Chain wobbling - normal?

[SPORK]

Just adjusted the chain tension for the first time (was far too loose), and after doing it I noticed that it is jumping around a little bit. No idea if it did this before the adjustment, however.

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Is this normal?

[kwaka_crasher]

Is this normal?

It's always going to jump a bit even when brand new due to manufacturing tolerances and the fact it shouldn't be tight plus the engine speed pulse low frequency at idle. But it looks like you may have a tight link there too. Work your way around the chain checking each link moves freely.

[Pixie]

There's no load on the drive line when the bike's on it's stand.The chain will jump around more.

That chain looks like it is adjusted wrong - too tight.

[What?]

That chain looks like it is adjusted wrong - too tight.

WAY too tight! Ride it like that and it's a certain early death for the chain and sprockets, and maybe wheel and countershaft bearings.

[Taz]

Always remenber to check your chain tension with the rear suspension compressed so the the front sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle are as much in line as possible. This is when the drive train distance is at it's longest. Always adjust at the drivetrains "tight" spot. Once you've done this a few times you'll get a feel for how the chain is when adjusted correctly.

[SPORK]

Thanks for the replies. I adjusted it per the manual instructions (Bandit 250) but I guess I messed it up along the way... It says to adjust the chain while the bike's on the side stand - not while someone's on it?

I dunno, I'm a bit confused.

[Taz]

Thanks for the replies. I adjusted it per the manual instructions (Bandit 250) but I guess I messed it up along the way... It says to adjust the chain while the bike's on the side stand - not while someone's on it?

I dunno, I'm a bit confused.

You just need to check it when the output shaft, S/A pivot and axle are all in line to ensure that the chain is not tight at this point as when these are all in line the drivethrain is at it's longest point. Simple really. If I adjust my ktm to what the manual says the chain is too tight when suspension is compressed so all lines up. A tight chain will shorten the life of components and could damage the output shaft bearing.

[Pixie]

Thanks for the replies. I adjusted it per the manual instructions (Bandit 250) but I guess I messed it up along the way... It says to adjust the chain while the bike's on the side stand - not while someone's on it?

I dunno, I'm a bit confused.

Be aware that if you set the slack as per the manual,with the axle nut loose,the chain may tighten when the nut is tightened.
Many bikes do this.
Check the slack with everything tight,then readjust if necessary.
You may have to allow more slack for the chain tightening after the nut is done up.
The slack quoted in the bandit manual will be correct if the above is allowed for.
Bandit 1200 requires 20mm-25mm