newb question about chain tension

when i bought my 6th gen (used at 12K miles), the chain was super loose. i got it home, put it on the center stand, and adjusted the tensions as shown in the owner's manual. that was a few months ago. checking my chain out again the other day, it's now just as loose as before if not more so.

now, understand that i am very new to bikes so this question may seem really obvious to most of you: is this normal? do i just have to habitually tighten up the chain on the bike? how often should i be checking?

if this isn't normal, what should i be looking at? do i possibly have a worn out chain and sprockets, or would it be something worse?

Mike

 

One thing you might want to check. At 12K the chain probably needs replacing. If the guy who sold it to you had it very loose there is a good chance it wasn't maintained very well. Hard to explain in an email how to check the chain for replacement so I would recommend taking it to a bike shop and asking them to do a quick check.

 

That was my first thought as well.

 

Make sure the clamp bolt for the eccentric adjuster is tightened to torque spec. It may be slipping if not tightened correctly. Also, when you adjust a chain, you have to rotate the wheel to find the tightest section of chain and perform the adjustment to get the desired amount of slack in that position. Everywhere else in the wheel's rotation the chain is going to be looser if it is a semi-worn chain and sprockets. They don't stretch evenly and sprockets don't wear evenly either (if its been neglected) 12K is a fairly long ways for a neglected chain. My two cents...

 

Dude, so many variables here, hard to say, but in my experience adjusting a chain like every 500 miles isn't out of line, just depends on use, as in lube, riding style, how annal one is in how much slack you're concerned with being to much. Me? I check it at least every long ride say 300 miles more than likely It won't need one but on the average by 500 miles there's enough to be taken in. also in your case depends on the care it received, when a chain decides to go by by, it does it pretty quick, also notice tight and lose spots, a chain never wears out evenly. Ive had it like on a race track you'll be adjusting the chain almost every time out then on long rides maybe won't touch it for 700 just depends, is why you keep an eye on it. m luckily the VFR is the easiest machine to do a chain adjustment on

 

thanks guys. i think i'm gonna get it replace if nothing else just for the peace of mind. i'm getting ready to turn this into a 100+ mile/day commuter and i DON'T need any surprises.

so, dare i ask, what's a good chain and sprocket brand and where can i get a good price?

also, is this a DIY job for someone mechanically-inclined? any special tools involved?

Mike

 

Here is the link to your question. You will find lots of good info. here

http://vfrworld.com/forums/mechanics-garage/11745-chain-sprockets.html

 

wow. that makes my head spin. but what i'm hearing is the OEM sprockets are as good as anything else, mainly because they're steel. replace them with the chain, then get a 'gold' chain. don't understand all the talk of 510,520, etc, and it sounds like more of a PITA than i want to deal with to install, so maybe i'll leave this one to the pros.

Mike

 

You need a chain rivet tool to set the connecting link. Everything else is easy. I would swap out the sprockets and chain at home, then load the bike in a pick-up and bring it to the shop to have them set the link.

 

A 520 chain is a heavier chain than a 510. Steel sprockets last longer, alum sprockets are lighter but don't last as long.

 

heavier = better longevity? looking to get maximum wear out of this guy. weight isn't an issue. is anything needed to run a 'heavier' chain? different sprockets?

Mike

 

Hmm, see no mention of the 530, as thats what it is. unless some one all ready swapped it, as far as chain brands go R&K, D-D are both good chains and agree go with OEM sprockets. Yep, you'll need a chain rivet press.

 

Good advise

I agree with mello dude
I did the same to my bike at 12k miles, replaced the change with DID gold, and stock spocket. Now at 40k mile the change still good condition, But I think the spocket need to replace again.

 

heavier = beefier.....:biggrin: