Chain slackness - SV650.org

28-02-06, 10:20 PM

Hi,

Just wondered how I know that my chain is too slack?

I was oiling it today and noticed that I can push the bottom part of the chain up and touch the swingarm (about 1.5 - 2 inches). Is this too slack or is it ok? No noise or vibrations etc.. from the chain, just curious as it mentions 30mm in the manual and it seems to go further than that. The chain doesn't sag or anything when looking at it from the side, so I am assuming it is OK.

Cheers.

Biker Biggles · 28-02-06, 10:25 PM

The slack can vary as you turn the wheel due to tight spots and you should check it at the tightest point you can find.Then there should be 30mm vertical play halfway between the sprockets.Better slightly too much slack than too little.Keep it oiled.

28-02-06, 10:36 PM

I was told the best way to check slack is to sit on the bike and then get someone to check the chain as it take up the slack as would happen when your riding bike, stops you over tightening the chain

rictus01 · 28-02-06, 11:24 PM

Indeed, Biker Biggles is correct, however Samurai method is normally used after you've adjusted the chain, just sit on it and feel how tight it is (shouldn't be solid

, if so just back it off half a turn at a time until you get about 1/2 inch play) .

Cheers Mark.

28-02-06, 10:20 PM	#1
davidjohnson Guest Posts: n/a	Chain slackness Hi, Just wondered how I know that my chain is too slack? I was oiling it today and noticed that I can push the bottom part of the chain up and touch the swingarm (about 1.5 - 2 inches). Is this too slack or is it ok? No noise or vibrations etc.. from the chain, just curious as it mentions 30mm in the manual and it seems to go further than that. The chain doesn't sag or anything when looking at it from the side, so I am assuming it is OK. Cheers.

28-02-06, 10:25 PM	#2
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	The slack can vary as you turn the wheel due to tight spots and you should check it at the tightest point you can find.Then there should be 30mm vertical play halfway between the sprockets.Better slightly too much slack than too little.Keep it oiled. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

28-02-06, 11:24 PM	#4
rictus01 Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: South London Posts: 9,799	Indeed, Biker Biggles is correct, however Samurai method is normally used after you've adjusted the chain, just sit on it and feel how tight it is (shouldn't be solid , if so just back it off half a turn at a time until you get about 1/2 inch play) . Cheers Mark. __________________ Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming, 'Wow! What a Ride!

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28-02-06, 10:36 PM	#3
Samurai Guest Posts: n/a	I was told the best way to check slack is to sit on the bike and then get someone to check the chain as it take up the slack as would happen when your riding bike, stops you over tightening the chain