Chain Question

[jamesterror]

As of my newbie comment in the cam adjustment Chain needs tightening, but I'll be replacing it within the next 4 weeks as it needs it.

I can feel the "loseness" of the chain and sometimes hear it slapping something, not a good sound.

The current chain & sprockets are the OEM, 18,300 miles ish on the bike - scottoiler has looked after it with previous owner, still remains on the bike.

Here are 2 pics of chain / sprocket (pics are large files.. and yes it all needs a good clean which is happening friday);

http://5wire.co.uk/james/DSCF1564.JPG
http://5wire.co.uk/james/DSCF1565.JPG


There are 2 "notches" left to tighten it, but I have only have a rough idea of how to tighten it. The plan is to tighten the chain to the next notch and then get it replaced within the next 4 weeks as said.

Question is how to tighten it, I have a mate who could show me how to do it but hes away at the minute.

Sorry for newbie questions but couldn't find how to do it on the search (unless I'm blind which is likely).

[Biker Biggles]

You dont tighten it by the notch,you do it by the amount of slack.Measure the slack on the bottom section of chain halfway between the sprockets.It should be about three Cm.It will vary a bit according to which bit of chain is measured,but go for the 3 cm at the tightest section.Note that a very small amount of adjustment(1/4 turn)takes out a lot of slack so dont overdo it.

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

You dont tighten it by the notch,you do it by the amount of slack.Measure the slack on the bottom section of chain halfway between the sprockets.It should be about three Cm.It will vary a bit according to which bit of chain is measured,but go for the 3 cm at the tightest section.Note that a very small amount of adjustment(1/4 turn)takes out a lot of slack so dont overdo it.

Another newbie question, how do you measure the slack, as in from its current position on the bottom how much it moves up or down?

Like this?

[Biker Biggles]

Three cm total movement.It doesnt have to be exact,just to make sure there is enough slack to prevent it running too tight,thus putting strain on the gearbox shaft or affecting suspension travel.
BTW your pic of the rear sprocket looks fine.Are you sure your chain is worn out or just needing adjustment?Those original chains last very well,especially if a scotoiler is fitted.

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by Biker Biggles

Three cm total movement.It doesnt have to be exact,just to make sure there is enough slack to prevent it running too tight,thus putting strain on the gearbox shaft or affecting suspension travel.
BTW your pic of the rear sprocket looks fine.Are you sure your chain is worn out or just needing adjustment?Those original chains last very well,especially if a scotoiler is fitted.

Just tightening I think, they will need replacing within the next 2,000 miles as I don't ride hard, plus restrictor.

My next point - how do I go about tightening it as I've never ever done it before, I've most probably got the necessary tools as dad use to do a lot of work on his car.

[Biker Biggles]

Its really simple.Loosen the wheel spindle nut(very tight) and use an allen key to tighten with the two bolts right on the rear ends of the swingarm.(One each side)Turn them clockwise (Just a bit and same each side) to get right slack,then tighten everything up again.Re check tightness to ensure you got it right.

[Luckypants]

Have to agree that your sprocket looks ok and the advice about adjustment is spot on. You might want to look at the 'dispenser nib' of your scottoiler though, it is not meant to be bent up like that. You can get new ones from scottoil for a few pence. It should look like this..

[Dave20046]

Is it just me that doesn't think that chain looks too slack? Anyway as above measure the slack and adjust as appropriate then sit on the bike and make sure it still isn't too tight.
Sprocket doesn't looks too shark toothed either - sure that's done near 20k?

Chain does have some locked joints on it though - you can see them in the second picture. Clean it with parrafin and lube. Looks tight enough.

[jamesterror]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Have to agree that your sprocket looks ok and the advice about adjustment is spot on. You might want to look at the 'dispenser nib' of your scottoiler though, it is not meant to be bent up like that. You can get new ones from scottoil for a few pence. It should look like this..

Yeh I didn't think that looked right when I was having a look at the chain, will get the nib changed.

Originally Posted by Dave20046

Is it just me that doesn't think that chain looks too slack? Anyway as above measure the slack and adjust as appropriate then sit on the bike and make sure it still isn't too tight.
Sprocket doesn't looks too shark toothed either - sure that's done near 20k?

Yes the chain is a bit more 'slack' than it should be in my opinion when riding, I can certainly feel it when gradually accelerating, I'm sure a V isn't like that. I started to notice it a bit more on Sunday, have only had a little ride yesterday to see how it felt and needs tightening Just the doing part now!

Originally Posted by breakz187

Chain does have some locked joints on it though - you can see them in the second picture. Clean it with parrafin and lube. Looks tight enough.

It needs to be tightened slightly, a friend also pointed this out to me. I'm gonna clean it all over this weekend, rear sprocket is dirty as.