After I did my rear shock change I noticed my chain was a little to loose.  I went to adjust it to get it to the recommended 20-30 mm I adjusted it to 25mm . When I was cheaning and lubing  the chain I noticed as I rotated the rear tire the chain was tight in one spot with only 12mm of play in the chain. As I kept rotating the tire another spot in the chain had 35 mm of play . What could be causing this problem?

Could the previous owner changed one of the sprockets ?

It is something bent of broken?

Odd as it sounds, chains often have a "tight spot", and that is where you should have it to adjust the tension. Roll the tire so the chain in that tight spot and then you will be fine. I never really understood this, especially if all the links were working properly, or seem too, but it happens to every bike.

* All this assumes you can spin the wheel freely, it's aligned properly, and when you spin it, the sprocket doesn't wobble

I tried to adjust it in the  tight spot. And the loose spot had way to much play in it and was rubbing my center stand

How old is the chain? It's possible it's toast. If it is that out of whack, it's probably stretched.

I would look at the sprockets and inspect the teeth

I've always found it to be due to kinky links when the free play varies at different places around the chain.  Time to replace chain when it gets kinky.  Inspect it closely and you can probably see the kinks, some have posted pics of this.

The chain is less than 5 years old its a 2009 gs500f

If your chain & sprockets are in good condition i would consider this tool.I bought one & it's pathetically simple to use & works great for always perfect chain alignment.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Profi-D-CAT-Motorcycle-Chain-Alignment-Tool-Dot-Laser-Type-/150872819791?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item2320b8884f&_uhb=1


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Look for kinks in your chain. Tight o-rings are the cause. Sometimes happens when strong engine cleaners get on the chain then cause o-rings to swell up.

Solution is to replace the chain.
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You make it sound like 5 years old is "young" for a chain......it is not......

If it was not maintained...or got damaged..... it is no good.....

5 years is a long time for the chain to rust, or for the o rings to get messed up

My '09 is on its second chain and second front sprocket....rear sprocket will be changed soon...
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Quote from: Bleineke on July 11, 2013, 03:35:31 PM
The chain is less than 5 years old its a 2009 gs500f

Quote from: Bleineke on July 11, 2013, 03:35:31 PM
The chain is less than 5 years old its a 2009 gs500f

I've never had a chain last 5 years, they get kinky in a couple. I ride my bikes, year around..

Kinky links (not mine):



My dismal chain record:   

http://www.gs500.net/gallery/data/500/GSbrakeschains.jpg

I love that laser tool. Yeah when you get tight spots its time to replace. All of what's been said above. There's a video in the tutorial section as well. 

twocool beat me to it.  I was gonna say....

Quote from: Bleineke on July 11, 2013, 03:35:31 PMThe chain is less than 5 years old its a 2009 gs500f

I probably replaced my chain twice in first 5 years ... but then I rode a lot of miles per year back then. 

Your "wear rate" will depend on several things, like:

• type of chain ("no-ring", O-ring, X-ring, etc)
• your mileage
• how well the chain is maintained (frequency and quality of cleaning and lubrication)
• type of terrain you ride in (Clean pavement? Dirt roads?  Frequent dust storms? etc)

We'll hopefully that's all that's wrong. If its the chain it will be an easy fix. But if I'm going to buy a new chain what is the best type of chain to put on the GS?

The best O-ring or X-ring chain you can afford. Even the eBay o-ring chains will be okay. Just don't get a roller chain (unless you plan on selling the bike soon  )

So I just got done doing a very close inspection on the chain there are absolutely no kinks there is Aston no signs of wear or rust on the chain. I looked closely at the rear sprocket to see it it was warped or if the teeth were bent . I could not find anything wrong with it at all .

Does anyone have any other advice on what I should check out next or and ideas on what's wrong?

In regards to chains do you guys buy a chain with a link in it? The manual says to use a chain that does not have a split link

You know I believe its a somewhat.common happening to have the chain hit the centerstand. there is a bumper on the stock exhaust for the stand.. did you lose that? also I believe GsJack or Buddha had come up with the idea of wrapping an old handlebar grip around the stand where it contacts the frame to give it that much more clearance for the chain.

You said you cannot find anything wrong..yet the chain goes tight and loose...so there IS something wrong........

Tight links is the #1

Worn sprockets

shaZam! in the sprockets Especially front where you cant see unless you remove the cover

Bent sprockets

Bent wheel

Loose front sprocket

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Quote from: Bleineke on July 11, 2013, 10:49:01 PM
So I just got done doing a very close inspection on the chain there are absolutely no kinks there is Aston no signs of wear or rust on the chain. I looked closely at the rear sprocket to see it it was warped or if the teeth were bent . I could not find anything wrong with it at all .

Does anyone have any other advice on what I should check out next or and ideas on what's wrong?

The bike comes from the factory without a master link...it is a "continuous chain"   the chain is put on BEFORE the swing arms are installed at the factory.

For the home mechanic (or any mechanic)  it is impractical to remove the swing arm just to change a chain...so master link chain is used.......

I have not see a continuous chain sold anywhere.....even the micro fische for OEM chain shows link...

You need special tool to install master link...unless you get the clip type master link...rather than the rivet type........

Both work...rivet type is considered more secure...

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Quote from: Jimbob on July 12, 2013, 03:11:41 AM
In regards to chains do you guys buy a chain with a link in it? The manual says to use a chain that does not have a split link