Chain Tight Spot - Time for a Change?

[krhall]

When the bike went in for a service and check over I was informed the chain had a tight spot and should be replaced, is this the case?

[G]

Every chain has a tight spot in it from new. Nothing unusual there, I'm sure my 600rr book even says find the tight spot before adjusting the chain.

[LK-SV]

Depends how tight the tight spot is ....

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

how far back on the adjuster markings are you, this should give you a good indication, or check the movement on the chain should be about 1 inch if all else fails get a second opinion.

[krhall]

Safe to do it on the abba stand!

[RichT]

I adjust mine (pointy) on my paddock stand, however I believe the manual says to do it on the side stand... which seemed wrong to me.

My chain has a tight spot. I just make sure the chain is well maintained and that area gets a good dose of extra lube :D

[WicklowSV]

A good test for the chain is to see if you can lift it off the rearmost part of the rear sprocket.Grab the link nearest the rear of the bike and see if it lifts away from the sprocket. If it only moves a little, the chain's fine. If it moves away from the sprocket a lot then its stretched and could probably do with replacing.

All chains have a tight spot in them from the word go. If it's really tight you could soak it in oil overnight (means having the chain off the rear sprocket though) and give the tight link a good few twists with two pliers to loosen it up...

[SUPERSTARDJ01]

A good test for the chain is to see if you can lift it off the rearmost part of the rear sprocket.Grab the link nearest the rear of the bike and see if it lifts away from the sprocket. If it only moves a little, the chain's fine. If it moves away from the sprocket a lot then its stretched and could probably do with replacing.

I was always told this means the sprockets need changing.

[Sid Squid]

The comment above is correct - very few chains wear completely evenly, meaning that just about every chain that isn't brand new almost certainly will have a spot where the chain runs tighter.
This is not in doubt - the question is; can the chain be adjusted such that the tightest and slackest points are within acceptable limits? The difference can be so great that replacing the chain is necessary.
This is rare - but not unknown.

Kev: Go back to the shop, ask them to demonstrate the problem to you.

Chain adjustment changes as the suspension moves, when the front sprocket, the swingarm pivot and the rear sprocket are in line the chain will be at its tightest point, chain adjustment must take account of this, and if the figure for chain slack is given with the bike on its wheels a correction may be necessary if the adjustment is made with the weight of the bike removed from the suspension, that is; on a stand that supports from the pivot, not the swingarm.

[krhall]

Another point I am thinking of though, is that my commute is just about to increase from 25 miles per day to 70, so am thinking that a new chain, sprockets and a scott oiler might be a reasonable investment, if there is somewhere for the resevoir to go. Which I think there is from a previous post.

All that will cost a few bob though.

[punyXpress]

Another point I am thinking of though, is that my commute is just about to increase from 25 miles per day to 70, so am thinking that a new chain, sprockets and a scott oiler might be a reasonable investment, if there is somewhere for the resevoir to go. Which I think there is from a previous post.

All that will cost a few bob though.

And THAT will save a few bob ( hundreds in fact )

[AndyBrad]

yup, agree with the scottoiler (although i have yet to see a nice looking install)

get the chain changed imo if its old. you dont want it breaking on you.

[WicklowSV]

I was always told this means the sprockets need changing.

Sprocket can simply be checked visually. If the teeth are wave shaped (worn a lot on one side), or very sharp at the tip, then its time for a new sprocket. I made the mistake of fitting a alloy sprocket to my SV1K once. When I went to change it (after not so many miles) there were metal filings all over the chain and the sprocket looked like a Shuriken!! I actually cut my finger on the tips of the teeth they were so sharp! After that, it was Supersprox all the way...

[carternd]

I adjust mine (pointy) on my paddock stand, however I believe the manual says to do it on the side stand... which seemed wrong to me.

My chain has a tight spot. I just make sure the chain is well maintained and that area gets a good dose of extra lube :D

You need to check it on the side stand because the weight of the bike changes the chain tension (see S.S. post for proper explanation). I adjust on a paddock stand to allow the wheel to move more freely back and forth. You can just take the bike for a little walk though. And then recheck on the floor before tightening the axle nut back up.

Does tight spot mean the chain had less slack in a certain position, or does it mean a stiff link?

I thought usually rear sprockets wore out before chains, is this usually the case?

[yorkie_chris]

Why did a shop have to tell you your chain has a tight spot?

Put it on stand, thoroughly clean and regrease the chain without chopping your fingers off. By the time you've finished that you will know where the tight spot or stiff link is.

If the chain looks alright after you've cleaned and greased it then fit a scottoiler anyway.

[fastdruid]

yup, agree with the scottoiler (although i have yet to see a nice looking install)

I should have pictured mine.

Res was next to shock behind the LHS in-fill panel tube ran forwards, round the front of the swingarm and then behind the arm until it popped out just to point at the sprocket. Hard to spot unless you were looking for it.

The VFR isn't anywhere near as neat :(

http://www.fastdruid.co.uk/albums/VFR750/thumbs/640x480DSC04903.JPG

Druid

[yorkie_chris]

yup, agree with the scottoiler

See lozzos installation.

[AndyBrad]

Pics?

[AndyBrad]

Found em. Looks ok but you still have the nib and stuff showing plus you need to hide the pipework between the swing arm and bike. The dual injector does clean thigs up a little tho