Chain Tension

[ChrisMember]

I’ve always struggled with chain tension and was wondering how to do it on your own.. I always had someone else there while I sat on the bike to check the tension however I would like to understand how to adjust it up on my own..

Thanks..

[Nick JacksonMember]

I put 2 fingers at the back of the chain guide on the swing arm and make sure that the chain is tensioned. If it’s loose I adjust until the 2 fingers are comfortable between chain and swingarm.
I’m sure theirs a more exact method but this seems a good rule of thumb. ( or finger!)

[Jeffrey SmithMember]

Do you have the owners manual Krusty, it’s all in there.

[DeanMember]

The easiest way to get it right every time is to make up a small “go no Go” gauge, basicly a flat piece of wood that has been cut to the correct height which you slip under the chain on top of the swing arm in the same place every time. Obviously you have to get the chain to the right tension first to determine what this height is just make sure the chain adjusters are done up evenly both sides.

Ollie

[Aaron WildeMember]

Hey Krusty. The owners manual on my Yammy tells you to measure from a allen key headed bolt on front slide chain guard on top and front of the swing arm. It from memory is 50 or so mm. Regardless of how you or suzuki do it one sugestion shown to me once is this. Firsly get the chain to the correct tension. Then pick up the chain right next to the plastic guard that protects the rear shock from roost. Then while you have the chain pulled up put a “V” mark on the guard right in line with the chain. Use this point to check tension from now on. You can mark the top or the bottom of the chain as long as you keep checking it in the same spot next time. Always make sure you have the rear suspension unloaded or this can create differences in chain length. From reading on here in the past it seems it is better to have a slightly looser chain than too tight. As this will stretch the chain when the swing arm moves to the point where the rear axle is in line with the swing arm bearing and the center of the front sprocket. Corect me if i am wrong on that last bit but when I push down on the rear suspension that is where the chain appears to be tightest. If you own a BMW 450x please disregard all of the above :laugh: Aaron.

[ChrisMember]

Thanks Fellas…

I knew most of what has been said and did have a look at the manual but was interested in what others do or if there was that magic method.. :laugh: :laugh:

[ScottMember]

On the Yammies I pull the bottom shock bolt out of the shock then operate the rear suspension through its travel and adjust accordingly doesn’t take as long as you think and its always right. Another thing to be aware of is don’t rely on the adjustment marks for rear wheel alignment on some bikes they can be up to 5mm difference side to side. I have pins machined up I install in the swingarm pivot bolt and rear axle then measure the distance. Works for me may work on other bikes too

[Aaron WildeMember]

Krusty wrote:

Quote:

Thanks Fellas…

I knew most of what has been said and did have a look at the manual but was interested in what others do or if there was that magic method.. :laugh: :laugh:

There is a magic method Krusty it is when you step off your bike at the end of the ride and say the chain tension is a bit out. When you go for the the next ride you realise that the elves have adjusted it for you. :laugh: Maybe we could organise some “pay it forward” scheem or random acts of kindness! But all for you and me Krusty now that would be magic!

[Brendon CarreMember]

Hey, I know that Elf he drinks Bundy and rides a xr650

[ChrisMember]

boulder wrote:

Quote:

Hey, I know that Elf he drinks Bundy and rides a xr650

:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :laugh:

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