front sprocket - Discuss front sprocket on CBRXX, the ultimate on-line community for Honda motorcyclists. Read it in Engine / Airbox / Exhaust / Fuel Delivery. (Discussion of Honda CBR 1100 XX Super Blackbird Engine Modifications, Airbox Modifications, Exhaust Systems, Power Commanders, and Carburetors.)

CanadianBird · 07-03-2009, 8:11 AM

I'm thinking that the "whirring" sound might be the front spocket. I don't want to replace the rear and the chain just yet. Would changing out the front be much of an issue since it isn't current with the chain? Thanks, CB

PJNXX · 07-03-2009, 8:34 AM

The only whirring sound I heard from mine is when I tried a non-rubber damped aftermarket front sprocket. I quickly switched back to an OEM.

1) How long have you been hearing this whirring sound?
2) Is it constant at all speeds, or only high speeds?
3) Is your chain slack adjusted to 1" (25.4cm) at it's tightest point?
4) Is your chain properly lubricated?
5) Behind the front sprocket cover a lot of caked up lube accumulates over time. Have you removed the cover to check this?

Skapan · 07-03-2009, 9:00 AM

+1 on the whirring noise from the front sprocket. Even with earplugs there is a noticeable difference when you use a non dampened front sprocket. No harm done, just noisy. Frequency matches the final drive speed, sounds like an output shaft bearing, maybe that's why you're noticing it.

Oh, new sprocket old chain may make a bit more noise as the pins are worn in the old chain, and probably wear a bit faster, but I bet still a lot quieter than non-OE sprocket.

Banshee · 07-03-2009, 6:56 PM

It is always better to change them all at once, but if the noise is bothering you, a front sprocket is relatively cheap, but you will probably need it repaced again when the chain & rear are done.

Have you had a look at it yet? Just remove the cover with the clutch slave piston still attached & see if the teeth still look like triangles, or if they have worn into the shark fin shape. If the latter, yep, it needs to be replaced.

CanadianBird · 07-03-2009, 8:30 PM

Thanks guys, all sprockets are oem and the chain is a DID gold. Always lubed and adjusted regularly. No, I haven't had the front looked at for a couple of years or so. If changing the front means changing it again when I do the chain and rear, no problem. I hear the "whirring sound" when I twist the throttle at 3,500 plus rpm. I hear it this year mostly. What is "an output shaft bearing", sound expensive.

Partsguy · 07-03-2009, 9:15 PM

The odds of it being the bearing are slim(its the bearing in the crankcase that is right behind the sprocket,supports the countershaft).Usually only needs replacing in abused motors,and I doubt you abuse your bike sir.The bearing isn't expensive,the labour to do it is.

CanadianBird · 07-04-2009, 8:09 AM

Thanks, no, I don't abuse my bird. Hell when I was a kid I abused myself more than this bike. lol. I'll think positive and change out that front spocket. This is for sure the time I wish I had more mechanical skills other than pulling a cork out of a bottle or opening a beer on the door jam.

Partsguy · 07-04-2009, 3:20 PM

If you can adjust your chain,you can change the front sprocket.
I put it in 1st and remove the bolt holding the frt sprocket in first.

bullet · 07-04-2009, 4:24 PM

I mostly hear whirring sounds from beneath when i ride...i can't be sure that comes from the front sprocket but is getting more noticeable within the helmet when i duck...there's a big chance that the noise comes from the whole gear shafts inside the engine..it was noticeable even with the stock sprockets....

CanadianBird · 07-05-2009, 1:37 AM

For sure that's the sounds that I hear. I suppose at 140,000 kms there is some "wear and tear" on moving parts.

Poundstretcher · 07-05-2009, 5:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CanadianBird

For sure that's the sounds that I hear. I suppose at 140,000 kms there is some "wear and tear" on moving parts.

How long since the last front sprocket cb ?

