Chain play

**Whizzz** · #1 18 Jan 2005

How much chain movement should there be on a 1985 XT 600?

**braindead** · #2 18 Jan 2005

Email me an email address and I will send you a pdf of the manual for the XT600 89. which should cover your bike.

Charlie

**Whizzz** · #3 19 Jan 2005

Thanks Braindead

Answered my question.

**Laromonster** · #4 19 Jan 2005

i always keep mine on the loose side about 40mm when the chain is at the tightest spot

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Laromo '04 TT600RE

**Steve Pickford** · #5 20 Jan 2005

Quote:

Originally posted by Laromonster:
i always keep mine on the loose side about 40mm when the chain is at the tightest spot

Same here, my last chain drive bike was a GSX-R1100. Once I'd adjusted the chain to my satisfaction, I cut a short block of wood to length, this was then inserted between chain & underside of swingarm at the mid point. Can't get it in, chain's too tight. Sloopy fit, too loose.

Many variables affect chain play, inc. position of swingarm pivot in relation to front sprocket. I think the definitive way to establish correct play is to remove the spring from the shocker & re-fit the shock body to the bike. Get someone to compress the suspension all the way & then adjust the chain so that it's not too tight under full load. This is more useful for off road bikes. If the chain is slack after this. you need some sort of sprung loaded chain tensioner like some bikes come with from new.

Too tight a chain can lead to bad gear changes & a wrecked gearbox. Saw this happen to a friends GSX-R750. The too tight chain (when suspension was compressed) pulled on the front sprocket, causing the output bearing to collapse. This in turn caused his gears to mesh badly & eventually lock up, an experience not worth repeating as he was at speed on a motorway at the time.....

[This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 20 January 2005).]