Motorcycle Chain Making Clicking Noise? 8 Reasons (Explained)

A motorcycle’s chain is essential to the power transmission system that connects the engine to the rear wheel.

A clicking noise from your motorcycle chain can, therefore, indicate numerous problems, either with the chain or with other components on your motorcycle.

In this article, we will explain the eight most common causes of chain noise, how to diagnose and fix them, and how to prevent them.

1. The Noise Is Coming From a Different Component

In some cases, the noise sounds like it’s coming from the motorcycle chain, but a different component actually generates it since the chain is connected with various other parts that work together to transmit power to the rear wheel.

Consider the following notes:

  • The gearbox changes the gear ratio between the engine and the rear wheel. It consists of gears, shafts, and selectors that can make noises if worn out, damaged, misaligned, or poorly lubricated.The noises can be grinding, whining, or clunking, depending on the type and severity of the problem.
  • The primary chain connects the engine to the clutch. It is similar to the drive chain, but usually runs inside a casing. If your primary chain is loose, tight, or dirty, it can make rattling, slapping, or clicking sounds, similar to drive chain noises.
  • The clutch engages and disengages the power from the engine to the gearbox. It consists of plates, springs, and a basket that can make squeaking, chattering, or knocking noises if worn out, damaged, or misadjusted.
  • Bearings reduce friction and support the rotation of various components. They are equipped with places such as the wheels, the swingarm, and the steering head.Bearings can make humming, grinding, or popping noises if worn out, damaged, or contaminated.
  • The timing chain is the part that synchronizes the movement of the pistons and valves in the engine. It runs inside a casing and is driven by a sprocket on the crankshaft.If your motorcycle’s primary chain is loose, tight, or dirty, it can make whirring, ticking, or clattering, similar to drive chain noises. To learn more, check out 9 things that may happen when a motorcycle chain becomes too lose.

2. Motorcycle’s Rear Wheel is Lifted Off the Ground

If your motorcycle’s rear wheel is lifted off the ground, you may notice that the chain makes more noise than usual. This is because the chain is at its slackest when the wheel is in the air and the bike has no load.

If you start your bike while it’s lifted on a center stand, engine power is not steady but slightly oscillating, which causes the chain to pulse between being loose and tight.

This means that the front sprocket continuously tightens and loosens the chain, which results in a slapping and rattling noise.

The chain may also contact the sprocket cover or chain guard, which can add to the noise. This noise is normal and does not indicate a problem with the chain or the bike. It usually goes away when you lower the wheel and ride the bike normally.

However, if you hear the same noise when the wheel is on the ground and under load, you should check your chain for proper tension, alignment, lubrication, and wear.

3. Worn or Damaged Sprockets

Worn or damaged sprockets can cause your motorcycle chain to make clicking noises. This is because they interfere with the smooth engagement and disengagement of the chain and the sprocket teeth.

Worn or damaged sprockets can happen because of normal wear and tear over time or improper chain maintenance, alignment, or tension.

If your motorcycle’s sprocket teeth can become worn out, bent, broken, or missing, creating gaps or irregularities in the sprocket profile, the chain can skip, jump, or catch on the sprocket teeth, making a clicking sound.

The noise can also be accompanied by vibration, loss of power, or poor shifting.

That said, inspect and maintain your chain and sprockets regularly to prevent sprocket damage. Check the chain for proper tension, alignment, lubrication, and wear.

To fix the problem, replace the chain and sprockets with new ones compatible with your bike model and specifications, and correctly adjust and align the new chain and sprockets.

4. Drive Sprocket Nut Came Loose

A loose drive sprocket nut can cause a motorcycle chain to make clicking noises by allowing the sprocket to wobble or move on the gearbox’s output shaft.

Whether caused by vibration, excessive torque, or improper nut installation, the loose sprocket movement can create gaps or misalignment between the chain and the sprocket teeth, which can cause the chain to skip, jump, or catch on the sprocket teeth.

This can also create a clicking noise.

To prevent this from happening, you should inspect and tighten the drive sprocket nut regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications. Tighten the drive sprocket nut to the correct torque and secure it with a locking device.

You will also need to inspect and replace the drive sprocket and the chain and check the output shaft for signs of damage or wear, such as grooves, splines, or cracks.

5. Worn Out or Corroded Chain

A worn-out or rusty chain can make clicking noises because it reduces chain links and rollers’ smooth operation and flexibility.

