author Share Posted December 2, 2020 Well, I'm actually embarrased to admit that owing to my own negligence they've already been completely replaced once already, about 2.5 years ago. I do genuinely try to keep my chain lubed, but occasionally I forget and the result is what has happened recently. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peteinpa Posted December 2, 2020 Share Posted December 2, 2020 Due to where you live, rain, rain, rain, and salt spray if you ride into winter, you should spray that chain after every ride. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GTO MIKE Posted December 3, 2020 Share Posted December 3, 2020 I would say the inner lube is totally gone and the links are kinking making the noise you describe. Its now only surviving and grudgingly at that with any lube you supply. Like has been noted your risking some real damage by continuing to ride with the chain in that condition! MIKE 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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