Topic: chain tension

[tramp]

as i check my chain tension i notice that the tension changes as the rear wheel goes around
it is always loose in the same spot and gets tight in the same spot as i spin the wheel
is that normal ?
were talking about 1" play when most loose to 1/4" when most tight
this is on a 1978 750f

[merc2dogs]

if it's an old chain check for frozen links, if it's not, check the sprocket with a poiner on the swing arm to see if it is offset or something,  if it looks as though the whole sprocked is moving like it's off center, I'd tear the wheel off and check everything in the wheel.
 Had one that did that, when I got the bike the sprocket was loose, no idea he rode it like that, but it wore enough that the sprocket would sit off center, when I did a quick snug up and rode it a while, I noticed it, had to get a new backer plate, sprocket was fine, but since I wanted to change ratio anyway.

ken.

[KCs76Cafe]

Sounds like you have the same problem I do. Mine goes from tight to loose also. I could nt for the life of me figure out why I could adjust it, ride it and it would be either way tight or way loose.

My bike had sat for about a year. While I was getting it running again I was soaking the chain with penetrating oil etc trying to free it up. It was all 4 people could do to push it up into the back of the truck.

Its loosened up alot but while I was changing the rear rim/tire I noticed it has 3 master links in it. Saving up now for a new one.

Sounds like you need a new one also.

[huntman58]

mine dose this also . I also changed the sprockets and chain out as the old ones were well worn ( almost no tooth left on the rear front looked new ) now it is still doing it with the new one so I set it at the tight spotbut then  at the lose spot it is lose and i mean that almost a 1.5 inch movement . so I am looking at a defrant set up and at the same time am going to try and lower the rpms at freeway speed also. the set up now is from JC Whitney. non o ring  chain well oiled and no tight or frozen links at all .
 I also have check the rear sprocket and it dose not seam to move around at all . my home made pointer just sits the same distance away all the way around  so ya what gives

[dave75]

I just had this happen on the bike I bought.  The bike appeared to have been sitting up for a couple of months at least.  Took the chain off and made sure all the links were free and the chain was well oiled and clean.  Checked the positioners on the rear sprocked where there is some tolerance on how it slides into the rear hub.  Sprockets were almost new looking.  All this and the problem was still there.

Called up the guy at loadfastugly.com and he said it does occaisionally happen where the strain stretches unevenly.  Replaced the chain and now everything works great.  Even tension and wheel free-wheels amazingly well.

Dave

[petersan]

I'm not sure about on motorcycles, but I know with "pedal" bikes this is commonly caused when the sprokets (front and back) are not perfectly centered about the axis of rotation.  OR rear wheel is not correctly aligned in frame

To correct on a bike - you loosen the sproket/cog on its mount - and rotate the wheel.  The chain tension evens out, and you tighten the sproket/cog back up - leaving the chain tension even throughout the rotation of wheel.  Or re-align rear wheel

NOT sure if there is a corresponding way to do this on a motorcycle.