[bookm]

I finally got a chance to run a pretty thorough test on the new ('87) today. Even laid it down once running through a sloppy muddy trail back in the bush (front wheel followed one rut, rear wheel took a different route, lol). Then back in to town for some practice on public streets.



All in all, I was very impressed. Haven't had so much fun in years! Perfect bike for back-road exploring.



But I noticed when putting along in 1st or 2nd gear, the gearbox behaved rather "abrupt" when easing on and off the gas. With the engine off and kicked down to first gear, I get a little more than one full link when picking a point on the swingarm and watching the chain as I rock the bike back and forth.



Is this normal? The odometer says 4500km's (2800miles) but I'm just a tad suspicious that a different cluster may have been installed at some point. The rear sprocket is pretty much worn out and the rear drum brake pads are about used up. Not sure how long they should last.



Thanks

 

[bcscammell]

I finally got a chance to run a pretty thorough test on the new ('87) today. Even laid it down once running through a sloppy muddy trail back in the bush (front wheel followed one rut, rear wheel took a different route, lol). Then back in to town for some practice on public streets.



All in all, I was very impressed. Haven't had so much fun in years! Perfect bike for back-road exploring.



But I noticed when putting along in 1st or 2nd gear, the gearbox behaved rather "abrupt" when easing on and off the gas. With the engine off and kicked down to first gear, I get a little more than one full link when picking a point on the swingarm and watching the chain as I rock the bike back and forth.



Is this normal? The odometer says 4500km's (2800miles) but I'm just a tad suspicious that a different cluster may have been installed at some point. The rear sprocket is pretty much worn out and the rear drum brake pads are about used up. Not sure how long they should last.



Thanks

Welcome Bookm. I would say that changing sprockets and upgrading to an o-ring chain will probably solve your excess lash problem. The chain condition and proper tightness seems to have a noticable effect on shifting and feel with this bike. My rear brakes have almost 5000 kms on them and are only showing minimal wear. I do tend to go easy on the brakes, relying more so on engine braking. You're right about the grin factor on this bike which is strange because the bike doesn't seem to do any one thing great.

 

[bookm]

I checked the chain tension and found the PO had it way too tight at 1/2" deflection. I adjusted it to about 1-1/2". I would have thought my "lash" would have been even more pronounced after loosening the chain, but it actually improved. Perhaps the sloppy chain creates a shock absorbing effect when getting on and off the gas. Smoother shifting, with experience, has also helped

 

[qwerty]

Sounds like the PO neglected chain maintenance and rode the back brake. Gotta stay off the front brake--it'll kill you, you know. Ask anybody with a HD tattoo about that.

Anyhow, maybe the PO tightened the chain and didn't realize that doing so also tightened the brake adjustment, causing it to drag. This is a very common and probably a more likely scenario, actually.



I second the advice to get yourself a new set of sprockets and an o-ring chain. Might as well get shifter and countershaft seals because a properly cared for o-ring chain will outlast the originals. Maybe pick up a side cover gasket just in case the original breaks when installing the countershaft sprocket.



One or both of Tdub's countershaft seals started leaking about 36,000 miles. 12,000 miles later her o-ring chain FINALLY started to show wear. At 48,000 miles, she just got her 3rd o-ring chain and sprockets set, and all three seals replaced along with the chain and sprockets. She is now dry as a bone even though her side cover gasket is the original.

 

[bookm]

Thanks,

I don't have a Yamaha dealership in town, but we do have a Husqvarna enduro dealer that said he can hook me up with all necessary parts. His price on gears is $18/$25 and o-ring chain at $65, so he compares well to Ebay stores, and I won't have to pay for shipping. I'll do all seals as well.