Author Topic: Is something bent? (Read 2954 times)

IAmCitizenMe · « **on:** April 22, 2009, 05:40:14 PM »

When I put my bike on the center stand and rotate the back wheel, I noticed that the chain tension fluctuates between too tight and too loose about every one and three quarter turn. I'm fairly new to motorcycles in general so I'm not sure what the issue might be. Anyone have any tips or suggestions?

Shenanigans · « **Reply #1 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:45:46 PM »

Worn chain/Sprockets perhaps?

ev0lution7 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:47:38 PM »

take your chain off and inspect for worn spots on the sprockets and binding "links" sounds like you might have some "frozen" links... i would check into that ASAP you dont want that chain breaking RIGHT???

d3buttz · « **Reply #3 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:51:52 PM »

check to see that the line mark on the chain tensioners is equal on both sides of the swing arm, also check that all the round "rollers" are there between the peanut shaped sides of the chain, then check for stiff links, then replace chain if that doesnt work, if not fixed, try checking if the sprocket is bent and concectrically off, if not fixed, replace rear sprocket.
this is my opinion, but my chain was missising a whole roller when i was nu rto bikes and replacing the chain fixed it for me. good luck, donald

IAmCitizenMe · « **Reply #4 on:** April 22, 2009, 05:57:48 PM »

Actually, I think it is the chain. I found out the other day that the things stretch. Never crossed my mind. So I need to learn how to replace the chain. I have a lot to learn. I'll get there.

d3buttz · « **Reply #5 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:00:33 PM »

a stretched chain wont do that if it was stretched under regular wear. dont risk a wheel locking up on you. eesh scary! $:-\$

Johnie · « **Reply #6 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:07:31 PM »

And remember if you replace the chain you should replace both sprockets too.

333 · « **Reply #7 on:** April 22, 2009, 06:37:20 PM »

And chains don't stretch, they wear. The metal does not get longer. What happens is that the pins wear on the hole on the inner links. When the hole wears, it becomes oval. The inner links allow the outer ones to be farther apart, but the distance between the outer links doesn't change. This difference is what makes the sprockets wear. The end result is that the chain is actually longer, so the misnomer of stretching is believable, but not accurate.

WFO · « **Reply #8 on:** April 22, 2009, 07:25:36 PM »

Quote from: IAmCitizenMe on April 22, 2009, 05:57:48 PM

Actually, I think it is the chain. I found out the other day that the things stretch. Never crossed my mind. So I need to learn how to replace the chain. I have a lot to learn. I'll get there.

This guy explains alot: http://www.dansmc.com/indexindex.htm

Markcb750 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 22, 2009, 07:30:31 PM »

The chain on my K6 did the same thing when I got it. It would improve if I lubed and cleaned it well but soon displayed the same cyclical tightening soon after.

New sprockets and chain eliminated the problem. I put on an O ring chain. Only one adjustment required in 1000 miles.

Johnie · « **Reply #10 on:** April 23, 2009, 03:43:31 AM »

Quote from: Markcb750 on April 22, 2009, 07:30:31 PM

The chain on my K6 did the same thing when I got it. It would improve if I lubed and cleaned it well but soon displayed the same cyclical tightening soon after.

New sprockets and chain eliminated the problem. I put on an O ring chain. Only one adjustment required in 1000 miles.

I agree with Mark...I am an o-ring chain guy too. But if you have some kind of skinny aftermarket chain guard on there you could have a problem. They are a little wider than the OEM, but well worth the $$$. With the OEM chain guard you will be OK.

bryanj · « **Reply #11 on:** April 23, 2009, 09:30:04 AM »

If the bike in question is a 500 or 550

DO NOT fit an "O" ring chain or you will wear away the crankcase

Johnie · « **Reply #12 on:** April 23, 2009, 01:38:33 PM »

Quote from: bryanj on April 23, 2009, 09:30:04 AM

If the bike in question is a 500 or 550

DO NOT fit an "O" ring chain or you will wear away the crankcase

Very good point Bryan...and right on too. O-rings only work on the 750's.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 23, 2009, 03:54:25 PM »

Yes, it seems a O ring chain is not good an a 500/550 due to clearance issues...sorry.

