If you’re looking for some ballpark figures on how loose a motorcycle chain should be, the rule of thumb is that the slack of street bike chains should be about 1.2 – 1.6 inches while dirt bikes usually require 1.4 – 2.0 inches of slack, Cycle World reports. Again, these are pretty average numbers.
Is your motorcycle chain too tight or too loose?
For a stable street-hop, your motorcycle chain needs to hang in the sweet spot. Too tight, and the tension will restrict your power and force, effectively hindering your motion (and safety). Too loose, though, and you risk a chain jumping off a sprocket; a slapping chain has the potential to damage moto-parts (and rider-parts).
How much slack should be on a bike chain?
The slack value normally mentions a range like 10mm to 15mm or 0.25ʺ to 0.75ʺ, etc. Your owner’s manual might have given a location for checking the chain slack, otherwise, the normal thumb rule is to check the slack at the midpoint between the two sprocket wheels. Observe the chain now, place your one/two fingers below the chain and push it up.
How do you adjust the drive chain on a motorcycle?
Adjust the drive chain by loosening the axle nut three or so turns. You’ll need to put some torque on it to get it turning. On street bikes and some dirt bikes, there’ll be bolts you need to turn to adjust the chain. At the rate of just one-quarter turn per twist, adjust each side of the swingarm to the exact amount.
How to size a bike chain correctly?
You need to check your bike’s documentation for correct chain sizing information. In most cases, to correctly size a chain you should do the following steps: wrap the chain around the largest cog in the rear and the largest chainring in the front, and bypass both derailleurs;
How do I know if my motorcycle chain is too loose?
Another symptom of a loose chain on a motorcycle is a chain tug, a tugging feeling you feel when the bike keeps steady RPMs in a lower gear, which is another symptom of a loose chain.
How much slack is a motorcycle chain supposed to have?
Push up on the bottom of the chain and note the distance between the full-slack (lower) position and the no-slack (upper) position on the bottom . 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm) is typical for streetbikes, while dirt bikes may need 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) of slack.
How many inches of play should your motorcycle chain have?
1.2-1.6 inchesHaving 1.2-1.6 inches (30-40 mm) of slack is normal for most street bikes, but adventure and dirt bikes might need 1.4-2 inches (35-50 mm).
How loose should my chain be?
Is it coming undone while you ride? Check your chain out. It should be tight enough that it only allows you to move it up and down about one inch. If it is sagging or much looser than that, you need to tighten that chain up.
How much slack should there be on a chain?
Chain slack should be adjusted to 2% of the chain span. It is essential to inspect such drives regularly for correct chain tension. Idlers are recommended. Slack should be on lower side when possible (D).
How do you check motorcycle chain slack?
Pull your chain down and measure the distance between the centre of the chain and the sprocket. Lift it to its highest point and measure the distance again. Find the difference between these two measurements and – voilà! You've got your chain's tension.
Does a motorcycle chain get tighter when you sit on the bike?
The reason the chain gets more tight, as you sit on the bike, is the distance between the sprockets gets longer as you compress the rear suspension. This makes the chain get tighter. It's just how it is, on almost every bike.
How tight is too tight motorcycle chain?
Place the end of the tape measure at the bottom of the swing arm and use the link pin as your point of reference. The link pin should move up and down to the specified measurements. If it doesn't move that much, your chain is too tight.
How tight is too tight bike chain?
As long as the chain doesn't fly off once you hit the gnar gnar, and as long as it doesn't bind and make moving the pedals difficult, the chain tension is fine. A few exceptions: Fixed gear: You want the chain to be pretty tight. It's no fun feeling that extra-loose section of the crank rotation every so often.
Why does my motorcycle chain keep getting loose?
A motorcycle chain that keeps getting loose is usually caused by the rear axle or chain tensioning bolts not being tight enough. It can also be cause by a new chain not being worn in enough, worn down sprocket teeth, having too tight of a tension, or having the wrong size of chain installed.
Why does my motorcycle chain make a jerky sound?
This is because too much slack allows the chain to contact the swingarm or the chain guard. Besides the noise, this also causes a jerky feeling at virtually every acceleration.
What happens if your motorcycle chain is too loose?
If this happens (and you are lucky), the chain will run freely, leaving you without any engine power. But in the worst-case scenario, the chain can get stuck between the swingarm and the sprocket, which causes the rear wheel to lock up. Unfortunately, this typically ends in an accident.
