loose chain

[Swiss Rolls]

im not sure on the chain tension for my zxr400 H1 (haven't acquired a manual yet) but i know i should not be able to touch the swingarm when pushing it up haha, and also there seems to be quite a lot of side to side movement aswell :/

it feels fine and i dont have any problem with the wheel locking, but it is massively loose as you can see it sagging haha, so would like to adjust it.

could anyone advise me on how to tighten it correctly with regards to the chain having different tight and loose spots so will have to be tightened at a certain point but i am unsure where

[bullet5]

The point you need to check 1st is on the rear sproket, Grab the chain at the rear most point of the sproket, and try to pull it straight off the sproket, if the chain comes far enough off the sproket that you can see the ends of the teeth on the sproket, then you need a new chain.

The next thing to measure is the tension. Hold the chain on the bottom run (that feeds the rear sproket) in the middle of the two sprokets. Then move it up and down. Most bikes shouldn't have more than about 3.5cm of slack. Between 25mm and 35mm is normally perfect, HOWEVER check your manual for the exact tension settings, as there are variations. Even the owners manual should state it.

This will give you some details, like what torque to lock up the rear axel with: http://www.zxrworld.co.uk/Manuals/L%20M ... er%201.pdf

One final tip if you can't find out exactly how tight your chain should be is to get a friend to sit on the bike (heavy person) so the swingarm is then putting the most tension on the chain possible. At this extent there should be a tiny bit of movement up/down, and the chian shouldn't be so tight as to restrict swingarm movement, otherwise you'll get advanced wear and drag, damagin your sprockets, chian rear axel and drive shaft. (you really don't want to mess up that last one).

If I was you i'd ring up a local dealers and check the tension details with them.

All the best,

Bullet5.

[Susieque]

Have a look in this thread..... http://www.themotorbikeforum.co.uk/view ... =5&t=21360

halfway down first page is a detailed explanaition!

[Colin the Bear]

Bookmark and read at leisure

http://www.dansmc.com/mc_repaircourse.htm

[Ingah]

The point you need to check 1st is on the rear sproket, Grab the chain at the rear most point of the sproket, and try to pull it straight off the sproket, if the chain comes far enough off the sproket that you can see the ends of the teeth on the sproket, then you need a new chain.

Definite +1 for this bit particularly, it sounds like it's well gone (i'd go further and suggest if it comes any more than halfway to the end of the tooth, it's bin-worthy).

Remember the sprockets too, unless you don't mind buying a new chain, again, soon!

[Swiss Rolls]

thanks alot guys will check the chain travel soon and will have a read through those links later on

but by sounds of things am gonna need a new chain and sprocket as there is A LOT of travel haha

also, could a loose chain / worn sprockets cause any slip with the drivetrain? As i thought the clutch was slipping under hard acceleration, this could not be the chain slipping on the sprockets could it? as im not too keen on replacing chain, sprockets and clutch plates, my pockets arent that deep haha

thanks again

[eastanglianbiker]

if your chain is that loose then yes it could be slipping round and jumping teeth on either sprocket so it sounds like its new chain and sprocket set time

[Carlos Von Brum]

RED ONES.

CvB