Push up on the bottom of the chain and note the distance between the full-slack (lower) position and the no-slack (upper) position on the bottom . 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm) is typical for streetbikes, while dirt bikes may need 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) of slack.
How do I know if my motorcycle chain is too loose?
The major symptoms of a loose chain include chain teeth skipping over the sprockets, uneven transmission of power to the wheel leading to jerky wheel movements, chain lash and the chain slapping the swindle arm, and in the final case, chain coming off the sprocket.
How tight should a drive chain be?
It is important to maintain the proper amount of chain tension. If the chain is excessively tight, rapid chain wear and loss of lubricant will occur. If chain is too loose, excessive vibration and pulsation may occur causing chain damage. For normal drives, adequate slack should be adjusted to 4% of the chain span.
How do I know if my chain is too loose?
To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain. A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.
How often should I lube my motorcycle chain?
A motorcycle chain should be lubricated every 300-600 miles to ensure peak performance and a long life. Lubricate the chain after riding, not before. This allows time for the solvents in the spray to evaporate before the bike is used again, and lets the lubricant penetrate the link properly.
When should I tighten my bike chain?
Check your chain out. It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up. Chains often loosen when a bike does not have a derailleur.
What is chain tension?
A tight chain causes additional load on the chain which increases chain wear. Excessive slack causes chain vibration increasing chain fatigue. Proper chain tension is obtained by adjusting the chain. sag on the slack side of the drive.
Can a bike chain stretch?
Do bicycle chains really stretch? The short answer is no, however they do wear in such a way as to cause their maximum length to increase. Mechanics usually refer to this as chain “stretch.” It is the sign of a worn out chain that should be replaced. Illustration of extreme wear on a chain pin.
What makes motorcycle chain loose?
A motorcycle chain that keeps getting loose is usually caused by the rear axle or chain tensioning bolts not being tight enough. It can also be cause by a new chain not being worn in enough, worn down sprocket teeth, having too tight of a tension, or having the wrong size of chain installed.
Why is the chain on my bike loose?
One of the most common reasons is a new chain on an old bike. Older bikes obviously have older and more worn-down components. Placing a new chain on these worn-down parts can cause the chain to jump and slip around as you ride. All of this motion will eventually cause the chain to loosen up.
What happens if motorcycle chain is tight?
When a motorcycle chain is too tight, it’ll put stress on several components of the bike and cause the sprockets to wear faster, make the engine work harder, and cause the suspension to be tight and uncomfortable. Ultimately, a tight chain on a motorcycle may break leaving you with no power.
Is WD40 a good motorcycle chain lube?
No. You should never use WD40 as chain lubricant since WD-40 is NOT a true lubricant since it’s primary use is as a solvent or rust dissolver.