RPC3
XS650 Addict
Hi Guys, have a minor issue and was hoping for some advice and potential solutions. My 78 standard is mostly stock, but it came with some rear shocks that are obviously not stock. The bike came with a chain guard that was in pretty rough shape (corrosion/pitting/rust), and it looks like the chain had been rubbing on the inside of that guard. When I put a new chain on last year I removed the chain guard as it was really in bad shape (thinking maybe I could paint it), but decided to button the bike back up without it. At a rest/without a rider the chain has a solid amount of clearance from the shock, roughly 3/8" space (see photo). The chain also spins nice and freely, tension is adjusted so there is not any excessive slop in the chain.
That said, I've noticed microscopic metal flakes on my chain, turns out they're from the chain slowly rubbing the inside of my shock. All I can think of is that either the swing arm flex is allowing the chain to travel towards the shock (I have not done the metal bushing upgrade yet in the swing arm), but it doesn't feel like there's a lot (any) free play when I try to yank my rear wheel side to side. Regardless, my chain is rubbing on the shock and it's probably just as much a product of the shocks being a little oversized for the clearance available in that space.
I have no clue what the shocks are, there isn't any branding on them. They measure 12 1/2" or 12 3/8" from eye to eye, the diameter near the bottom of the shock base is 6 3/4" and the coil itself is 6" in diameter. The ride feels pretty good (I haven't ridden another xs650, so I can't really compare). The rubbing is happening at a very slow rate, probably dependent on how many hard turns I take per ride and I don't think it's putting the structural integrity of the shock or chain in any immediate danger, but clearly not good for long term wear. FWIW I'm only 160lbs so I shouldn't be taxing any pair of shocks on this bike, don't do any 2 up riding.
What would you do if this were your bike? Smaller diameter shocks? Swing arm bushings (don't really feel like doing that much labor at the moment, maybe this fall after the riding season), just throw the chain guard back on and let the chain rub on that instead? Excuse the dirt in the photos, due for a cleaning...
Thanks,
Rich
That said, I've noticed microscopic metal flakes on my chain, turns out they're from the chain slowly rubbing the inside of my shock. All I can think of is that either the swing arm flex is allowing the chain to travel towards the shock (I have not done the metal bushing upgrade yet in the swing arm), but it doesn't feel like there's a lot (any) free play when I try to yank my rear wheel side to side. Regardless, my chain is rubbing on the shock and it's probably just as much a product of the shocks being a little oversized for the clearance available in that space.
I have no clue what the shocks are, there isn't any branding on them. They measure 12 1/2" or 12 3/8" from eye to eye, the diameter near the bottom of the shock base is 6 3/4" and the coil itself is 6" in diameter. The ride feels pretty good (I haven't ridden another xs650, so I can't really compare). The rubbing is happening at a very slow rate, probably dependent on how many hard turns I take per ride and I don't think it's putting the structural integrity of the shock or chain in any immediate danger, but clearly not good for long term wear. FWIW I'm only 160lbs so I shouldn't be taxing any pair of shocks on this bike, don't do any 2 up riding.
What would you do if this were your bike? Smaller diameter shocks? Swing arm bushings (don't really feel like doing that much labor at the moment, maybe this fall after the riding season), just throw the chain guard back on and let the chain rub on that instead? Excuse the dirt in the photos, due for a cleaning...
Thanks,
Rich