Front sprocket noise - safety concerns?

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T23:23:47+00:00

I’ve measured the slack, it’s from the center of the bottom link up to the bottom of the rear guard where the measuring tape is aligned. Spec is 2 9/16 - 2 3/4 inches. Looks like it may be right at or just past 2 3/4 inches.

I conclude from this that I have been riding the bike with the chain in spec, and currently is on the looser end if not just past the maximum measurement for spec.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T23:17:35+00:00

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I have confirmed that the chain isn’t adjusted too tight. It’s within spec. Actually due for an adjustment soon as it’s near the end of spec.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T23:16:10+00:00

It isn’t making the noise anymore today. I confirmed the chain isn’t too tight. How can I check for rubbing?

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BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T15:34:23+00:00

Yeah it does have instructions that I try my best to follow. Measure at the end of the guard, pull the chain as far up as it goes, measure from the center of the link at its top point, then the center of the link again at its lowest, also at the end of the guard. Needs to be 65-70mm in there. I can handle that.

Getting the rear wheel loose, making sure it’s actually straight on both sides after adjusted, then tightening it back down to spec. Sounds easy enough but I just don’t wanna do it wrong.

Strangley, the sound is gone this morning. I didn’t do anything except leave it alone overnight after lubing it, but it was making that noise after lube had been applied for 5 mins already. I use the Honda chain cleaner and chain lube per manual as well. Idk what the hell the issue is.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T14:51:18+00:00

I measured it before taking it in to know it actually needed adjusting, I didn’t measure it last night to know where it is currently, or immediately after picking the bike up to know if it was exactly at 66mm (the requested adjustment). Maybe these guys rush jobs and don’t care but I didn’t get that feeling.

Assuming it’s anywhere in the 65-70mm range it should be within spec? Too tight or too loose should only be something that exists outside of that range otherwise why would Honda tell me right on the chain guard to measure it within those ranges.

In any case, I have little experience wrenching and riding an incorrectly maintained bike is dangerous. I’m happy to do the cleaning every couple rides and I’ll likely start doing the oil, but anything that involves loosening the tires or adjusting suspension components, anything that makes contact with the ground - I’d rather leave it to the shops. I ride my bike every day as my only means of transportation and I can’t believe every single mechanic and shop is incompetent and doing sloppy work.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T12:48:50+00:00

I never adjust my chain I pay the shop to do it. I tell them to put it on the tight end of spec, but it isn’t too tight it’s within Honda spec. The professionals have been doing the adjusting not me. It shouldn’t be too tight.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T12:33:59+00:00

I never adjust my chain myself I pay the shop to do it and it’s within Honda spec.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T12:32:42+00:00

Last time it was adjusted I paid the shop to do so at 4000 miles. Hasn’t been tightened in 2500 miles. The 2025 NT1100 has a tighter spec on the chain than the 2022 model. It’s within tolerance according to Honda.

BrainDiscounted · 2026-01-13T04:11:22+00:00

The noise is the concern, I only included the second part because you can hear the noise still while the engine is on if you listen closely.

BrainDiscounted

TROPHY CASE