How tight should my chain be?

[Ham]

Just noticed my chain is really loose, I can push it up about 2" (maybe a bit less) between the sprockets, how much movement should it have?

May be why my changes are a bit clonky, I thought it was because it's a Honda :msn-wink:

[XTC]

Most Road bikes should be between 25mm-30mm.

[vifferman]

Just noticed my chain is really loose, I can push it up about 2" (maybe a bit less) between the sprockets, how much movement should it have?

May be why my changes are a bit clonky, I thought it was because it's a Honda :msn-wink:
On my VFR, it's supposed to be about 20-30mm, but I find it's better loose rather than tight. Remember, measure it by pulling it down till the upper throw of chain starts to move, then push it up until it starts to move. The free play is measured between these two extremes (say 10mm down, and 15mm up, as it already sags a little bit).
Yes, Hondas can be clonky, but if the chain's too loose OR too tight, and/or if it needs cleaning and lubing, the gearchange will suffer for it.

[ZeroIndex]

my bike manual says the slack should be 25-35mm... so your chain is approx twice as loose as it should be..... yeah, changes do get a bit clonky (happened to me), but yeah, never rule out the fact your bike is a honda when you've found a problem ;)

[Ham]

Awesome, does the axle have to be a certain torque setting?

[Sniper]

It should say in the owners manual if you have it. If not just post up, Im sure someone will have it

[XTC]

Awesome, does the axle have to be a certain torque setting?
Yeah it does but if you don't have a torque wrench (dangerous things those) Just do it up till it's not too tight or not too loose :)

[Ham]

Got a torque wrench, dont have manual.. bike cbr929

[Sniper]

Stolen off CBR forums...........


tighten the rear axel nut to 69 ft./lbs

[Ham]

Thanks man, you're a champ!

[XTC]

Always remember to set your chain at it's tightest spot. (most have a tight spot) and always rotate the wheel to check that there is not an even tighter spot once you've tightened the axle nut.

[Ham]

Absolutely transformed it, its like a new bike. Gear changes are silky

gotta watch the back end on decell now its got that lovely wiggle into the corner

[Quasievil]

Absolutely transformed it, its like a new bike. Gear changes are silky

gotta watch the back end on decell now its got that lovely wiggle into the corner

I predict something :no:

[Sniper]

Im with Quasi here. Mate, want me to go for a ride wit ya sometime? I might be able to diagnose something from the back that you could alter

[Big Chim]

my bike manual says the slack should be 25-35mm... so your chain is approx twice as loose as it should be..... yeah, changes do get a bit clonky (happened to me), but yeah, never rule out the fact your bike is a honda when you've found a problem ;)

.... and what do you know about Hondas???

[TonyB]

If you want to be totally anal about your chain and make absolutely SURE its right here's what you can do;

Use a couple of fat freinds :msn-wink: or more reliably a ratchet tie-down to compress the rear suspension until the drive sprocket, swingarm pivot and rear axle are in a straight line. This is the point where the chain will be at its tightest. You need enough slack in the chain to ensure that the chain is not being stretched at this point. If you have it too tight, the chain will try and stop the rear suspension from moving thru its full travel. You'll end up stuffing the chain and possibly the gearbox bearings.

[Ham]

Im with Quasi here. Mate, want me to go for a ride wit ya sometime? I might be able to diagnose something from the back that you could alter

Ride sounds good, there's nothing wrong with the bike, it's going great! It's just me being a dickhead using my gears more cos it's alot smoother and sliding into corners

[Nolan]

Hi
This may be a stupid question but how do you accually adjust the chain :Pokey:

[Ham]

By shifting the wheel back

[Pathos]

I recently got my chain replaced because the tight spots were making it clunk all the time.

It really did transform the bike as I think the chain was tugging rear wheel during cornering and made it feel like it was slipping all the time.

[Ham]

I have a gorgeous gold chain on mine, I really should take it right off and clean it properly then lube it again...

[babyB]

Hi
This may be a stupid question but how do you accually adjust the chain :Pokey:
by slacking the real axel nut.( unsure what year ya bike is)
there are chain adjusters on both sides of the swingarm which tension is obtained from.
things need to be done evenly to to keep rear wheel in alignment.
get some1 to show you how....the above aint all there is to it

[Posh Tourer :P]

I predict something :no:

Hey, I get lovely wiggle into corners on a fully loaded BM. Nothing wrong with it......

[Ixion]

So, have you tried adjusting your chain then?

[Sniper]

Nolan, check your PM's

[Posh Tourer :P]

So, have you tried adjusting your chain then?

I find that adjusting my chain from the wheel to my tank bag generally helps progress, reduces tension, and makes me go faster......

[Freakshow]

Hey someone mentioned that you need to keep tightning up the chain but at what stage is it best to replace??

[Sniper]

When you have run out of space to tighten it or when it breaks or when it has too many tight spots

[Ham]

or sideways movement

[Freakshow]

When you have run out of space to tighten it or when it breaks or when it has too many tight spots

Tight spots ? are you talking about tight linkages?

[Aiolos]

Or when you can pull it off the back of the rear sprocket.