Got a 2004 Honda 919 w/22k miles, Do I need new Chain/Sprockets?

[Noo]

Hi Guys,

I just bought this bike and realizes that it needed some minor work. More specifically, there are oil seeping around the front sprocket area. I googled it and it seems like there's a seal behind this cover that you have to replace once you remove the sprocket. My question is, how hard is it to replace this seal and what kind of work is involved?

Do I need to remove the chain along with rear sprocket? If I do, would it be better if I just go ahead replaces everything all at once? Can you tell from these pictures that the chain and sprockets need replacing?

Also, I think my rear brake is sticking because when I back the bike up, it makes this sound (see video). Should I remove and rebuild the rear brake caliper? What can you tell from the pictures as far as the rear disc?

Video:

Here is the bike:

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

That bike has seen some hard miles for only 22k. The rear sprocket does look worn but, not dangerously so. Either the rear rotor is warped or, you definitely need new pads on the rear. The copper looking deposits is the give away. It's hard to tell from the pix but, the chain may be over tensioned.

 

[Noo]

That bike has seen some hard miles for only 22k. The rear sprocket does look worn but, not dangerously so. Either the rear rotor is warped or, you definitely need new pads on the rear. The copper looking deposits is the give away. It's hard to tell from the pix but, the chain may be over tensioned.

Thanks, the rear pads looks really thick, but why do you think it only make that noise (see video in original post, youtube link is fixed) only when I'm reversing?

Maybe it's the close-up pictures that makes it looks bad. Here are some better pics and the bike runs perfectly.

 

[MagnusTheBrewer]

The pads wear in one direction only so, if the calipers are set a little too close and, the rotor isn't perfectly flat, the pads have more grip when the wheel rotates backwards giving rise to squeals and squeaks. The close ups were better. I get it, you're enamored with the gas tank.

 

[bruceb]

Chain should be fine. I agree, sprocket looks somewhat worn. And from your rear brake photos, it looks like the slide pin is badly corroded. Maybe clean it and lube it with brake lube or replace it. I doubt the caliper itself is at fault.

 

[desy]

This is the time in sprockets when we dance!

 

[Newfangle9]

Kind of hard to see the teeth on the sprocket well enough. Cleaning some of the old lube off would make it easier to see the teeth in better detail. Th chain looks ok, but I would check to see if the slack is within spec then move the wheel a little and check again a couple of times. If the slack is more or less in different spots it has stretched unevenly. A little bit probably won't hurt, but if you decide to replace the chain replace both sprockets. Don't know about the seal because I've never had to replace one.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

Had one of those for a few years. Loved it. 20k miles isn't a big deal for the hondas. Shaft seal leakage is fairly common on bikes. Usually not a hard thing to fix. Agree if you are going to replace either chain or sprockets just do them all at once.

Enjoy that hornet and keep the shiny side up

 

[mrblotto]

I wonder how much more adjustment there is for the chain. It looks to be pretty close to the end of it's range. Maybe time to take out a link? The sprockets dont look too too bad. They dont look all worn on one side. Someone sure went to town on the adjustment nut/axle nut. Jeebus people......DONT use vice grips or pliers for this type of stuff lol.
And yeah, if you're going to replace, just replace them all at once (chain + sprockets).
As for the seal, no idea. But good idea to replace it/have it replaced.

 

[monkeydelmagico]

I wonder how much more adjustment there is for the chain. It looks to be pretty close to the end of it's range. Maybe time to take out a link? The sprockets dont look too too bad. They dont look all worn on one side. Someone sure went to town on the adjustment nut/axle nut. Jeebus people......DONT use vice grips or pliers for this type of stuff lol.
And yeah, if you're going to replace, just replace them all at once (chain + sprockets).
As for the seal, no idea. But good idea to replace it/have it replaced.

Pics above show the chain adjuster smack dab in the middle. That is assuming they have the slack/tension set correctly. FWIW I don't think you should take a link out of a 20K mile used chain. Chain bushings are probably wiped out or close to it. This Aussie does a decent job describing. Just replace it.

 

[Noo]

So I took the brake caliper off today and took it apart to rebuild it using new seals, slider pin, etc...

After I got everything back together on the bike and attempt to bleed the brake, I can't seem to get the piston to compress. I mean there are brake fluid coming out of the bleeder valve when I pump the brake so I know that it's working...but when I shut the bleeder valve and pump the brake, the piston will not compress or budge. What is wrong with my brake?

I mean when I rebuild the caliper, I got the piston out and replaced the seals inside the caliper and was able to get the piston back in so I don't know what's the problem.


In any case, I also managed to pre-wired for my GPS and is awaiting for a mount and I also installed spools so I don't have to use the centerstand anymore. I drilled and tap the swingarm with 8mm x 1.25mm pitch tap.