For some reason, I have a noise in the general area of the gear shifter when I first pull out. It doesn't happen all of the time, or even most of the time. it only does it once in a blue moon. any ideas?

 

what kind of a noise is it making, a grinding, clicking, rubbing

Give me some more info so i can ID ur problem

your chain roller might be making a vibration because the bearing is loose or not there

 

It appears to be a "clank". If I were to ride through the trails for an hour, it would do it maybe twice , and it seems to be when I am engaging the clutch (as I am letting out the clutch and engaging first gear). I have no oil leak around the front sprocket, although I am running '22x11-9 holeshots and the chain is kinda tight. (Might not have anything to do with it, just want to be thorough.)

 

well if ur chain it tight then its going to be putting extra pressure on the chain rollers, and if u are having oil around the sprocket then (eventhough i said their is none) if theres alot of oil on the chain and u run it, it will look like somthing is leaking

 

If you consistantly run to much chain tension you could be looking at potential output shaft bearing failure. This being the shaft your front sprocket is on. Loosen up your chain and see if the problem continues.....hopefully no permanent damage has occured yet.

 

there is no excess oil on the chain, but I hope you are on to something with the rollers. I will look into it and report back. Thanks for the help!!!!