Skapan · 07-05-2009, 6:56 AM

You've recently changed tires, right? I wonder if it's just tire noise? The OE front sprocket is pretty quiet. Or perhaps you have a tight spot in the chain from sitting all winter and that is making the noise.
Is this noise any quieter or louder after the bike warms up?

BackStreet · 07-05-2009, 7:53 AM

My engine makes a whirring sound. That how I know it's running. ;-)

CanadianBird · 07-05-2009, 10:39 AM

Tires are new, bike was serviced, chain and rear spocket are a year and a bit. It's not the tires, omg, love these p2s. No kinks in chain, or flat spots. I hear the whirring, at 3,000 plus when I add throttle, I hear the whirring sound. Tons of power, runs strong, pulls strong, it's just that whirring sound that I'm curious about. You all know when there is a slight "new" sound and feel about your Bird after years of ownership and thousands of kms of riding. When the new packing from Two Bros arrives I'll change the front sprocket. I have to pull out my records to check the kms of the last new front sprocket. Later b/c now I want to go for a ride. I'll keep at it. I just don't want it to be a situation of, "get a bigger hammer", or "throw more money at it". If you know what I mean. Cheers I'll check today if the sound is quieter or louder after she running for awhile. I think it gets to a certain level when running at operating temp then levels off to that whirring sound. It doesn't roar-whirr, just that whirring sound when I pull the throttle.

bassman239 · 07-05-2009, 11:17 AM

Pull the front sprocket cover. The last time I changed mine, there was a bunch of crap behind the sprocket and a part of a rubber tube that broke off from somewhere. After I changed everything and cleaned it up. the bike got 2 miles more to the gallon on the highway. I never noticed that sound that you mentioned because I ride with earplugs most of the time.

smurf211 · 07-06-2009, 5:14 AM

JohnC · 07-06-2009, 7:28 AM

I am also interested in the "whirring" sound. I describe it more as a "whine" on mine ... similar to a diff whine in a motor vehicle. My BB is a 2006 now has 32000kms on it ... the whine noise is most noticeable in 3rd gear and upwards and at cruising speeds. When cruising the whine disappears either when the clutch is disengaged (pulled in) or when the throttle is relaxed. Could this be the front sprocket or maybe some bearing in the gear train? My bike has been immaculately maintained since new, has a scott oiler installed & still has the original chain and sprockets. Would value comment. Thanks ... JohnC

CanadianBird · 07-06-2009, 3:18 PM

I can't make anymore comments untill I have a look at the front sprocket. Yesterday I swept 140,000 kms and I also meticulously maintain my Bird. '02. I don't use ear plugs or listen to music when I ride. Relax the throttle, whirring/wining goes away. We'll see.

JUSTME · 07-07-2009, 4:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnC

I am also interested in the "whirring" sound. I describe it more as a "whine" on mine ... similar to a diff whine in a motor vehicle. My BB is a 2006 now has 32000kms on it ... the whine noise is most noticeable in 3rd gear and upwards and at cruising speeds. When cruising the whine disappears either when the clutch is disengaged (pulled in) or when the throttle is relaxed. Could this be the front sprocket or maybe some bearing in the gear train? My bike has been immaculately maintained since new, has a scott oiler installed & still has the original chain and sprockets. Would value comment. Thanks ... JohnC

G'day mate. Just a thought! When you are adjusting the chain are you sighting along the length of the chain to ensure the chain is properly aligned. I never rely on the marks on the swingarm because they are not accurate. If not aligned properly the teeth could be working on the side plates of the chain and producing the noise. IMO one of the most important steps in chain adjustment. Hope this helps. Paul.

JohnC · 07-07-2009, 4:46 AM

Paul, thanks very much for your response. Having only recently purchased my BB and because of its immaculate condition I have just assumed that chain alignment would not be an issue. Doesn't pay to assume anything I guess!! The thing is >> why does the "whine" stop immediately I disengage the clutch? At that moment the sprockets and chain are still spinning ... wouldn't this rule out alignment issues and point more to a bearing or gear issue?

