chain tension question

[gsgonzalez]

Hi All,
I have noticed that the tension on my chain seems to be quite inconsistent.
When up on the centre stand if i rotate the rear wheel the chain goes from being correctly tensioned to quite slack.

What could this be? and is this normal?
if not what should i be doing to remedy the issue?

Cheers

[jacob_ns]

Some of the links in your chain are binding due to corrosion, lack of lubrication, or both. The tell-tale sign is inconsistent tension through one full rotation. If I were you I'd remove the chain, soak it in a bath of kerosene, re-lubricate, re-install it and re-check the tension. If that fails, replace the chain.

Before you re-install it, I'd go around the chain and try and move each link up and down to check for binding and to loosen it. Is it an O-Ring chain? It's possible the O-Rings are dried out, damaged or missing if the chain is old and/or uncared for.

[gsgonzalez]

Thanks jacob,
It is the stock chain that came with the bike (its a 2008 model) and has never been replaced. The bike only has 17000km on it (or 10.5k miles) so i would have thought it would be early for a chain replacement? (although i am new to bikes and learning alot).

I will try and take the chain off and give it a good soak and scrub (i have previously just used a toothbrush and rag with kero).

Is it difficult to take the chain off?
is someone able to explain the procedure? or point me in the direction of some instructions?

Cheers

[twocool]

Thanks jacob,
It is the stock chain that came with the bike (its a 2008 model) and has never been replaced. The bike only has 17000km on it (or 10.5k miles) so i would have thought it would be early for a chain replacement? (although i am new to bikes and learning alot).

I will try and take the chain off and give it a good soak and scrub (i have previously just used a toothbrush and rag with kero).

Is it difficult to take the chain off?
is someone able to explain the procedure? or point me in the direction of some instructions?

Cheers

I have over 16,000 miles on the original chain...have adjusted the tension a couple of times but very very little was needed....still plenty of room on the rear drop out for more adjustment...also gear teeth still have nice shape......

I do clean and lube the chain every 500 miles......clean is probably the secrete to long life....

Once the chain gets corroded...I am not sure if you can bring it back to life.....O ring chain is suposed to have lube inside the links, protected by the o ring.....once this lube is lost/dried out and chain corroded...probably hard to get it smooth again and to get lube inside under o rings...

Cookie

[Bullfrog]

Hi All,
I have noticed that the tension on my chain seems to be quite inconsistent.
When up on the centre stand if i rotate the rear wheel the chain goes from being correctly tensioned to quite slack.

What could this be? and is this normal?
if not what should i be doing to remedy the issue?

Cheers

Taking good care of the chain is the key to a long life. However, if the chain is lengthened erratically then you should replace it, i.e. if the length is more than 12.6 inches over a distance of 21 links (taut). Please measure several times using different links.
Of course, I'd clean the chain first to avoid any stiff chain-links.

[gsgonzalez]

Hrmm, thanks all.
I will try and take off the chain and soak it.

Also, i am thinking of replacing the front sprocket to a 15 tooth sprocket.
Do i need to get a different chain if i do this? (i.e. is the original chain going to be too long?).

Also, if anyone has a good resource on replacing this stuff that would be great.

I have seen some written descriptions but i am trying to find a guide with pictures to no avail

[jacob_ns]

Hrmm, thanks all.
I will try and take off the chain and soak it.

Also, i am thinking of replacing the front sprocket to a 15 tooth sprocket.
Do i need to get a different chain if i do this? (i.e. is the original chain going to be too long?).

Also, if anyone has a good resource on replacing this stuff that would be great.

I have seen some written descriptions but i am trying to find a guide with pictures to no avail

If you replace the sprocket, replace your chain and the rear sprocket as well.

Download the Haynes manual for everything you'll need tech wise.

[Paulcet]

No, your chain won't be too long unless it is already worn out.

[gsgonzalez]

Thanks all.
I am going to just change to chain and sprocket (from what i hear this mileage is not unreasonable for a factory chain).
I can see some surface rust on the links so im guessing its time.

I wanted to change the front sprocket to 15T anyways as i am told this is a good value mod.
I will buy an x-ring chain while I am at it.

silly question...do i need any special tools to perform this? from what i have read thus far it seems that i just remove the rear wheel and front sprocket cover, take off the chain when its loose and slip the new one on. I have a socket set and allen key set as well as some spanners. How long can i expect the whole thing to take? (first timer that is).

Thanks for your help

[jacob_ns]

You'll need a pair of c-clip pliers to remove the small c-clip holding on the front sprocket, a torque wrench to re-torque the nuts holding on the rear sprocket if you're replacing that. I'd also recommend making sure you have some grease handy so you can re-grease your rear axle while you have it off. You might as well also take the time to clean around the front sprocket shaft and make it pretty under there.

As far as tools go for reinstalling the new chain, it depends on how you're installing it. Are you planning to use the rivet master link? If so, you'll need a chain riveter to set the rivet into the chain solidly. If you're using the clip type master link, you can do it with a pair of vice grips but it's a pain in the ass and you have the potential to damage your brand new chain.

Now that I've done it once and have the experience I could swap out both sprockets, replace the chain and have it back on two wheels in less than an hour. The first time I did it, I went relatively slow and did it in an afternoon.

Oh, and you'll need beer. It's a required tool when working on a motorcycle.

[Paulcet]

Factory chain. Will need something to cut it off.

[gsgonzalez]

- Do i need to cut the chain off? cant i just take it off the sprockets?
I was reading someone elses guide and it seemed that after you start taking off the rear wheel you can loosen the chain off the sprocket. Once ive done that cant i just take off the front sprocket cover and remove the chain?

- With a new chain, am i allowed to use a clip type master link? I was under the impression that i wasnt allowed (i remember a warning in the users manual saying to use the correct type of chain). Do the chains all have to be joined? I would have thought they would come joined in the package?
If it was a rivet link chain do i need a chain riveter? or can i use some other type of common tool?

Cheers

[adidasguy]

factory chain is looped over the swing arm. You can remove the chain without cutting it if you unbolt the swing arm. Study where the chain is going and you'll see.

Like they say, if the chain is shot, cut it off and put on one with a master link. You can use a clip master link or a rivet which requires a chain rivet tool (but can't ever slip off).

[ivany]

(1) No, you'll have to cut it, unless you want to remove the swingarm too. The chain goes between the frame and swingarm pivot. It takes like 10 seconds with a dremel tool to cut it, it's not so bad.

(2) Get a chain tool, and use a rivet-type link. You can get a chain tool for less than a chain costs.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/MOTORCYCLE-CHAIN-CUTTER-BREAKER-RIVETING-RIVET-TOOL-/170680379309?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27bd57e7ad