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Chain Tension

3K views 10 replies 11 participants last post by  trackdayhero 
#1 ·
I have an 01 ZX6R and I noticed a clunk when I would accelerate hard from a stop in 1st, noticed that my chain seemed pretty loose... in fact it was starting to wear into my swingarm a little bit. So I tighten the chain a bit. My little clunk went away and now I got zero lag when I take off. But when I'm slowing down and almost at a stop I can feel a pretty good vibration in my feet, DEFINETLY coming from the rear. I know it's got something to do with the tension of the chain on the rear sprocket. if I move the bike at like 5mph I swear I can feel the chain binding up a little.

Question is, is there a spec on how much play your chain should have or should I keep tweaking in until I find a happy medium?
 
#2 ·
idk but i'm experiencing a similar problem. When i take off from first and even going into second I hear almost like a clunking sound. Idk if it's my clutch or if it's the chain. My clutch shifts gears perfectly, revs perfectly, never gets stuck in gear or anything like that. I looked at the chain and it did seem kinda loose so idk if it's the chain making a sound because it's loose or if something is wrong with the clutch. Anybody have any idea?
 
#3 ·
i normaly have a bout 1/2 inch movement in the chain up or down when im on the bike.. You might have a tight spot in the chain too?
 
#4 ·
have you removed the primary cover?
That's where Id start, have a good look @ the front sprocket.
Also check rear & front sprocket alignment.
 
#5 ·
Not talking down to you, but if you let the chain tension get that loose, you probably didn't keep it lubed as you shoud either. If you did you would have tightened the chain before it was so loose. You may have some tight, bad links in the chain.

Loosen the chain by slidding the rear wheel all the way forward and work each individual link. If any are tight, lube them generously and work the links. If they loosen up, great. If not replace the chain. Inspect the front and rear sproc's for wear. Replace them also if worn. A loose or overtightened chain causes a lot of issues in the drive system.

Again, I'm not talking doen to you. We all need to take better care of our equipment at times.
 
#6 ·
^ thats some good advice right there... cant say it any better than that
 
#7 ·
Can we just add a hotbutton on the forum...[ask landspeeder]
You are right on the money in all advice he gives me.... Hell charge a $2.00 a month to be in the forum to rule out the knuckle heads and you and Lash split the proceeds.

Of course with my 20% advisor fee for promoting this awesome idea..."cough cough"
 
#10 ·
I've been having a similar problem with my chain. hearing a clunking noise sometimes when taking off and what feels like a tight spot in the chain at low speeds. Will defenitelty be taking landspeeders advice and checking for tight spots in the chain tomorrow.
 
#11 ·
What do you mean by "wear into your swingarm a little"? Are you missing a chain slider? Also, chains will develop a "tight spot". When you adjust your chain (the adjustment spec for yours should be printed on your swingarm) you want have your bike on a stand and turn the wheel until you find the tightest spot in the chain and make your adjustment with it at that point. Yes, that means the loosest spot in the chain will feel pretty loose but you do not want a tight spot because it can/will damage your countershaft and sprockets. If there is a large difference between the tightest spot and loosest spot and cannot be worked out by the method landspeeder described then it is probably time to get a new chain. In addition to the play adjustment there is also a chain length (stretch/wear) limit check. A chain that is stretched beyond limits will also cause your sprockets to wear very quickly, not to mention be in danger of breaking.
 
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