Chains

I know absolutely nothin about bikes so i need some help.
Just had a new chain and sprocket put on, do i need to get the chain adjusted once it's run in a bit, the garage didn't mention it when i picked it up. I was a bit curious!

You should regularly check the tension of your chain and adjust it accordingly yourself. It really isn't a big job and should take a numpty like me about ten minutes.

It's a simple process of slackening the rear axle nut, using an Allen key to turn the adjusters (at the end of the swingarm) and lining up the marks on the sides of the adjusters (not fabulously accurate but it'll do). Re-tighten chain.

Do note that the manual states that the chain needs approx 20-30mm of play and this should be at the tightest spot in the chain (spin the wheel bit by bit and recheck tension until you find the tightest spot - i.e. the part with the least amount of play). It is far better to have the chain slightly too slack than slightly too tight as gearbox and rear wheel bearings can be knackered with an over tight chain.


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Hi

Chains need to be lubed once a week in summer, twice per week in winter if you're commuting. I use PJ1, I think it's called, really good stuff, better than chain wax in my personal experience. I usually check adjustment every week when I stick it on paddock stand for lube and tyre pressure check. As to how often it actually NEEDS adjusting probably depends on various factors e.g. riding style, how often you lube it, how many miles it has done. My old Honda CB500 recommended chain check interval was 600 miles, not sure what it is actually officially recommended by Suzuki on SV.

Best thing to do is to keep a fortnightly check at the very least. I would also purchase a torque wrench for when it needs doing to ensure your bolt on the swing-arm is torqued to correct amount. Also, I have a loob-man fitted which is a lazy loobing method (use semi-synthetic engine oil), bit like wash and go principal, though how effective it is, only time will tell. Still loob with PJ-1 as said every week, AND it is best to do it after you have had a ride rather than before, ie when the chain is warm (apparently).

Hope this helps a little

Tony

I think my bike and i are gonna have to start getting better acquanted. Time to start gettin my hands dirty.

Suzuki say check the chain tension everyday before you ride.
I check it about once a week if I've done anything other than short journies.
Lube it about every 500 miles or so, think about doing it more often in bad weather.
A scottoiler is your friend.

I hope you don't mind but I'd like to tag on to this thread - how much is reasonable to pay for a chain & sprocket fitted?

Originally Posted by Tony_BLY

Hi

Chains need to be lubed once a week in summer, twice per week in winter if you're commuting. I use PJ1, I think it's called, really good stuff, better than chain wax in my personal experience. I usually check adjustment every week when I stick it on paddock stand for lube and tyre pressure check. As to how often it actually NEEDS adjusting probably depends on various factors e.g. riding style, how often you lube it, how many miles it has done. My old Honda CB500 recommended chain check interval was 600 miles, not sure what it is actually officially recommended by Suzuki on SV.

Best thing to do is to keep a fortnightly check at the very least. I would also purchase a torque wrench for when it needs doing to ensure your bolt on the swing-arm is torqued to correct amount. Also, I have a loob-man fitted which is a lazy loobing method (use semi-synthetic engine oil), bit like wash and go principal, though how effective it is, only time will tell. Still loob with PJ-1 as said every week, AND it is best to do it after you have had a ride rather than before, ie when the chain is warm (apparently).

Hope this helps a little

Tony

can you do me a favour and post some pics of your loobman ?
ive got one, just havent fitted it yet and would like to see where others mount theirs.

As far as lube goes, contrary to above, I think PJ1 is a bad product. My reasons are that it's simply too sticky and they've taken the anti-fling idea too far. In reality this means that all the dirt and crap stays on the chain and forms an abrasive paste that seems to wear away at the links and o-rings.

I'm convinced this is one of the reasons (a secondary reason admittedly) my last chain lasted only 4000 miles.

The best lube I've used is Motul (with the red cap). Lubes nicely and although flings a bit, it leaves the chain reasonably clean.

Everyone has a different opinion, just thought I'd share this particular experience.


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how do you all clean your chain?
i just got myself a paddock stand so i can get at the chain properly and want to give it a good going over as I've not had a chance to do it yet.

Originally Posted by shutdown

how do you all clean your chain?
i just got myself a paddock stand so i can get at the chain properly and want to give it a good going over as I've not had a chance to do it yet.

Parafin and a rag. Turn the rear wheel by hand, don't run the engine!