New chain and selecting a gear problem.

[BigV]

Hi all,

I got a new chain and sprockets on the bike and was told after about R200km I would need to re-adjust the chain due to slack coming in as the new chain stretches a bit. I have done about 80km, but feel it's harder to get the bike in gears or it goes in with a little clunk. As I move up the gears, they go in easier and easier.

I have read somewhere that a chain not properly adjusted can mess up gear changes and make them more difficult or near impossible. Thankfully it's not that bad but I have just done 80km so could it need a re-adjusting so soon? Did have the gear issues before so I assume a readjustment will fix this issue? :confused:

[Sid Squid]

What bike do you have?

[BigV]

K7 sv650s

[Biker Biggles]

Easy to check your chain.There should be about 3cm of slack measured up and down at the middle of the bottom chain run.

[BigV]

Yeah will sort the slack out quick and easy...just didnt expect it to happen so fast after a new chain was installed. Also, the gearing issue being new chain related?

[Biker Biggles]

The chain needs to be adjusted for easy gear changes,along with the engine oil level needs to be right and the clutch adjustment needs to be ok.If your problem has developed since the new chain its probably that.Dont overtighten it,as that can be damaging and lead to some interesting suspension quirks.Oh and keep the (expensive)new chain well lubed as you dont want to be splashing out on another one for 20-30 k miles.

[BigV]

Ok, thanks for the info. Yep...gear changes were fine before the new chain fitted. Will give her an adjustment as per the manual tonight ;)

[BigV]

3.7cm of slack. The last time I had this much slack...the chain made a noise smacking against the underside. So yeah, I think this might have been giving the issues with gearing ;) :p

[BigV]

OK, So there was 4.5cm of slack! Wow. Adjusted the chain and slack is now 2.3cm. I followed the manual for the adjustment, and then saw something interesting. It says after adjusting, and having the correct slack....tighten the axle nut. All good. Then it says, once the axle nut is tight, tighten the chain adjuster nuts on both sides...huh? Is this correct, as it makes no sense? I know the manual says to do it...but I cant understand why?

Added, on the right side by the chain adjustment nut, the silver backing the nut threads into...I can move it a little bit...as if its not tightened enough. Is this why they say to tighten the chain adjustment nuts on both sides after tightening the axle nut? Even so...surely those nuts wouldnt move if the axle nut is tight?

Really confused about all the above as the last time I adjusted I tightened the axle nut and that was it...

[yorkie_chris]

Tighten nuts (just snug) after adjusting and torqueing just to stop things rattling. Nothing will move once axle is tight.

[BigV]

Thanks yorkie ;)