I have an 07 ZZR with 17k miles.
I just replaced the chain and sprockets because everything was stock.
Now, I have a noise coming what seems to be the front sprocket area.
But it may also be coming from the front tire, it's hard to tell.
But when I'm riding, I hear a whining/whinding noise (doesn't sound like grinding) that is audible until the engine drowns the noise out arund 50-55 mph. And when I let off the throttle that noise appears when i reach speeds around 25-30 and below. It kinda sounds like big knobby tires on a truck when they are rolling down the road. Like, "wah wah wah", but it's constant.

Now, when I'm pushing my bike. There is a "tick" coming from the front sprocket area and the chain kinda bounces up and down. Could that mean it is too tight. It has at least 1" of play, but that isn't when there is weight on it.

The noise can be heard no matter how I slow down.
(Clutch in, no clutch, brakes applied, or no brakes)

I contacted the guy that replaced it for me and he told me that the noise I was hearing was normal and that the bad chain drowned out the noise.
:I DON'T BELIEVE THAT !

What could it be ?

 

I'm not sure if this is the same issue or not, but I ran into a similar problem when I installed the chain guide backwards and it rubbed on the chain making a similar noise. It bent the hell out of it and had to be replaced. But no other damage.

 

Might also double-check to make sure your rear sprocket is "in-line" with your front sprocket. Maybe binding; i.e. the rear axle may be slightly cocked, causing side pressure on your chain, and thus, the "grinding" sound? Like Brian^ said, check for any odd friction points along the chain path, too.

 

Did you go down a tooth or 2 in the front? If so the chain will make more noise as it has a smaller turn radius to go around. Oh and welcome to the forums.

 

They are supposed to be stock sprocket sizes.
I had no intentions of changing sizes.
I took off the front sprocket cover and there was barely and wear on it. (the black coating was still on the teeth)
now I know the original sprocket had a rubber guard of some sort ?
the new ones do not, so I may just hear metal clanking or something ?
but I got a mechanic coming to ride it tomorrow for the noise I'm hearing.
I thought maybe it could be a bearing too.
But I can't test it, cuz I don't have a bike stand. :c