Noisy primary chain - to buy or not to buy?

The XJ600 I foolishly sold is now for sale again. The present owner complains of a "Noise from the gearbox" when idling.

I imagine it is the primary chain/carbs not balanced but as the bike has 50,000 miles on the clock I am wondering if I should avoid it as the tensioner is likely to disintegrate?

It is too far away to drive to listen before the auction ends!!!

 

Markie, replacing the chain & guides is an easy fix, if it's cheap enough, go for it.

 

Maybe the current owner is used to hearing other bikes idling. My Nighthawk was much quieter at idle. Or he might have dirty/old oil and it's just not lubricating the clutch well.

 

I'm with Wiz, if the price is right, snatch it up. A lot more miles in her if that's the problem.

 

Here we go with the model differences again.

Markie, the XJ400/500/550/600 series (the first generation chain driven bikes) have an HYDRAULIC primary tensioner that does not disintegrate like the "primary" chain guide in the shafties. "Primary" is in quotes because in the shafties, it's NOT a "true" primary chain; it doesn't drive anything except the jackshaft with the alternator on one end and the starter on the other.

In our bikes, the primary chain is a true primary drive; it's how the engine drives the transmission. Hence the HI-VO chain and hydraulic tensioner. It's operated by oil pressure.

Primary "slap" in these bikes isn't so much the chain itself; it's the transmission and clutch reacting to being rattled and shaken. No matter how many miles the bike has on it (and I could do another three paragraphs here with supporting data) if you get the valves in spec and the carbs right so that it idles smoothly with no "lump-lump-lump" the tranny and clutch virtually shut up. Using the proper oil helps too.

Don't worry about having to replace the primary chain guide.

Worry about what this wanker has done to your bike since it left your loving care. Get it back, will ya? I put parts on that bike too!

 

***EDIT*** Worry about what this wanker has done to OUR bike since it left your loving care. ***

I'm not the only one on this forum with a vested interest in the "pantyhose special."

You know what has to be done. (This coming from a man with four ex-wives.)

 

Is that a technical term, Fitz, wanker ?

 

You know what it means as does Markie.

 

Yes - but Wiz and I know it's rather a more "naughty" word than some members!

 

Sshhh

 

Yeah, I think us Brits know a w**ker when we see one.....[or hear one for that matter]......lived in Lincolnshire in a previous life......

 

With your avatar, I'd say Waddington or Scampton?

 

I thought it was "wankel"LOL

 

If your "wankel" is owned by a "wanker" it will probably get ruined! Those "wankers" can't appreciate rotations.

Markie are you going to retrieve your lost pup? Can't wait to hear about what you find when you restart the process of M.I.R.

 

I think he's committed at this point; stay tuned.

It's the bike in his avatar, we all want to see it return to the nest.

 

Definitely needs to be brought home

 

Neither Markie...........Binbrook (11 Sqn Lightnings).......very loud and very fast......not like those Wankels....lol.........oh, and get that bike back to a good home and a loving relationship...l

 

I lived in Akroteri for 3 years (Aged 6 - 9) so know what lightnings are!