GStwin.com GS500 Message Forum

Main Area => General GS500 Discussion => Topic started by: alexg on June 04, 2009, 12:53:41 PM

Title: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: alexg on June 04, 2009, 12:53:41 PM
Hello All, I have one small question:
When checking chain tension, how much force I need to apply to the chain before mesuring the offset? Does it need to be very light force to just make chain move until it start resisting, or it is a case when I need to apply more force, like couple pounds or so...
Thanks.
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: The Buddha on June 04, 2009, 01:09:01 PM
Chain does not have tension, belts do, chain has slack.

So, like no force, the weight of 2-3-4 links is all the force you need ...

Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: alexg on June 04, 2009, 01:15:57 PM
So ultimately all i need, is press it up with the finger until it stops move and that's it?
The problem is that if I do that then the slack would be 0.5" but if I apply let's say 1 - 2lb force when slack will be 1.5". I am confused.
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: psyber_0ptix on June 04, 2009, 01:19:19 PM
i think i am too.... i have to apply a bit of force to move the chain, but it does move.

if it's supposed to be free slack, then the chain would rub against the guard constantly (then again, i read in another thread that because kat shocks sit higher, more slack is needed)

oops... gotta loosen my chain
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: The Buddha on June 04, 2009, 01:31:31 PM
Since kat shock isn't a bouncy flouncy fun fun fun fun fun shock ... less slack is needed.
The slack is measured on the bottom side. All the force you can put with yoru fingers I guess is fine. If you're seriously different with varying levels of force, your chain prolly is kinked and stretched.
Cool.
Buddha.
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: RVertigo on June 04, 2009, 01:54:30 PM
I don't get how the more force could change the slack THAT much...  Give it a push with one finger...

Make sure you check the slack at several places on the chain, about every 1/4.  I once adjusted my chain to 3/4" slack on one part and another part had 0" of slack...  Yes, I got a new chain after that.
Title: Re: One small question about chain tension checking process.
Post by: ineedanap on June 04, 2009, 04:22:41 PM
Quote from: The Buddha on June 04, 2009, 01:31:31 PM
Since kat shock isn't a bouncy flouncy fun fun fun fun fun shock ... less slack is needed.


On the contrary, with a kat shock more slack is needed to prevent chain bind.  A longer shock changes suspension geometry (and the relationship between the chain and swingarm arcs) and needs to be accounted for.  

With a katana shock 1.25 - 1.5 inches (or in some cases more) is required  We just went thru this last week!!!!   :2guns:

http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=48259.0 (http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=48259.0)