Chain tightening -

[ridetheworld]

Hello all,

Just wondering two thing; when I adjust my chain should the bike be in neutral and does it make a difference whether the rear is raised off the ground or not? I just wonder as when I adjusted today once in gear and rolled forward a little the chain seemed to change tension as compared to when not in gear and I wondered why this might be?

Any ideas?

Cheerio!
RTW

[Bucket1960]

Because in gear, the forward weight of the bike is taken in the gearbox & chain.
In neutral, the brakes are taking that weight
See, that didn't hurt my head too much

[Walkabout]

Some folks like to check the chain tension with the bike weight supported "off the ground", others do it with the bike on the side stand, or the centre stand, and others check it with the weight of the rider sitting on the bike.

Then there is whatever the handbook says about the particular model/make of bike.
There again, you can do it by removing/disconnecting the shock absorber and aligning the chain and both sprockets so that the chain is at maximum extension.

Dan's web-based course is a bit dated but it still contains good reading.
Dan's Motorcycle "The Rear Chain"

[Geldof]

If a chain has been stretched, it sometimes seems tighter in one position than in
another. A good way to check chain wear is to try to lift the chain away from the
rear sprocket. Too much movement there indicates a worn chain.
Generally if u are not sure about whether chain is tensioned correctly or not, its
better to err on the side of leaving it on the loose side.

[ridetheworld]

Can a worn chain affect handling too? It feels like the rear wheel has a bobble in it but the wheel spins fine and there is no free play - it could also be the poorly built Argentinian roads and/or maybe my rear shocks are a bit stiff. In any case getting the chainset replaced asap.

[g6snl]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

Can a worn chain affect handling too? It feels like the rear wheel has a bobble in it...........

By that description I guess you mean a lumpy feely whilst moving?? If this is what you mean check the tyre is seated correctly. Most tyres have a line around the side wall close to where the tyre meets the wheel rim. This line should be equal distance from the wheel rim all round the tyre/wheel on both sides. It can usually be rectified quite easily by deflating the tyre and re inflating. Sometimes you need to add more bar/psi than you expect to "seat the tyre bead" correctly. Then adjust to normal pressure.

Also could be bent wheel? Spin it and look down it for trueness. May be loose spokes? Adjustment require if so.

Or........even a flat spot on the tyre from heavy braking and skidding.?

[ridetheworld]

Originally Posted by g6snl

By that description I guess you mean a lumpy feely whilst moving?? If this is what you mean check the tyre is seated correctly. Most tyres have a line around the side wall close to where the tyre meets the wheel rim. This line should be equal distance from the wheel rim all round the tyre/wheel on both sides. It can usually be rectified quite easily by deflating the tyre and re inflating. Sometimes you need to add more bar/psi than you expect to "seat the tyre bead" correctly. Then adjust to normal pressure.

Also could be bent wheel? Spin it and look down it for trueness. May be loose spokes? Adjustment require if so.

Or........even a flat spot on the tyre from heavy braking and skidding.?

Thanks all!

No tire looks when spun okay but will check if its seated okay tomorrow and check the spokes. Chain clanking around I can feel it pretty full on! Brand new Honda so was hoping it could be the chainset (as it's totalled). Maybe even chain slipping over the sprocket or just the tight spot in the chain causing this? - but chain is plenty loose on sprockets at all points hmmm. Going to good mechanic in a few days time so will see go it goes after new chainset.

[mollydog]

Originally Posted by ridetheworld

Can a worn chain affect handling too? It feels like the rear wheel has a bobble in it but the wheel spins fine and there is no free play - it could also be the poorly built Argentinian roads and/or maybe my rear shocks are a bit stiff. In any case getting the chainset replaced asap.

That sort of behavior is typically the tire ... or could be a wheel bearing. Not sure how many bearings your rear wheel has. May be an inner hub bearing as well as the two wheel bearings. (I'm not sure) A bent axle is possible but unlikely.

Be sure to check your wheel and spokes ... look for a "Hop" or a wobble when you spin it. As above, make sure tire is evenly seated all round. But I think you would have noticed that long ago. Worn tires do weird things ... and sometimes even new tires do as well, depending on road surfaces and what combo of tires you're using. Some don't go together.

Also, the front tire can often affect the "feel" of the bike and trick you into thinking it's the rear. Make sure pressures are correct, front and rear.

NO, the chain will not affect handling. As mentioned, best just a bit too loose than too tight. Line it up best you can using guides on adjusters. Close enough for a 250.

[oldbmw]

To align a chain .
put bike on centre stand so rear wheel can be spun freely
obviously in neutral
slowly turn rear wheel backwards.
chain should run equidistant from each side of the rear sprocket.

If not you need to pull back on the side that runs tight, or loosen and push forwards the other side.

[duibhceK]

a very accurate way to measure whether a chain is aligned correctly:
get a piece of string, hold one end at the swingarm axle and measure the distance to the rear axle. Keep your fingers on that spot on the string, check on other side. If there's a difference, adjust. If not, you're good.