07-03-2009, 8:34 AM	#2
PJNXX Moderator Join Date: Nov 12 2006 Location: Medford, NY Age: 41 Posts: 2,104	Re: front sprocket The only whirring sound I heard from mine is when I tried a non-rubber damped aftermarket front sprocket. I quickly switched back to an OEM. 1) How long have you been hearing this whirring sound? 2) Is it constant at all speeds, or only high speeds? 3) Is your chain slack adjusted to 1" (25.4cm) at it's tightest point? 4) Is your chain properly lubricated? 5) Behind the front sprocket cover a lot of caked up lube accumulates over time. Have you removed the cover to check this? __________________ -Paul

07-03-2009, 9:00 AM	#3
Skapan Join Date: Apr 05 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 91	Re: front sprocket +1 on the whirring noise from the front sprocket. Even with earplugs there is a noticeable difference when you use a non dampened front sprocket. No harm done, just noisy. Frequency matches the final drive speed, sounds like an output shaft bearing, maybe that's why you're noticing it. Oh, new sprocket old chain may make a bit more noise as the pins are worn in the old chain, and probably wear a bit faster, but I bet still a lot quieter than non-OE sprocket.

07-03-2009, 6:56 PM	#4
Banshee Join Date: Jun 21 2007 Location: Springwood, West of Hell (Sydney), Australia Age: 43 Posts: 1,169	Re: front sprocket It is always better to change them all at once, but if the noise is bothering you, a front sprocket is relatively cheap, but you will probably need it repaced again when the chain & rear are done. Have you had a look at it yet? Just remove the cover with the clutch slave piston still attached & see if the teeth still look like triangles, or if they have worn into the shark fin shape. If the latter, yep, it needs to be replaced.

07-03-2009, 8:30 PM	#5
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 5,055	Re: front sprocket Thanks guys, all sprockets are oem and the chain is a DID gold. Always lubed and adjusted regularly. No, I haven't had the front looked at for a couple of years or so. If changing the front means changing it again when I do the chain and rear, no problem. I hear the "whirring sound" when I twist the throttle at 3,500 plus rpm. I hear it this year mostly. What is "an output shaft bearing", sound expensive.

07-03-2009, 9:15 PM	#6
Partsguy Vendor Join Date: Dec 23 2006 Location: near London,Canada Posts: 1,583	Re: front sprocket The odds of it being the bearing are slim(its the bearing in the crankcase that is right behind the sprocket,supports the countershaft).Usually only needs replacing in abused motors,and I doubt you abuse your bike sir.The bearing isn't expensive,the labour to do it is.

07-04-2009, 8:09 AM	#7
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 5,055	Re: front sprocket Thanks, no, I don't abuse my bird. Hell when I was a kid I abused myself more than this bike. lol. I'll think positive and change out that front spocket. This is for sure the time I wish I had more mechanical skills other than pulling a cork out of a bottle or opening a beer on the door jam.

07-04-2009, 3:20 PM	#8
Partsguy Vendor Join Date: Dec 23 2006 Location: near London,Canada Posts: 1,583	Re: front sprocket If you can adjust your chain,you can change the front sprocket. I put it in 1st and remove the bolt holding the frt sprocket in first.

07-04-2009, 4:24 PM	#9
bullet Join Date: Jun 12 2007 Location: GREECE-ATHENS Age: 40 Posts: 987	Re: front sprocket I mostly hear whirring sounds from beneath when i ride...i can't be sure that comes from the front sprocket but is getting more noticeable within the helmet when i duck...there's a big chance that the noise comes from the whole gear shafts inside the engine..it was noticeable even with the stock sprockets.... __________________ Nektarios a.k.a Bullet http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/...35&ref=profile http://s570.photobucket.com/home/neklek/allalbums

07-05-2009, 1:37 AM	#10
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 5,055	Re: front sprocket For sure that's the sounds that I hear. I suppose at 140,000 kms there is some "wear and tear" on moving parts.

