Chain slack | GTAMotorcycle.com

Chain slack

inyaknow

inyaknow

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Hey I know that the proper chain slack should be 1" to 1.5" but my chain has 2 really tight spots on it. The loosest part of the chain will be around 2.5" and the tight spot will be like 0.5".

My sprockets look ok(not pointy or hooked) and I've got 15,000 km's on factory chain.

Should I change my chain and sprockets?

Will riding with this current chain cause damage to my tranny or anything?

Thanks
 
The tight spots are caused by stiff links, replace the chain. If the rear sprocket teeth look decent, it should last until the next chain replacement. Front sprocket wears much slower than rear so no need to replace it.
 
Thanks for the quick reply Grouch. Is there anyway I can salvage this chain till next year or do you think I'm endanger myself and or bike?
 
You're not in any danger, modern chains are super strong. Your call, is it a money issue? A new chain will be much smoother and you'll feel the difference.
 
well, a little bit of money issue but I also didn't want to replace to a new chain and sprockets for 2 months then put her to sleep with the new stuff on, seems like a waste of time right now cause I can only ride and work on bike on Sundays and there aren't too many left!

I was thinking to do it all closer to spring time but will change it if it's not safe for me or my bike to not change it.

Would be much smoother I must agree cause the bike has alot more vibration to it know while cruising.
 
I had this issue last year, also near the end of the season. I changed the chain only and it was great for the rest of the year and this year - until I traded for a belt drive bike. When the mechanic at Rosey Toes took it off (not Ted, the other guy) lay it flat and showed me the tight links. Caused by improper lube, dirt, and wear and tear. I was in the same boat as you, wanting to wait till the following year, but it got to the point where I felt like it was rubbing and making a loud noise when riding. Best to be safe.
 
Varrus999 said:
I had this issue last year, also near the end of the season. I changed the chain only and it was great for the rest of the year and this year - until I traded for a belt drive bike. When the mechanic at Rosey Toes took it off (not Ted, the other guy) lay it flat and showed me the tight links. Caused by improper lube, dirt, and wear and tear. I was in the same boat as you, wanting to wait till the following year, but it got to the point where I felt like it was rubbing and making a loud noise when riding. Best to be safe.
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How much did Rosey Toes charge you?
 
Also want to add, if you decide to milk it for the rest of the season, make sure when you adjust the chain your rotate the wheel and check it in several spots. I think what happened with me, I adjusted it and didn't realize that the stiff links were there, so when the chain rotated around those links made for spots that were adjusted way to tight, causing the rubbing sound I felt...and probably a danger of snapping. Also the dude told me when adjusting the chain someone of about your weight should sit on the bike so it is adjusted under load...didn't really look into that if it makes sense or not...

As too the stiff links I think I cuased them by first cleaning the chain with a degreaser and then not lubricating it properly afterwards

All I can say is I'm glad I now have a belt drive...no more oily mess on my garage floor!

Good luck with yours
 
Thanks for the tip Varrus. How much did Rosey Toes (uggh) charge you, if you don't mind me asking?
 
inyaknow said:
Thanks for the tip Varrus. How much did Rosey Toes (uggh) charge you, if you don't mind me asking?
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Answered above. You're downtown, check out Flying Squirrel Motorcycle shop at Carlaw and Dundas. I don't think he does the work but he can order the chain and direct you to a local mechanic. He sent a friend of mine to a retired Honda mechanic in the Victoria Park / Eglinton area. I tried getting a hold of the same guy to do my chain but he doesn't answer the phone or return messages - older gentleman probably doesn't need the money or hassle, but my friend was happy with the work he did on his 599 (tire change, oil change). I think this guy's name was Ernie.
 
Varrus999 said:
You're downtown, check out Flying Squirrel Motorcycle shop at Carlaw and Dundas.
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Yep I buy my oil and filters from him. Nice guy. I was probably going to buy a chain and sprocket kit from Blue Streak racing. Have purchased 6 times from them now with zero hitches. Get it delivered by Canpar the next day and seems like amazing prices. Also, I'm no mechanic so will trust them to give me the proper parts for my bike.
 
inyaknow said:
Yep I buy my oil and filters from him. Nice guy. I was probably going to buy a chain and sprocket kit from Blue Streak racing. Have purchased 6 times from them now with zero hitches. Get it delivered by Canpar the next day and seems like amazing prices. Also, I'm no mechanic so will trust them to give me the proper parts for my bike.
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Tony from BlueStreak will never steer you in the wrong direction. Trust his recommendations on chain and sprockets. That cheap crap on Ebay isn't even sealed/doesn't have orings!

-Jamie M.
 
its not caused by stiff links always! the sprocket is mounted on rubber blocks, and therefore is never concentric with the axle, causing tight and loose spots.
 
onecartel said:
+1 if Tony was cake, I'd eat him.
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Hey I'm not gay but yuuum to Blue Streak cake:) I've never meet Tony nor talked on the phone with him or any other assiociates of his, only ordered product on-line. I suggest this site to everyone I know cause of the super fast delivery, cheap prices and great return policy (I had to return some bar end mirrors that didn't fit without drilling and wasn't comfortable doing that so hence the return, no arguments, no B.S. just my money back)

Gotta love a good, honest business man :p
 
inyaknow said:
Hey I'm not gay but yuuum to Blue Streak cake:) I've never meet Tony nor talked on the phone with him or any other assiociates of his, only ordered product on-line. I suggest this site to everyone I know cause of the super fast delivery, cheap prices and great return policy (I had to return some bar end mirrors that didn't fit without drilling and wasn't comfortable doing that so hence the return, no arguments, no B.S. just my money back)

Gotta love a good, honest business man :p
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He has WAY more stuff than what's on his website. Next time you're looking for something goofy or just when you're about to order something from someone else, give him a call. I don't think I've ever had him say "I can't get that" let alone even "I don't have it in stock!". Woot for next day deliveries :)

-Jamie M.
 
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