rear sprocket

on my 78 kz 650 i noticed whenever i got it out and started going over the chain and the tension i noticed that the rear sproket itself has some play in it? the bike sitting stationary i can move the sproket about a 1/16 of an inch while the wheel doesn't move. the four or five little bolts that hold the sproket to the hub are tight. so i dont know if there is an adjustment that i can make inside there that might snug it up and take out the play?

Behind the sprocket hub are rubber cushions that damp against hard shifts, etc. They tend to harden over time and shrink a little. I personally wouldn't worry about 1/16" of play. In other words, its normal to have some play.

Later, Doug

ok thanks streetfighte. i was really concered cause chain and sprokets are life and death when riding so that eases my mind a little i have to do rear brakes this week anyways so i'll take a peek at them and see whats up.

When you have your back wheel off, you can pull the sprocket and carrier/hub off without needing to unbolt anything, it just lifts out, and you will see the rubber cush drive.
Inspect it for damage/wear.
Some have built up a badly worn cush drive with a rubber Goop, or even inner tube material.
Should be ok though.

ok thanks i am ase certified in automotive and plenty of wrench turning hours under me but bikes are an entirely different ball game so thaks for the info..

A website to figure the gearing ratio's if you decide to get different front and rear sprockets is www.gearingcommander.com It factors in tire sizes for top speeds and chain speeds.

the cush drive is there to prevent hard shocks to the chain and clutch basket when accellerating hard. it is natural to have some slop in them my old drag bike had almost a 1/2" play but i did that for a reason it was my own built in delay box to keep me from redlighting.