Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

Hello all,
I have a 2005 SV650S with about 15,000 miles in great shape.
I just noticed a problem and don't know how long it's been there.
When I was checking my chain tension I just noticed it had about 1 inch of tension throughout, but, as I checked it as I rotated the wheel, I noticed almost no tension in one spot at every revolution of the rear wheel. Is this a problem to be worried about?. Thanks all.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

It sounds like a "tight spot".

How many miles has the chain had on it? Have you kept it fully lubed?

Tightspots usually mean irregular lubing and its on its way out.

When you change it and the sprockets invest in a Scottoiler.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

You've got a tight spot in your chain, if the variance in tension between the tight spot and the slack spot is an inch, then IMHO yep thats something I would be worried about and I'd be cautious and get my chain replaced or at least get it looked at by a mechanic for a 2nd opinion.

Is that the original chain on the bike or has it been replaced already ? also its best to get the sprockets replaced as well as a new chain on worn sprockets will wear the new chain faster and you wont get full life from it.

Welcome to the forum, hope thats useful.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

Further to the comments so far.

You need to ensure the chain is only adjusted to the tightest part of the chain. Find the tightest part of the chain. Ensure that part of the chain is in the middle of the bottom run and adjust to this point. With a difference of an inch or more, that chain is going to be slapping all over the place when you have adjusted it correctly. I'd go and buy new chain and sprockets and replace as soon as you can.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

This is the original chain and I have lubed it most of the time with Honda chain lube but have never really cleaned it well. Maybe that was the problem. This chain most definately has a tight spot. Front sprocket looks ok, rear sproket looks great, but I'll take it in for a new chain and have a mechanic look at it anyway. Better safe than sorry. Thanks everyone.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

You know fitting a new chain on old sprockets is not really recommended. The idea is that the chain and sprockets wear out together. Fitting a new chain on old sprockets is likely to help wear out the new chain quicker.

Also cleaning a chain as well as keeping it lubed is the way to go. If there is no cleaning involved then all the dirt will create a nice grinding paste to further wear out sprockets and chain.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

Morning all.

15k is a reasonable mileage to get out of an o/e chain & sprockets. It sounds as if it's well past it's prime. So replace the chain & sprockets as a set. The sprockets may not appear to be worn, until you compare them to new ones.

Cheers.

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

I was just about to say what spannerman said; 15k is about the life of chain and sprockets so get that bike to someone who can fit you a new set (always together, never chain or sprockets...unless you have a duff chain, or sprocket....you get what I mean).

When cleaning, I think the prefered method is to clean all the crud off with parrafin (kerosene)...slap it on with a paintbrush, wipe it all about with a cloth (tidies up the wheels nicely too!). Parrafin is best for the rubber O rings (or X rings if your really posh and have a fancy chain) as it dosnt chemically attack them like e.g. WD40 does. Then once all the parrafin has been cleaned off (or as much as you can get off) give it a healthy coating of proper chain lube (the honda stuff you used is probably good enough, others worth looking at are wurth lubricants and silkolene...there might be more in the ancillaries section of this forum). Leave the chain lube for a while to properly penetrate the chain; i was told its best to lubricate the chain after a long ride when the chain is warm, but I dont do this so i leave it overnight and get a messy wheel when I ride off in the morning.

Happy lubing

Matt

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

I just had the same problem (bike on 17k5 miles).
Get a new set of chain & sprockets - as Big Ape said, because it'll rapidly get worse in the next 1-2k miles.
Give Spanner Man a call for the new parts :)

Re: Rear wheel chain tension problem?
 

Great advice everyone. I am taking my bike in for new sprockets and new chain. Regular maintenance will follow for now on. I'm glad I checked my chain slack as I rotated the rear wheel, not just at one section of the chain. I've definately learned my lesson here.