Topic: Chain Question - Is This Normal?

[campbmic]

So, I got some new chain lube and decided to lube and tighten my chain today. Can you guys tell me if the chain is tight enough (see video) or too loose?

Also, I noticed when I put the bike on the main stand and roll the tire the chain seems to be making a strange noise and looks to be jumping around a lot is this normal also?

Thanks!

I set the camera down in part of the movie so I can get the bike on the main stand but keep watching!

[MCRider]

FYI: This has been covered, but I see you're new and I like to spout off.    Generally, if someone has to ask the question, its shot. Sprockets too.

From the sound, its completely worn out. While you're at it, hold the lower run of the chain up tight. Then go to the rear sprocket and at about 3 O Clock, try to lift the links away from the sprocket. IF this happens and you can see enough daylight to stick a screwdriver in, its shot.

Its probably adjusted all right. Lube it up good. Work it into the joints. SAve up for new.

But give us some more details. How many miles on the chain? How old is it?  When you check the tension, move it a bit and check the tension again, does it vary quite a bit?

[Skunk Stripe]

I dont know, that chain looks a little tight but thats just me.

[Alan F.]

Wouldn't too tight sound like worn out?

[johnyvilla]

No, that chain sounds like the charms on my grannies wrist during a bout of DT's.

Have you ever lost a chain at speed?

[campbmic]

Lost a chain at speed? Do you mean have I ever had one break or had it fall off the sprocket?

I havent had either btw, just wondering what the deal is, do I need to tighten it, loosen it? Replace (most likely)?

[mick750F]

   I haven't watched your vid but I refer you back to reply #1. What is the age/miles on the chain and sprockets? Like MC said if you have to ask then...

Mike

[Johnie]

Chain looks to loose to me from your video. Supposed to be about 3/4th inch movement vertically. This is measured from the center point which is between the sprockets of the lower chain area.

[MCRider]

Wouldn't too tight sound like worn out?

I don't really think so if the pieces were in good condition. It would just "ssssshhshhhshhshhhh" a little louder. No rattles and crunches.

[Spanner 1]

I hate it when Forum Folks report that they 'Tightened their chain today " . The chain needs to be 'adjusted' periodically, never tightened (pet peeve ). Crunchy chain noises can be evident even with a new chain if the front sprocket is worn and out-of-round. Front sprocket wears fast IMO and a bad one will also 'do in' your swingarm bushings prematurely due to chain lash...

[mystic_1]

Remove the front sprocket cover and show up pictures of the front and rear sprockets.  I bet they're worn.

Also, how many miles on that chain?

mystic_1

[Bodi]

The bike is on the centre stand. I think that the chain is too tight, on the wheels with a rider's weight it will be considerably tighter than as shown in the video. It's hard to guess how much force he's putting on the chain to get the movement seen.
Anyway, it does act like something - chain, front sprocket, rear sprocket - or all of them, is worn. I don't see it as "don't ride like this" but getting a set of sprockets and a good quality chain would be on my to-do list. A look at the sprockets would be helpful but a well maintained bike can have high-mileage sprockets that look pretty nice yet have a base circle worn to where a new chain will be very loose on the pull-out test.

[Lars]

This chain is defenitely too slack and worn out, same with the front and rear sprockets. Replace all of it and you will have a totally different sound and more comfortable ride. If the chain is the original one from the 70's, they are also a poor quality. They did not match the power of many engines, especially the CB 750.

I would also advice you to replace it before the chain snaps off. If your bike is a CB 500, the clutch rod going from left side of engine right in front of the front sprocket and to the clutch house, will breake. Lot of damage to other part my happen, too. A friend of mine had to replace the reare fender, chain simply snapped and swung up and hit the fender. And your left leg is not far away...

Book says slack to be 1-2 cm or about max 3/4 inch checked at the lower chain in the middle between the two sprockets. I does not say if this is to be off the center stand and with rider on the seat, so i believe it is the reading on center stand. Other opinions on that?

Lars

[Deltarider]

Not to divert this thread, but who in this forum, first series 750 excluded, had his drivechain snapped... ever.

[srook]

Never had one break but I have had the clip come off a master link and the link came apart.  No real damage.  Its a wierd feeling becuase the bike just coasts to a stop but the motor is still running.
Scott

[Bluto]

I replaced my 34 year old chain and both sprockets on a 76 550 not long ago.....it was amazing how many disturbing noises went away.....things that sounded like internal engine issues disappeared.

Replace em......soon

[Retro Rocket]

Not to divert this thread, but who in this forum, first series 750 excluded, had his drivechain snapped... ever.

I have seen lots of smashed cases in front of the front sprocket so i assume that at least some of those were from chain failures. I used to ride my old Honda's pretty hard and some of my chains {stock type} didn't last very long at all, they were crap.

Mick

[CrankyOldGuy]

Deltarider

 I had the chain break on my K1 IN 1973.  It put a nice hole in the crankcase.  Honda replaced the crankcase because there was no guard around the front sprocket.  I believe this happened to many CB750's of this vintage. My crankcase does not have a serial number.  Honda also supplied a guard but I do not think this would stop a broken chain from going through the case.

If I remember correctly the replacement chain let go at the master link.  Btw there was nothing worse than taking off the front sprocket cover and seeing that gaping hole in the case.

But ... I still have the K1 and hope to get it running again.  The last time I had it out was 76.

COG

[johnyvilla]

My Titans chain broke at speed locking up the wheel. Since then I have replaced every chain on every new (old) bike, that rolled into my garage for the first time.

Your drive chain is not a good area to get all thrifty and such.

[bollingball]

I can not tell the condition of the parts. But that chain is loose as a goose. I don't care if it was on it side it is loose.

[donny]

   I would have thought you could make a better video,  you being just a kid and all.
 Ya need some light on the subject.

    A new chain and sprockets are a good investment. You can sleep well.

[scottly]

go to the rear sprocket and at about 3 O Clock, try to lift the links away from the sprocket. IF this happens and you can see enough daylight , its shot.

This is how I also check for a worn chain. Also, it appears that the chain has a "tight" spot?
I would also like to see the sprocket teeth. I wouldn't worry about the sound, as it is a freshly lubed chain, and you are pushing the chain with the rear sprocket, vs the chain pulling the sprocket, as it would under power..

[Lars]

I replaced both sprockets and chain to o-ring type on my CB 550 K76. First long testride yesterday, and as Bluto points out - it was all much more quiet.

[fastbroshi]

Mike, why don't you post some pics of your sprockets, front and rear?  Maybe do a search on worn sprockets.   That would help a bunch.