chain tension too tight f650 gs - Horizons Unlimited

**mareestu** · #1 4 Jan 2004

I'm travelling on my own in Mexico and tightened the chain for the first time - too much.
Am i right in believing this is irreversible?

What are the consequences ? Slack should be 35 -45 mm, it's now 20-25 mm. My f650 is a 2003
thanks

**mcdarbyfeast** · #2 4 Jan 2004

At least you have some slack in the chain.

If there is still slack when it's loaded and your on the bike then it may well be OK.

As you ride over rough surfaces the arc in which the swing arm moves up causes the slack in the chain to be taken up. If there was still play in the chain when going over bumps then there won't be any damage.

If there's not enough slack and you haven't ridden it at all or only for a short distance then there shouldn't be any permanent damage.

If you've ridden it for some distance then there maybe damage to the chain or, more seriously, the output shaft on the gearbox.

[This message has been edited by mcdarbyfeast (edited 04 January 2004).]

**mareestu** · #3 4 Jan 2004

thanks for your response,
i haven't ridden it at all, can you tell me if it's possible to move the wheel forward, by the same method in reverse ? i had tried this but it didn't seem to work ......

**mcdarbyfeast** · #4 4 Jan 2004

Depends on the type of chain adjuster you have on the bike (can you describe it?)as to how you can move the wheel forward again. (I've had one of these, but only for a very short time)

Generally you just reverse what you've done and push the wheel forwards. You may need to use a bit of brute force. If it won't move and everything has been slackened off, try sitting behind the bike and kicking it forwards.

**mareestu** · #5 4 Jan 2004

at the end of the swing arm there are the adjustment screws (requiring star shaped alan tool), on the side is the, is it , axle adjustment nut, so if i loosen the big nut, and just shove or nudge the back wheel i may be in business again ?

**mcdarbyfeast** · #6 4 Jan 2004

I think I know what you've got.

Slacken the big nut on the wheel spindle (you must have done when you were going to tighten the chain)

The slacken the locking nuts on the adjustment screws at end of the swing arm.

Then unscrew the adjustment screws a few turns and try and push the wheel forward again.

When you adjust he chain check for any tight spots. Adjust the chain so that the correct play takes account of these. In other words don't make the adjustment at the tightest part of the chain less than the minimum specified in the manual.

**mareestu** · #7 5 Jan 2004

done ! kicking worked eventually !thank you so much, i´ve learned a couple of lessons there, your help is much appreciated

regards

[This message has been edited by mareestu (edited 04 January 2004).]