The Chain that would not tighten

I own a 1997 VFR and I have followed all of the instructions on how to tighten the chain. At first this worked. Lately when I try to adjust the tension nothing happens. Now the chain is too loose to safely ride with. I am going to have the shop replace the chain and sprockets but I am wondering if I will also need to have them replace the holder bearing? I would be grateful for any and all comments.

Thanks!!

 

i'm assuming you used the special tool to turn the eccentric and went clockwise(if looking at the rear sprocket from left side of bike). if you cant get it in adjustment the chain and sprockets are probably worn out. there is a little guide on the rear of the chain guard as to when to replace chain. make sure you are also setting the slack with the bike on the sidestand not the centerstand. you can check the rear bearing with the bike on the centerstand there should be no play side to side. the only other thing i can think of for the chain is ifit was replaced before and was 1 link too long it probably wont tighten up anymore if the chain is worn.

 

Yep sounds like one, the chain is way past it's wear points, or two you are not getting at the eccentric that rotes the assembly, more likely it's past it's wear points, so yes get a new chain asap. Interesting, I've Never seen this where a chain is so worn one is not able to tighten.

 

How many miles on the bike/chain?


(WOW!! This is my 1000th post. You'd think I could come up with a better question for #1000.)

 

Thanks to all for the great advice. I am not sure how many miles are on the chain. There were 20,000 miles on the bike when I bought it used, and I have put on about 4000 miles since then. I do know that the original owner modified to a non-stock sprocket set so the idea about the chain having one too many links may have hit the problem on the head. (I am going back to the stock configuration). Also, thanks for the advice on center stand vs side stand adjustment. I tried center stand first and then realized the error of my ways. Unfortunately, even with the tensioner in the eccentric the correct way the chain will still not tighten.

 

It might be that your tool is hitting on the back of the hub, happens to me sometimes. Also maybe so loose that the Caliper mounting bolts are hitting the rear swing arm keeping it from rotating further. Otherwise if it looks like the links are binding and gears are worn replace it with the good steel stock sprockets and 112 link 530 chain. Move the eccentric so the Axle is at the top 1:00 position so it will tighten clockwise. Lower you front forks to 47mm above the top tripple clamp, set your sag and all will be good

 

*sigh*

RAISE your forks / DROP the yoke....

 

Yes .... that too :smile:

 

what is the problem, exactly?

Is the eccentric moving or not ? If not, then the problem is that the eccentric is seized in the hub > nothing to do with the chain at all..
This can happen if a scottoiler is used, because the chain is adjusted less frequently therefore the eccentric is not moved and can seize.
It's a good idea to slacken it off and give it a wiggle every so often...:bootyshake2:

 

Chain Adjusting

The chain tensioning works with the axle offset within the hub so if you tighen it far enough it will come back around and start loosening it. It sounds like the chain is stretched. The PDF manual that I have says there is a label that lets you know when the chain is done.

 

I would say Chain is stretch to its limit...and wouldnt ride it until you have replaced it.
Throwing a chain is never good!

I have the EXACT same problem right now.
1993 3rd gen.
the bike has 21k w/ original chain.

It seems i have had to adjust the chain almost every week lately.
When using the chain tool and turning clockwise I reach what appears to be the limit.
It just wont turn after a point, like I reached the end when turning.

At this point the chain is still almost 3/4" out of spec.
I tried moving the eccentric back counter-clockwise a ways then adjusting again.
But no matter what the chain never comes back into spec.

Sprocket seems to still have some life, though I would assume the chain has reached its last days. I'm right at the cusp of wear life for a OEM chain...
So I'm just replacing everything this week. New 520 Chain/sprockets

-S