how dangerous is loose chain? - Page 4 - SV650.org

embee · 24-01-07, 08:18 PM

When I had the linkage apart for greasing, I did a check by lifting the wheel full travel to see what the chain slack did.

In order to ensure it doesn't actually go tight on bump I reckon, like andy says, that 30mm is the absolute minimum to set it at when on the side stand. 33mm is no problem I'd suggest.

25-01-07, 08:55 AM

Hi
My chain broke in Germany back in May. I was due to trade my bike in after I got back from my holiday so I did not want to put on a new chain and sprockets. I had it checked out my a local bike shop who said it would be fine. When in Germany I could hear it rubbing against the swinging arm and adjusted it as far as it would go. I found a bike shop who said that they could not fix it for three days but it should be fine till then.
Well it broke just inside the German border with Switzerland locking up my back wheel. It happened on a corner just as I changed down gears, because I was on the non slip surface that they put on all their corners I did not skid but stopped in the road so the bike came down on top of me. I broke my ankle, shoulder six ribs and punctured a lung. I spent 2 weeks in a German hospital (which was excellent) and ended up with 14 bolts and 2 pieces of metal holding me together. The AA was no good as they said it was not a break down so my cover did not count. The garage that recovered the bike wanted 30 Euro per day for storage, as I was in no position to ride I had to let them keep the bike in lieu of payment. In future I will always fit a scottoiler and never let my chain stretch.

25-01-07, 10:06 AM

dirtydog · 25-01-07, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PsychoCannon

I hate to imagine what happens when a chain snaps while your moving

Well if you're lucky like I was when my chain snapped at about a ton it'll snap and spit itself out of the rear of the bike and onto the road behind you, smashing the rear hugger, clutch push rod and cracking the engine casing

and

if you're unlucky, well read carrickmans post

25-01-07, 01:02 PM

I find the bike's much more prone to false neutrals when the chain gets too slack. Ie approx one a day when I let the chain get to 40mm slack, but none when I keep it under 30mm.

northwind · 25-01-07, 07:34 PM

At a lot of bike shows, there'll be a wee display from one of the disabled rider's societies... That's where I ended up talking to a guy who'd had a broken chain scythe through his leg and destroy the bone from the knee down so badly that they had to amputate. I have a very well kept chain

25-01-07, 08:55 AM	#32
carrickman Guest Posts: n/a	My chain broke Hi My chain broke in Germany back in May. I was due to trade my bike in after I got back from my holiday so I did not want to put on a new chain and sprockets. I had it checked out my a local bike shop who said it would be fine. When in Germany I could hear it rubbing against the swinging arm and adjusted it as far as it would go. I found a bike shop who said that they could not fix it for three days but it should be fine till then. Well it broke just inside the German border with Switzerland locking up my back wheel. It happened on a corner just as I changed down gears, because I was on the non slip surface that they put on all their corners I did not skid but stopped in the road so the bike came down on top of me. I broke my ankle, shoulder six ribs and punctured a lung. I spent 2 weeks in a German hospital (which was excellent) and ended up with 14 bolts and 2 pieces of metal holding me together. The AA was no good as they said it was not a break down so my cover did not count. The garage that recovered the bike wanted 30 Euro per day for storage, as I was in no position to ride I had to let them keep the bike in lieu of payment. In future I will always fit a scottoiler and never let my chain stretch.

25-01-07, 07:34 PM	#36
northwind Moderator Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: In the garage where I belong Posts: 17,083	At a lot of bike shows, there'll be a wee display from one of the disabled rider's societies... That's where I ended up talking to a guy who'd had a broken chain scythe through his leg and destroy the bone from the knee down so badly that they had to amputate. I have a very well kept chain __________________ "We are the angry mob, we read the papers every day We like what we like, we hate what we hate But we're oh so easily swayed"

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24-01-07, 08:18 PM	#31
embee Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Warwickshire Posts: 2,802	When I had the linkage apart for greasing, I did a check by lifting the wheel full travel to see what the chain slack did. In order to ensure it doesn't actually go tight on bump I reckon, like andy says, that 30mm is the absolute minimum to set it at when on the side stand. 33mm is no problem I'd suggest.

25-01-07, 01:02 PM	#35
mac99 Guest Posts: n/a	I find the bike's much more prone to false neutrals when the chain gets too slack. Ie approx one a day when I let the chain get to 40mm slack, but none when I keep it under 30mm.