Replacing the Primary Chain

Unknown member · Mar 9, 2009

Is it necessary to split the cases in order to remove and replace the primary chain?

Does the primary chain have a tensioner which can be adjusted or replaced?

The reason I ask is that my primary seems very noisy. (At least I believe it's what's making all the noise.) What makes me believe it's the primary that is so noisy is there is also a noticeable gap in the drive train, despite my keeping the chain meticulously adjusted, and shimmed my rear wheel's cush drive.

One thing to suggest that it might NOT be the primary is that I've taken measures to make the rest of the engine as quiet as possible:
~I did an especially meticulous job adjusting the valves, (so the top end is noticeably quieter and will perhaps make the bottom end seem noisier by comparison.)
~And I've lined my fairing and gas-tank with the sound-absorptive foam (which doesn't cover the lower end of the engine crankcase.)

Nothing in the factory service manual mentions the primary chain, (except for the exploded diagram at the beginning of the Clutch chapter.)

Thanks in advance.

fog · Mar 9, 2009

Yes you must split the cases to change the primary chain
No there is no adjustment. and no tensioner
The slack in the drive line is designed into the transmission. in order for it to shift easily there is more space in the female part of the engagement than the male.
The primary chain makes a soft thudding sound usually felt, more than heard, at slow speed like Idle only. this is quite common and is not a problem that needs fixing.

You just need to buy a better Motorcycle

FOG

Guest · Mar 9, 2009

Oh snap. Thanks FOG, I was afraid you'd say something like that.
Perhaps it's time to hit the BMW dealership and take one of those F800's for a test.

Guest · Mar 11, 2009

the cam chain can be pretty noisey as well

<ticky ticky tick> on startup. quietens down when you pull away though. i'm going to have to replace mine soon (50k miles)

Billy · Mar 12, 2009

The considerable play between the rear sprocket and rear wheel is what I ended up blaming my drive train "gap" or lash, as I call it, on.

lettieavery · Mar 13, 2009

Where did you get the foam pad set?

jimnet518 · Mar 16, 2009

lettieavery said:
Where did you get the foam pad set?

Unfortunately Chris is no longer a member of this forum, he nixxed his account over issues I am not at liberty to say, if I remember I will ask him about the foam next time I see him.

Replacing the Primary Chain

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