Whether from typical wear and tear, lack of cleaning and lubrication, moisture, dirt, salt exposure, improper chain tension or alignment, a compromised chain creates gaps or irregularities in the chain profile.

It makes the chain to skip, jump, or catch on the sprocket teeth, causing clicking, vibration, loss of power, or poor shifting.

To prevent this from happening, you should inspect and maintain your chain regularly for proper tension, alignment, and lubrication. Also, ensure you treat the chain with a suitable cleaner and lubricant once a week.

To fix a worn or rusty chain, replace the chain with a new one compatible with your bike model and specifications. Adjust and align the new chain properly to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Make sure you also check out why motorcycle chain could have tight spots.

6. Improper Chain Tension or Alignment

An improper chain tension or alignment can make clicking noises because it affects the smooth engagement and disengagement of the chain and the sprocket teeth.

Whether from an incorrect adjustment of the chain or the rear wheel or because of wear and tear of the chain, sprockets, or swingarm, improper chain tension or alignment can create gaps or misalignment between the chain and the sprocket teeth.

They can make the chain to skip, jump, or catch on the sprocket teeth, generating a clicking sound.

To avoid this, inspect and adjust your chain tension and alignment regularly according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Measure the chain slack and the rear wheel alignment and check the chain, sprockets, and swingarm for any signs of damage or wear, such as uneven or sharp teeth, cracks, or corrosion.

To fix your chain tension or alignment, adjust your chain tension and alignment to the correct specifications using the adjustment bolts on the rear axle.

If your chain sprockets are damaged or worn out by improper tension or alignment, replace them, following the instructions in your owner’s manual, or consult a professional mechanic.

7. Chain Requires Maintenance, Cleaning, and Lubrication

A chain that requires maintenance, cleaning, and lubrication can make clicking noises, as it increases the friction and wear of the chain links and rollers.

Exposure to dirt, dust, water, salt, or other contaminants that can stick to the chain can reduce its smoothness and flexibility.

A dirty or dry chain can create gaps or irregularities in the chain, causing it to skip, jump, or catch on the sprocket teeth. This leads to a clicking noise and rough shifting.

To prevent this, inspect and maintain your chain regularly, and check the chain for proper tension, alignment, lubrication, and wear.

Follow the tips below:

  • Clean the chain with a suitable cleaner and lubricate it at least once a week.
  • Use a soft brush or cloth to remove any dirt or debris from the chain.
  • Apply a thin layer of lubricant to the inner and outer sides of the chain.
  • Avoid using harsh chemicals or solvents that can damage the chain or its seals.

To fix the problem, you must thoroughly clean and lubricate your chain using the steps mentioned above. Replace the chain if it is damaged, corrupted, or worn out through lack of maintenance.

8. Chain Touches the Sprocket Cover/Chain Guard

A chain that touches the sprocket cover or chain guard can make clicking noises because it creates unnecessary contact and friction between the chain and the cover or guard.

This can happen because of improper chain tension or alignment or damage/wear of the chain, sprockets, cover, or guard.

Contact between the chain and the chain guard can create a clicking noise that you can hear from the front or rear sprocket area. The noise can also be accompanied by vibration, loss of power, or poor shifting.

To prevent your chain from contacting your guard or cover, regularly inspect and adjust your chain tension and alignment according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

Follow the tips below:

    • Use a suitable tool such as a ruler, a gauge, or a laser to measure the chain slack and the rear wheel alignment.
    • Inspect the chain, sprockets, cover, and guard for any signs of damage or wear, such as uneven or sharp teeth, cracks, or corrosion.
    • Replace the chain and sprockets as a set when they reach their service limit.
    • Ensure that the cover and guard are correctly fitted and secured to avoid any interference with the chain.

To fix the problem, you must adjust your chain tension and alignment to the correct specifications using the adjustment bolts on the rear axle.

  • Inspect and replace the chain and sprockets if they are damaged or worn out through chain contact.
  • Check the cover and guard, replacing them if they are damaged or worn out through chain contact.

Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual or consult a professional mechanic if you are not confident performing a chain inspection or replacement yourself.

Make sure you check out our post on the symptoms of a loose motorcycle chain.

Was this article helpful? Like Dislike
Great!

Click to share...

Did you find wrong information or was something missing?
We would love to hear your thoughts! (PS: We read ALL feedback)