Does my chain slack need adjusting?

kobachi · February 4th, 2011, 10:46 PM

I've never adjusted my chain slack and couldn't find a DIY on it in the DIY listing. I don't know anything about what chains should look like, but the fact that mine seems to be 'bouncing' sometimes makes me think maybe it needs to be tightened?

Two videos, the first is when the chain has been WD-40 degreased but before re-lubing it, the second is after applying lube.

Link to original page on YouTube.

Alex · February 4th, 2011, 10:49 PM

Chain Adjustment / Wheel Alignment DIY

Basically, push the bottom of the chain (in the middle) up pretty hard, then down pretty hard. If the distance is around 1 1/4 inches (give or take) you're good. Much more, tighten the chain. Much less, loosen the chain.

kobachi · February 4th, 2011, 10:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

Chain Adjustment / Wheel Alignment DIY

Basically, push the bottom of the chain (in the middle) up pretty hard, then down pretty hard. If the distance is around 1 1/4 inches (give or take) you're good. Much more, tighten the chain. Much less, loosen the chain.

I definitely saw that thread, but that seems to be about lateral alignment more than slack adjustment, no?

Any thoughts on the video? Do I have something else wrong? Doesn't feel like it should bounce around like that...

Alex · February 4th, 2011, 11:58 PM

The way you do lateral alignment is by adjusting the rear wheel forward and back / side to side. At the end, the wheel needs to be straight, and the slack needs to be appropriate. I'll look at the videos now.

Alex · February 5th, 2011, 12:02 AM

Way, way, way too much chain lube. But the chain doesn't look much too loose or too tight. Hard to tell when it's running like that with no load on it. Stop the engine, check the slack on the bottom chain run, and to make sure rotate the wheel a bit and check the slack at another point as well.

Cuongism · February 5th, 2011, 12:06 AM

Alex is right, rotate your wheel until you find the tightest spot and measure the distance from all the way up vs down. Service manual says .8-1.2 inches and I recommend erring towards the loose side.

Also, let your lube soak a little or wipe it down before using the bike. It looks like it's flinging.

kobachi · February 5th, 2011, 12:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Alex is right, rotate your wheel until you find the tightest spot and measure the distance from all the way up vs down. Service manual says .8-1.2 inches and I recommend erring towards the loose side.

Also, let your lube soak a little or wipe it down before using the bike. It looks like it's flinging.

Rgr, I had /just/ applied the lube when I took this video so it was still quite wet. But I have probably always over-lubed. Is that dangerous or just messy?

kobachi · February 5th, 2011, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Also, let your lube soak a little or wipe it down before using the bike. It looks like it's flinging.

Ah, I see what you mean now. The splatter you see on the bike was actually from the WD-40, not from the lube.

kkim · February 5th, 2011, 03:56 PM

I hope you're not cleaning and lubing while the engine is running like that. Too much potential for something to go wrong, IMO.

All cleaning and lubing should be done with the engine off and the tire being rotated by hand.

headshrink · February 6th, 2011, 07:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

I hope you're not cleaning and lubing while the engine is running like that. Too much potential for something to go wrong, IMO.

All cleaning and lubing should be done with the engine off and the tire being rotated by hand.

Like pulling your fingers into the sprocket.... potentially cutting them off

demp · February 8th, 2011, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

Like pulling your fingers into the sprocket.... potentially cutting them off

Please no one link that disgusting thread where the guy actually does it... lol

headshrink · February 8th, 2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by demp

Please no one link that disgusting thread where the guy actually does it... lol

I didn't know that existed.... yuck!

indr · February 8th, 2011, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

I didn't know that existed.... yuck!

oh you HAVE to see this ****; http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261

Powerlogix · February 8th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by indrish

oh you HAVE to see this ****; http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261

WOW, that was horrible. But at least now I know never to do that myself.

headshrink · February 8th, 2011, 06:57 PM

I think I'm going to have nightmares.

wvninja · February 8th, 2011, 07:30 PM

Yeah I'm not even going to look because I've seen that thread once and thats enough for me.

I use chain wax:

it doesn't fling like some of that other stuff.

Also alex is 100% correct. Since your suspension has no load its not going to show if the chain is properly adjusted.

Animal78 · February 8th, 2011, 07:46 PM

I couldn't help it I looked at it. Wow, that's awful. I hope no one does that. If you do please don't post the pictures LOL.

kobachi · February 11th, 2011, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvninja

I use chain wax:

it doesn't fling like some of that other stuff.

Me too

MiniCog · February 11th, 2011, 03:10 PM

The bouncing is fine.

I also have someone else get on my bike (the first time I adjust the chain on a bike, like when I juts get a bike), and jump up and down on it to make sure the shock will bottom out before the chain keeps the swingarm from moving down any further.

Quote:

Originally Posted by indrish

oh you HAVE to see this ****; http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=242261

He had the time to take pictures of it right after it happened!? HAHAHAHA!