Why is your motorcycle chain tension important?
The tension of a motorcycle chain is an important factor in the smooth running of your bike and its longevity. The purpose of a motorcycle chain is to drive the rear wheel. It is a system of gears that transmits rotation and power from the engine through the transmission and to the rear wheel with as little loss as possible.
What will happen if your motorcycle chain is too tight?
If your motorcycle chain is too tight it will put more strain on the drive train components which will lead to increased wear and tear.
What happens if my motorcycle chain is too loose?
A loose chain will do exactly what you expect it to do! To go back to our car analogy, think about driving without putting your seat belt on – you could get in serious accidents if anything were to happen! Not only does a sliding chain mean that your motorcycle will not be running in the most efficient manner, but it also means that your sprockets can end up getting damaged or worn down..
How long does a motorcycle chain tension last?
The average new motorcycle chain tension will last 3000 miles but for an older chain, you would want to check tension every 750 miles.
How do I keep my motorbike chain tension optimal?
Keeping a check on a motorcycle’s chain tension means checking it before every ride. The best way to do this is to push down on the rear suspension as hard as possible just before you jump on your bike.
Can I adjust my own motorcycle chain tension?
You can definitely adjust your own motorcycle chain tension. Adjusting your own motorcycle chain tension is not as easy as putting up an Ikea bookshelf but it certainly isn’t hard either.
Conclusion
Keeping your bike chain tension in check is essential for keeping your motorcycle in top condition! Remember that too tight is bad and too loose may cause damage, so by checking it before every ride you are being proactive about the longevity of your motorcycle.
Is my motorcycle chain too loose?
Too tight is as bad as too loose, but it’ll only take minutes to get it right. You should check and adjust your chain every 500 miles (805 km), and more often for a dirt bike. 1.2–1.6 inches (30–40 mm) is typical for streetbikes, while dirt bikes may need 1.4–2.0 inches (35–50 mm) of slack.
How much slack should a bike chain have?
Chain Tension There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.
Can you use wd40 on motorcycle chain?
So, can I use WD-40 on my motorcycle chain? It is highly recommended that you do not use Multi-Purpose WD-40 on your motorcycle chain. The WD stands for Water Displacement, and it is designed to disperse water away from metal parts to prevent rust.
Why does my motorcycle chain keep getting tight?
A motorcycle chain that keeps getting loose is usually caused by the rear axle or chain tensioning bolts not being tight enough. It can also be cause by a new chain not being worn in enough, worn down sprocket teeth, having too tight of a tension, or having the wrong size of chain installed.
How long do motorcycle chains last?
So, how often should a motorcycle chain be replaced? In general, a properly maintained motorcycle can will last 20,000 to 30,000 miles, sometimes more. But, some last as little as 5,000 to 10,000 miles. This difference is due to the type of chain, how and where you ride, and how well you maintain it.
What causes motorcycle chain slap?
Over time, chains stretch and wear out. Once past their prime, these parts allow excessive slack leading to chain slap. Other less common but commonly overlooked reasons for excess chain slack include a loose rear axle or loose chain adjusters and improper rear suspension setup which can also cause chain binding.
Can you adjust motorcycle chain without stand?
You don’t need a stand to tighten your chain.. If you however have to lube and clean the chain you can lift the rear wheel easily by locking the front brake with a piece of string or duck tape, then tip the bike over towards the Sidestrand until the rear tire lifts off.
How does a tight chain affect a motorcycle?
The rear suspension is connected to the rear axle on which the rear wheel sprocket is mounted, and the tight chain can have an impact on the working of the suspension and make the ride uncomfortable to the rider. You may lose control over the motorcycle.
What does a chain do on a motorcycle?
The chain is a vital part of your motorcycle and it is the chain that delivers the power from the driver sprocket at the engine end to the driven sprocket on the rear wheel. If the chain is too loose or too tight, it affects the transmission of power from the engine to the rear wheel. Riding your motorcycle with the chain too loose ...
How to check if a motorcycle has chain slack?
You can check the chain slack of your motorcycle in the following steps. Step 1 -Read your owner’s manual to know the recommended drive-chain slack for your motorcycle. Step 2 -Put off the engine and allow it to cool down. Put the motorcycle on its center stand. Shift the transmission gear to neutral.