I used a diamond pre-stretched chain on my 1971 500four, sold it shortly thereafter. cannot comment on the life other then the desert dust of AZ are tough on chains.

MCRider · « **Reply #14 on:** April 23, 2009, 04:52:21 PM »

Quote from: IAmCitizenMe on April 22, 2009, 05:57:48 PM

Actually, I think it is the chain. I found out the other day that the things stretch. Never crossed my mind. So I need to learn how to replace the chain. I have a lot to learn. I'll get there.

It is the chain, and the discussion of "stretching" vs wear is correct. What causes the "tightsie/loosie" effect is simply that the chain was not uniformly lubed and parts of it wore faster than other parts.

Theoretically, if the lubing is done often and uniformly the chain will wear uniformly. As a practical matter this seldom happens and the tight/loose effect is the result.

it is also true, especially if the chain is that bad, that you should change the chain and sprockets as a set.

With all new parts, and with the excellent way i know you will be caring for your chain, you could get 2 maybe 3 chains to a set of sprockets. (Some will insist every time. YMMV)

This was one of the first issues I ever had when i started riding as well. Went through the whole "oblong/bent sprocket" thing...never happens. Its the chain. (Probably

)

IAmCitizenMe · « **Reply #15 on:** April 24, 2009, 01:14:37 PM »

Yea. This website is awesome. Thanks, y'all!

HondaMan · « **Reply #16 on:** April 24, 2009, 01:40:42 PM »

Quote from: MCRider on April 23, 2009, 04:52:21 PM

It is the chain, and the discussion of "stretching" vs wear is correct. What causes the "tightsie/loosie" effect is simply that the chain was not uniformly lubed and parts of it wore faster than other parts.

Theoretically, if the lubing is done often and uniformly the chain will wear uniformly. As a practical matter this seldom happens and the tight/loose effect is the result.

it is also true, especially if the chain is that bad, that you should change the chain and sprockets as a set.

With all new parts, and with the excellent way i know you will be caring for your chain, you could get 2 maybe 3 chains to a set of sprockets. (Some will insist every time. YMMV)

This was one of the first issues I ever had when i started riding as well. Went through the whole "oblong/bent sprocket" thing...never happens. Its the chain. (Probably )

There is one extra "rule" to keep in mind about aftermarket sprockets, if you have one: there was a brand for a while in the 1980s that was notorious for having the center locating hole slightly larger than it should be, and also the bolt holes for the mounts to the hub. The result: it was possible (and often happened) to bolt the sprocket on off-center. These were ALL aluminum sprockets: their own steel sprockets were OK. The company is gone now, but those designers might be working for other aftermarket sprocket companies....

754 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 24, 2009, 08:47:54 PM »

Its the chain, moreso if you dump the clutch often.

Myself the way I ride, pretty well every chain does it..
that is why AWAYS, & I do mean Always.. adjust at tightest point..
Actually looking for that is just plain normal procedure before adjustment..

IAmCitizenMe · « **Reply #18 on:** June 19, 2009, 06:46:06 PM »

I bought some new/old bars from Gorms. They just came in today. Looks WAY better than those damned ape-hangers I had on there.

Before:

After:

From what I can tell, the headlight (which I bought in order to quickly get it through saftey inspection) and exhaust are the only things that aren't stock. Unless others notice anything...?

ev0lution7 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:06:44 PM »

looks good!!!!!!!

Dave-and-his-550 · « **Reply #20 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:17:59 PM »

Ya, if your sprocket looks like this you prob wanna replace it:

NickC · « **Reply #21 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:22:10 PM »

Quote from: IAmCitizenMe on June 19, 2009, 06:46:06 PM

I bought some new/old bars from Gorms. They just came in today. Looks WAY better than those damned ape-hangers I had on there.

Before:

After

From what I can tell, the headlight (which I bought in order to quickly get it through saftey inspection) and exhaust are the only things that aren't stock. Unless others notice anything...?

Looks good! Check out the apehangers that came with mine!

IAmCitizenMe · « **Reply #22 on:** June 19, 2009, 07:23:40 PM »

Yup. Those are definitely ape-hangers. And your tires must've stunk as well.

News:

Author Topic: Is something bent? (Read 2954 times)

ev0lution7

Markcb750

Markcb750

ev0lution7