Chain Tight Spot - Time for a Change?

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.

Depends how tight the tight spot is ....

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.

Safe to do it on the abba stand!

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

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...

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

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.