Zongshen Chain Clonking

[zingshoen]

i ve recently adjusted the chain to the 15 mill free play, as one does from time to time :-)

however, i have some clonking noise of the lower part of the chain against the frame near the side stand. i can hear it when riding at low speeds and low revs.

is this sth to worry about? it would make sense to have this happen when the chain is too loose, but if i tightened it further it would have less than the needed slack.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by zingshoen

i ve recently adjusted the chain to the 15 mill free play, as one does from time to time :-)

however, i have some clonking noise of the lower part of the chain against the frame near the side stand. i can hear it when riding at low speeds and low revs.

is this sth to worry about? it would make sense to have this happen when the chain is too loose, but if i tightened it further it would have less than the needed slack.

Don't worry about it. If your drive chain is adjusted properly, you won't have a problem with the chain rubbing the swingarm. I have traveled over 45,000 miles (73,000 km) on my Zong, and I haven't had any problems in this regard. If I have time, I will post a photograph tomorrow of the area where the drive chain occasionally contacts the swingarm on my bike.

Spud

[zingshoen]

thanks for the reassurance!

maybe it s my new helmet, it lets me hear things better :-)

[Weldangrind]

Perhaps you can fabricate a chain slider to minimize wear and noise. I did something similar in this link: http://www.chinariders.net/modules.p...wtopic&t=12854 Most of it won't apply to you, but the UHMW plastic might spark an idea.

[SpudRider]

The frame is round at the point in question, so your fix with UHMW is appropriate. I suppose one could also cut a piece of hose, slip it around the horizontal frame tube, and secure it in place with hose clamps. However, it's not necessary.

Spud

[SpudRider]

I just went outside and inspected that area of my frame, Zingshoen. It's in excellent condition after 45,000 miles of rugged riding. I hear a noise from that area occasionally, but I'm sure you don't need to worry about it. Merely keep your drive chain adjusted and properly lubricated, and I'm sure you won't have any problems whatsoever.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

It's hard to argue with that! Spud, your bike sets the standard for all other Zongs that follow.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

It's hard to argue with that! Spud, your bike sets the standard for all other Zongs that follow.

Thank you, Weld. I would take a photograph of that area, but it's almost pristine. The powder coating is slightly worn in that area, but the metal is in perfect condition. The clearance with the drive chain in that area is small, so I'm sure adding any protection would only introduce problems, not prevent them. That part of the frame is quite close to the countershaft sprocket itself, so even a very loose, drive chain won't impact the swingarm very hard.

Once again, the Zong is a pretty faithful copy of the Yamaha TW200. Therefore, the Chinese are merely imitating a proven design, rather than creating problems with a new, unproven design.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Therefore, the Chinese are merely imitating a proven design, rather than creating problems with a new, unproven design.

Blessings on them and their families.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Blessings on them and their families.

X2!

Spud