Drive Chain Tension

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:13 pm

Hello,

After a couple long 100+ mile rides my chain stretched out a bit so I went to add some more tension and got a bit confused. The marks on my swing-arm for the tensioner aren't really visible anymore so I can't set the chain tension based on that I'm just kinda winging it. Seems pretty straight but I notice depending on which part of the chain you're on, some parts are looser and some tighter. Does that mean my wheel isn't aligned properly and I should line it up more? How important is perfect wheel alignment? Also, what's your favorite grease for chain lubing? I just used some old, black cycle chain grease, seems fine.

Thanks,

Andy

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Mon Jan 14, 2013 9:54 pm

Chain should be about the same tension no matter what position it is in. You may have a worn sprocket or a bad section in your chain causing it to be tight/loose as it turns.

Plain grease is about worthless for lubing a chain. It does not lube the interior part of the chain and is good at collecting dirt. Years ago, prior to o-ring chains, we used to heat a pan of grease until it was liquid the immerse the chain in it. This was an attempt to lube the inner part of the chain. Today's o-ring chains work much better and stay lubed. If you don't have an o-ring chain there are a variety of chain lubes available. They are fairly watery when sprayed but thicken as they dry. Clean and lube it after a short ride when it is still warm.

Also chain tension should be adjusted with you sitting on the seat. Chain tension may change at the suspension settles under your weight.

davomoto · Post by **davomoto** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 10:53 am

Andy, tight and loose spots indicate a worn chain. It may or may not be time to replace. How many miles on the bike now? The marks are visible, but with the paint are a bit hard to interpet. I use Bel Ray Super Clean chain lube on all of my bikes, street and dirt!

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 11:32 am

Probably about 3,500 miles on the bike. Is that about the lifetime of a chain? Should I replace now, or wait a bit longer? If my sprocket is a little worn, will that just wear out the new chain prematurely?

What chain do you guys recommend? Is it possible to buy any 'vintage motorcycle' chain and change the tooth amount to get the correct number of links?

Thanks.

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 1:36 pm

A properly lubed and adjusted chain (old style) will last probably 10,000 to 15,000 miles. A new style (o-ring) chain when properly cleaned and adjusted probably last 30,000 miles and requires very little maintenance.

A worn sprocket will wear out a new chain. The countershaft sprocket wears the fastest. Check it first. With the total number of miles on your bike the chain is probably suffering from lack of use. Oil and grease solidify when not used for long periods and really don't lubricate. Take your chain off and lay it flat on the ground. See how much end-to-end play there is. Also check how much it will bend side-to-side. It should be fairly tight.

If you ride a lot a new o-ring chain (and maybe a sprocket) is a good investment if not then a standard chain would be okay. Add a bit of chain lube every 500 miles. Chain is sold by the number of links - count your links and order a chain of the same size.

akpasta · Post by **akpasta** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 3:41 pm

Thanks for the advice.

Would this chain be appropriate? http://www.ebay.com/itm/New-530-120-196 ... 9b&vxp=mtr

Also, do sprockets vary based on year? I've noticed some reference to late and early model front sprockets. What about rear sprockets? Same throughout the years?

cadman · Post by **cadman** » Tue Jan 15, 2013 5:20 pm

I am not familiar with the exact chain that fits your bike - but if it's a match for your bike it will work. Be sure and check your sprockets and get chain lube specifically for o-ring chain. Do not use regular oil - frequently it is not compatible with the o-rings.