Metal pop noise lifting front end off the ground. Thoughts?

[jbolin]

Occasionally, not always, when I get the front end off the ground ill hear a metal pop somewhere around where my left foot is... whatever it is, it must not be something snapping in half because it will do it again 5 or 10 wheelies later.

Any ideas?

[jbolin]

Nevermind. It has something to do with the chain tension. I just had a minute to get my eyes on it and everything seemed fine till I moved the chain 3 inches up. Ill have to figure out how to tighten it up this weekend and I'm sure I'll find what is letting it slip while tightening it. I'll go ahead and leave the thread open in case anyone experiences something similar.

[Frontline]

If nothing else, this topic shows how incorrectly explaining something turns into something completely different. Was about to suggest stem bearings were loose 

With that being said, if you have over 18K miles you may need new chain/sprockets....unless you haven't re-adjusted the chain often. Chains get slack over time and adjusting it is part of the regular maintenance. Torque axle nut to 80ft/lb.

[jbolin]

How did I incorrectly explain my experience? Thats the only thing I'm certain about. I'm only assuming it has to do with the axle slipping forward a little due to the pressure being put on it.

I am happy to check other solutions like the stem bearings. (Once I research what those are.)

[jbolin]

Cleaned and tightened chain this evening. Will update if the metal pop sound happens again.

[jbolin]

Tightening the chain seems to have done the trick.

The bike itself also feels firm/more responsive after tightening. That could just be my imagination though.