07-05-2009, 6:56 AM	#12
Skapan Join Date: Apr 05 2009 Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada Posts: 91	Re: front sprocket You've recently changed tires, right? I wonder if it's just tire noise? The OE front sprocket is pretty quiet. Or perhaps you have a tight spot in the chain from sitting all winter and that is making the noise. Is this noise any quieter or louder after the bike warms up?

07-05-2009, 7:53 AM	#13
BackStreet Join Date: Nov 04 2006 Location: North Jersey Posts: 829	Re: front sprocket My engine makes a whirring sound. That how I know it's running. ;-)

07-05-2009, 10:39 AM	#14
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 5,055	Re: front sprocket Tires are new, bike was serviced, chain and rear spocket are a year and a bit. It's not the tires, omg, love these p2s. No kinks in chain, or flat spots. I hear the whirring, at 3,000 plus when I add throttle, I hear the whirring sound. Tons of power, runs strong, pulls strong, it's just that whirring sound that I'm curious about. You all know when there is a slight "new" sound and feel about your Bird after years of ownership and thousands of kms of riding. When the new packing from Two Bros arrives I'll change the front sprocket. I have to pull out my records to check the kms of the last new front sprocket. Later b/c now I want to go for a ride. I'll keep at it. I just don't want it to be a situation of, "get a bigger hammer", or "throw more money at it". If you know what I mean. Cheers I'll check today if the sound is quieter or louder after she running for awhile. I think it gets to a certain level when running at operating temp then levels off to that whirring sound. It doesn't roar-whirr, just that whirring sound when I pull the throttle.

07-05-2009, 11:17 AM	#15
bassman239 Join Date: Feb 18 2007 Location: Philadelphia Pa. Posts: 8	Re: front sprocket Pull the front sprocket cover. The last time I changed mine, there was a bunch of crap behind the sprocket and a part of a rubber tube that broke off from somewhere. After I changed everything and cleaned it up. the bike got 2 miles more to the gallon on the highway. I never noticed that sound that you mentioned because I ride with earplugs most of the time.

07-06-2009, 5:14 AM	#16
smurf211 Join Date: Oct 18 2008 Location: 575, GA Posts: 1,134	Re: front sprocket

07-06-2009, 7:28 AM	#17
JohnC Join Date: Jul 06 2009 Location: Brisbane Queensland Posts: 10	Re: front sprocket I am also interested in the "whirring" sound. I describe it more as a "whine" on mine ... similar to a diff whine in a motor vehicle. My BB is a 2006 now has 32000kms on it ... the whine noise is most noticeable in 3rd gear and upwards and at cruising speeds. When cruising the whine disappears either when the clutch is disengaged (pulled in) or when the throttle is relaxed. Could this be the front sprocket or maybe some bearing in the gear train? My bike has been immaculately maintained since new, has a scott oiler installed & still has the original chain and sprockets. Would value comment. Thanks ... JohnC

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07-06-2009, 3:18 PM	#18
CanadianBird Join Date: Nov 25 2006 Location: Vancouver BC Canada Posts: 5,055	Re: front sprocket I can't make anymore comments untill I have a look at the front sprocket. Yesterday I swept 140,000 kms and I also meticulously maintain my Bird. '02. I don't use ear plugs or listen to music when I ride. Relax the throttle, whirring/wining goes away. We'll see.

07-07-2009, 4:46 AM	#20
JohnC Join Date: Jul 06 2009 Location: Brisbane Queensland Posts: 10	Re: front sprocket Paul, thanks very much for your response. Having only recently purchased my BB and because of its immaculate condition I have just assumed that chain alignment would not be an issue. Doesn't pay to assume anything I guess!! The thing is >> why does the "whine" stop immediately I disengage the clutch? At that moment the sprockets and chain are still spinning ... wouldn't this rule out alignment issues and point more to a bearing or gear issue?