What happens if a chain is tight?
The consequences of a tight chain depend on how tight it is. A tight chain can wear out the sprockets faster, can affect bearings, makes the engine work hard, and the chain may break. A broken chain on a fast-moving motorcycle can lead to accidents. VI.
Why is my chain so loose?
The reasons for a chain becoming too loose can be (i) due to the normal wearing out of the links and the pins over a period (ii) the rear axle nut may be loose and the rear wheel has moved a bit towards the engine and (iii) if you had purchased a used motorcycle, its earlier owner may have set it wrongly.
How does a motorcycle chain work?
A motorcycle chain that is too tight can lead to: 1 Increased wear on the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth. It can even bend the sprocket or warp it. 2 A tight chain will make the front sprocket (engine end) work hard and since the sprocket is driven by the engine the engine is made to work harder. This can affect the bearings on the engine/transmission side. 3 The rear suspension is connected to the rear axle on which the rear wheel sprocket is mounted, and the tight chain can have an impact on the working of the suspension and make the ride uncomfortable to the rider. 4 You may lose control over the motorcycle. 5 The chain will wear out fast and can even break and the breaking of the chain on a fast-moving motorcycle can be particularly dangerous to the rider and can lead to accidents.
What happens when you tighten a chain?
Increased wear on the sprockets, and the sprocket teeth. It can even bend the sprocket or warp it. A tight chain will make the front sprocket (engine end) work hard and since the sprocket is driven by the engine the engine is made to work harder. This can affect the bearings on the engine/transmission side.
How to clean a bike chain?
Step 1 Read the owner's manual for the correct amount of drive-chain slack. Most streetbikes also have a sticker on the swingarm. Step 2 With the engine off, put the bike on its sidestand or centerstand, ...
Does adjusting a bike chain make it faster?
Adjusting your bike’s chain won’t make it any faster, but it’s critical if you want your chain to last. It’s fast, easy, and next to checking your own tire pressure it’s one of the first things any home mechanic should learn. Too tight is as bad as too loose, but it’ll only take minutes to get it right. You should check and adjust your chain every ...
How to size a chain?
In most cases, to correctly size a chain you should do the following steps: 1 wrap the chain around the largest cog in the rear and the largest chainring in the front, and bypass both derailleurs; 2 while holding one end against the teeth of the largest chainring, pull the other end of the chain and wrap it around the largest cog on the cassette or freewheel; 3 line up the end of the chain against an opposite link (inner and outer links), and then 4 add two rivets of chain length. 5 Using a chain tool, break the chain at this rivet and attach using a connecting pin or connecting link.
How to tell if a chain is too long?
Luckily it is usually an easy fix! To find out whether your chain is too long take a look at it from the side with your eyes being level with the chain . A loose chain will sag close to or below the chainstays as the chain hangs between the rear cogs and chainring. The chain might skip as you pedal, or even drop off the gears.
Why does my bike chain sag?
If the chain is too tight, you might feel and hear binding in the drivetrain as you pedal. If it is too loose, the chain could skip or drop, and you can see it sag. On bikes with derailleurs a loose chain will sag when the drivetrain is in the “small-small” gear combination, and a tight chain will not be able to shift into ...
What happens if you lose your chain?
A loose chain can cause accelerated wear of your drivetrain components, leading to premature cassette or freewheel or cog replacement, chainring replacement, or chain replacement. Additionally, the chain could unexpectedly drop off the gears, causing you to lose your balance as you pedal leading to a crash, or it could become stuck in other parts ...
What happens if your derailleur is sagging?
If there is still sag in the chain, the rear derailleur itself may be damaged and unable to properly tension the chain, requiring repair or replace ment. The spring that pulls the derailleur cage back may be worn out, and this is not something that is usually serviceable, but a new derailleur will get you back shifting.
What is the purpose of a rear derailleur?
The rear derailleur on these bikes serves two purposes: to allow shifting across the cassette or freewheel, and to tension the chain as the amount of chain wrapped around the gears changes as you shift.
Do derailleur bikes sag?
On a derailleur equipped bicycle, the chain should have just enough links to be long enough to shift into the “big-big” combination, but also not sag in “small-small”. Note that for bikes with rear suspension the chain may sag in “small-small” as the chain often needs to have a few extra links so that the rear triangle can lengthen as ...
