Jerky low speeds *FIX = Cush Drive Bushings*

[pnbell]

(Originally Posted in the FZR600 forum; but i'm posting it here too as it applies to most bikes)
Hey all,

I new to this Forum / FZRs in general. So first off: Hi, I have a Black 98' FZR600 with about 16k miles.

OK, I have been riding this bike for a week. Great Bike, easy to handle, nice throttle and brakes; BUT every time i would get ON or OFF the Throttle -the bike would like Jerk, Buck, and/or Lurch; In General any changes in throttle (way more obvious at low speeds) were not smooth. Going low speeds in 1st or 2nd gear were impossible without constantly feathering the clutch... Really annoying and uncomfortable.

Here is the solution that made my bike 100% better:

First: i rev'ed the engine and noticed it was very smooth with no hesitations...
Second: with the bike Off, and Parked i grabbed the Rear Sprocket and noticed i could twist it back and forth pretty easily about a 1cm or 1/4in
Third: Ordered New Cush Drive Bushings (about $50)
Fourth: Installed the New Cush Drive Bushings
Fifth: Check and Tightened the chain a little (as a loose chain would also cause a similar issue)
Sixth: Drove the Bike and smiled because i could now drive at low speeds (under 20mph) in 1st and 2nd gear with no Bucking, Jerking, or Lurching! And without feathering the clutch constantly...

Long Story Short: If your bike is really Jerky at low speeds check your rear sprocket for movement; with the New Bushings it does not move at all by hand.

-Pete