Chain tension

[frontslide]

When i set the chain tension, as per the manual, (bike upright both wheels on the floor 30-40mm) the weight of me on the bike causes the chain to tighten like a bow string! to counter this ive had to set the tension to a point where on the side stand the chain is literally hanging off.
Any one else have this problem?
Regards Mark

[super10]

try put yourself 'on' the bike
and "the weight of you on the bike causes the chain to tighten", then check the tension ...

yes, you will need a helper.

(the original instruction was a mis-print on the old Supertenere manual too).


afaik, the tension is for when the bike is loaded.

[03XT600E]

In my manual it says chain slack should be between 30-40mm with nobody sitting on the bike.
I get the bike upright and kneel down and use a locking tape measure at the slackest point (I measure from the top of the top and bottom of the bottom part of the chain if you know what I mean).

It is a bit awkward to balance and measure at the same time on your own.

I aim for 50-60mm because as you say when you sit on the bike, the chain feels too tight.

[G600]

Hi

If you want to be absolutely sure, you need to remove the shock. Then move the swingarm up and down until you find the tightest spot and go from there.

I don't have any experience with the bike you have, but my KTM EXC needs the chain very loose. It is almost silly too look at, but that is just how it is.

[Jens Eskildsen]

Sit backwars on the rear of the bike, this compresses the spring a lot. When the swingarm is totally horizontal, the chain is at its tightest. Make sure there some freeplay there, and you shoul be fine.

Over time, you learn to "see" when theres too much/little slack.

[Vaufi]

Instead of balancing the bike while sitting on top of it and trying to take measure at the same time, you could instead strap the bike down until the swing arm is horizontal. Same as you do, when transporting the bike IMO.

[frontslide]

Originally Posted by G600

Hi

If you want to be absolutely sure, you need to remove the shock. Then move the swingarm up and down until you find the tightest spot and go from there.

I don't have any experience with the bike you have, but my KTM EXC needs the chain very loose. It is almost silly too look at, but that is just how it is.

This is how ive adjusted it, with the chain at its tightest point then adjust for slack, as you say it looks almost embarrasing when your not sat on the bike

[kentbiker]

Both the handbook and the workshop manual specifically state the bike should be on the ground, with no rider. As does the handbook for my Honda XR and my Triumph Tiger. Are they all wrong?

Geoff

[frontslide]

Originally Posted by kentbiker

Both the handbook and the workshop manual specifically state the bike should be on the ground, with no rider. As does the handbook for my Honda XR and my Triumph Tiger. Are they all wrong?

Geoff

Can't comment on the xr or tiger, but if you set the slack as per book on the 1vj the chain is way too tight when you get on board.

[oldbmw]

Be wary of all the posters who say the tightest point is when the swing arm is horizontal. The tightest point depends on the layout of the gearbox sprocket, swing arm spindle and wheel spindle. When all three are in a straight line, this is the tightest point. It is possible thought at this point that the swing arm is horizontal, but not necessarily so.

At its tightest point you want about 1 1/4 inches of free play up and down. as a minimum.

[Mickey D]

Originally Posted by frontslide

When i set the chain tension, as per the manual, (bike upright both wheels on the floor 30-40mm) the weight of me on the bike causes the chain to tighten like a bow string! to counter this ive had to set the tension to a point where on the side stand the chain is literally hanging off.
Any one else have this problem?
Regards Mark

This is quite normal. The important thing (as noted on all other posts) is that
your chain is not too tight when your are sat on the bike with all your luggage. A bit of chain droop with the bike unloaded is normal.

Have you checked the race sag on your rear shock? Sounds like you may need a heavier spring or crank in some more pre-load. (less sag)

As noted wisely by Jens, soon you'll be able to simply "Look" at the chain to gauge correct adjustment.

[frontslide]

Originally Posted by Mickey D

This is quite normal. The important thing (as noted on all other posts) is that
your chain is not too tight when your are sat on the bike with all your luggage. A bit of chain droop with the bike unloaded is normal.

Have you checked the race sag on your rear shock? Sounds like you may need a heavier spring or crank in some more pre-load. (less sag)

As noted wisely by Jens, soon you'll be able to simply "Look" at the chain to gauge correct adjustment.

I posted up a while ago asking what the static sag should be but had no replies what should it be Mickey D?

[banditderek]

I go a bit more ham-fisted. For a road bike, two fingers play. For an off-road type, 3 fingers play. XT, maybe somewhere inbetween, erring on the looser end. When I say fingers play, its like when you offer up your fingers to the side of a glass before you pour in the liquor. Maybe its just me...

[Pigford]

I use one of those "aftermarket" chain tesioners.....





This is a home-brew "Heath Robinson" affair on me Trumpet, using a Z900 cam chain guide sprocket!!!!

You can run the chain a bit slacker - so no chance of fookin' the gearbox bearing/shaft!

[bacardi23]

Hey piglord, give us some more details on how you managed to fab that out!

It's a damn good thing to have!


Vando