Wierd rattle knock in rear end

[Bob H]

I tried that pull method and it seems right

Another thing to check for is links that don't move freely. If you have a center stand (or rear lift stand), move the back wheel very slowly by hand and watch the links coming off the rear sprocket. They should "straighten out" as soon as they leave the sprocket.
I bought my 1993 back in 2012 with the original chain. It was not stretched as it only had 7,000 miles on it, but the chain was junk due to age and not being riden.

there were about a dozen stuck links (contributes to noise). The O-rings were dried and sticking out like twigs due to aged rubber, cracking apart.

If you have none of that, the chain doesn't pull away from rear sprocket more than 1/2 a tooth, it should be able to lube up and keep it in service, assuming sprockets also OK

[MH-chickenHawk]

I feel like I'm in draser's situation. After deep cleaning and really lubing it, I rode all day today not a sound but I think after all I heard and read and not knowing the chain life i think it's better to start all new sprockets and chain rather than end up somewhere stuck. I appreciate the help

[Bob H]

Did you find frozen-stuck links?  Dried out O-Rings broken and sticking out?
If the noise is gone, and the chain is solid, I would lube it and get into a great habit of inspecting every few rides.

Chains are just one of those things that you have to get very familiar with, and stay in touch with. 
Throwing money at it is one approach, but you may be missing a learning opportunity. 

You may look at it very closely while slowly moving the rear wheel by hand, and find a solid reason to replace it - but that would be based on fact.

[Larry Fine]

I feel like I'm in draser's situation. After deep cleaning and really lubing it, I rode all day today not a sound but I think after all I heard and read and not knowing the chain life i think it's better to start all new sprockets and chain rather than end up somewhere stuck. I appreciate the help

Of course, you can, but chains in decent shape do not suddenly fail.

[draser]

If the noise is gone I wouldn't change a thing, in my case the noise would come back after a ride or two. It's gotten so bad that my riding buddy would ask what was wrong with my bike.

[Northern Rider]

I hope my 96 NH 750 never starts making chain noise, because I have a high frequency hearing loss (thanks to the Army). I guess I will wait until my riding buddy tells me - HA.

[Larry Fine]

A bad chain usually makes a "yang-yang-yang-yang" sound.

My hearing frequency response drops at about 35 db/octave from 500Hz to 4KHz, and I can still hear it well.

At least I believe so. My NH hasn't had a noisy chain in quite a few years.

[Bob H]

Sorry about the hearing loss... but chain noise ONLY happens when a chain is neglected and has issues that could have easily been seen with VISUAL inspection weekly, or every 500 mile or whatever.

- Checking if you can pull the chain away more than just a little bit from the rear sprocket (per diagram Larry posted).
- Bike on stand, slowly roll rear wheel by hand and watch for any links that don't quickly straighten out coming off the rear sprocket.
- Are the O-rings starting to dry out because of overlooked chain lube. Once the O-Rings crack and break apart the chain quickly goes downhill, so look for O-Ring failure as well.
- Lube the chain with your preferred method.
- Chain slack, I just gently push it up, push it down, and want about 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 slack between those points as measured around the mid point of chain (which is front edge of rear tire)

I have learned the hard way, was gunning a motorcycle onto a freeway onramp back in the 1980's and BROKE a chain that I had totally neglected. That was my learning experience. Now I am a fanatic, regular cleaning and use a Scottoiler.

[Northern Rider]

Anyone have any preferred chain lube to recommend? Thanks in advance.

[mollusc]

PJ-1 Blue Label.

[Pete in PA]

I like Dupont Chain Saver available at Wally World.

[Northern Rider]

Thanks, guys, for the chain lube recommendations!