my chain and sprocket looks ok, but it seems like the chain is getting loose faster than it should. ive put on 800 miles and have to tightened it 2 times already, is that normal? (85 VF500F)
Are you sure what you're considering 'loose' isn't in fact normal tension? How far is the chain traveling when you wiggle halfway between the sprockets?
now i have about 3/4 of an inch of travel. before i tightened it there was 1 1/2 inches of travel. not sure how to tell if it is a o-ring chain or not.
3/4th an inch is too tight, a too tight chain will stretch faster. It's almost better to have too loose than too tight (though set properly will always be best). Too tight a chain will annihilate the chain, sprockets and if tightened to the extreme, will overstress the transmission/engine and can cause the counter shaft to bend (I believe).
there should be about an inch of travel from hanging to tight when lifted half wat between sprokets. you can tell if it is an O-ring chain by looking between the little bars in the center of the chain and the side plates. there should be tiny little O-rings between each piece of metal on every link. I got 10k on my first chain before I ran out of adjustment on the bike. I ride semi hard.