MiniCog · February 11th, 2011, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wvninja

Yeah I'm not even going to look because I've seen that thread once and thats enough for me.

I use chain wax:

.

Same, it's great! I use it on my dirtbikes, too. I also have that Tirox 360º chain cleaner with the spiral brush thingy. It works pretty good, and the brush is great since I'm kinda lazy at times...

kkim · February 11th, 2011, 03:18 PM

Maxima Chain Wax is great product, but lately I've been using this on the bikes (street and dirt) with even better results... less fling than I was getting with Chain Wax.

headshrink · February 11th, 2011, 09:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Maxima Chain Wax is great product, but lately I've been using this on the bikes (street and dirt) with even better results... less fling than I was getting with Chain Wax.

I knew I wasn't crazy! Well, not too much. I could have sworn I was getting better results as well, but thought it is one of those things that was just too good to be true, or to easy.... defenately too cheap. This is the only stuff I buy now.

MiniCog · February 12th, 2011, 03:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Maxima Chain Wax is great product, but lately I've been using this on the bikes (street and dirt) with even better results... less fling than I was getting with Chain Wax.

I'm going to have to try that out after my bottle of Chain Wax is gone. (It's almost new...)

headshrink · February 12th, 2011, 04:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MiniCog

I'm going to have to try that out after my bottle of Chain Wax is gone. (It's almost new...)

Why don't you get it now ($cheap$), and compare the two...

If you feel motivated enough, you can even do a DIY "scientific" video study of the two, and post it. I love all the nerdy things we grown-ups do here.

MiniCog · February 12th, 2011, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by headshrink

Why don't you get it now ($cheap$), and compare the two...

If you feel motivated enough, you can even do a DIY "scientific" video study of the two, and post it. I love all the nerdy things we grown-ups do here.

Looks like I'm going to Lowe's/Home Depot this weekend.

I know that Maxima Chain Wax burns, like WD-40, but you can spray it on stuff, let it sit, and burn that stuff.

EddieNewYork · June 5th, 2011, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cuongism

Alex is right, rotate your wheel until you find the tightest spot and measure the distance from all the way up vs down. Service manual says .8-1.2 inches and I recommend erring towards the loose side.

Hey guys, quick question... when measuring the "between distance" up and down... is that while...

1. the bike is on the rear stand?
2. the bike is on the rear stand with rider?
3. the bike is not on the rear stand (level)?
4. the bike is not on the rear stand with rider?

rockNroll · June 5th, 2011, 07:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

Hey guys, quick question... when measuring the "between distance" up and down... is that while...

1. the bike is on the rear stand?
2. the bike is on the rear stand with rider?
3. the bike is not on the rear stand (level)?
4. the bike is not on the rear stand with rider?

1 or 3. 3 is easier. Don't worry about the rear being up a little.

EddieNewYork · June 5th, 2011, 07:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockNroll

1 or 3. 3 is easier. Don't worry about the rear being up a little.

thx man, wouldn't 1 be easier though if no rider weight is needed?

rockNroll · June 5th, 2011, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EddieNewYork

thx man, wouldn't 1 be easier though if no rider weight is needed?

Ouch, I kinda messed that up. Lemmie fix

#3 would be easier if all we are doing is checking, which is what you asked. Hold the bike upright, kneel and check. #1 is easier when making adjustments. When doing #1 don't worry about the rear end being up a bit on the stand.

EddieNewYork · June 5th, 2011, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockNroll

Ouch, I kinda messed that up. Lemmie fix

#3 would be easier if all we are doing is checking, which is what you asked. Hold the bike upright, kneel and check. #1 is easier when making adjustments. When doing #1 don't worry about the rear end being up a bit on the stand.

Oh okay.

maxwellca21 · June 5th, 2011, 12:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kkim

Maxima Chain Wax is great product, but lately I've been using this on the bikes (street and dirt) with even better results... less fling than I was getting with Chain Wax.

use this and clean your bike man! its freaking dirty!

Cedilla · June 6th, 2011, 10:16 PM

I think everyone should see those pictures from the gixxer forum. Just one look at that is a healthy reminder to never ever ever ever ever ever ever try to clean your chain with bike running. Much better than learning the hard way like that guy did.

the big mike · July 15th, 2011, 02:59 PM

chain question here: about 400 miles ago I had my chain tightened by the dealer. There was actually almost no slack. But right now, my chain is this loose that it even hits the swingarm when bouncing. How is this possible?
Has it something to do with the fact that I ride 70 miles on highway twice a week?

NathanUc · July 16th, 2011, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by the big mike

chain question here: about 400 miles ago I had my chain tightened by the dealer. There was actually almost no slack. But right now, my chain is this loose that it even hits the swingarm when bouncing. How is this possible?
Has it something to do with the fact that I ride 70 miles on highway twice a week?

I had similar issues after my first service maint (500miles). Turned out the dealership didn't torque the axle (I think that's what it's called..) enough. Check the torque and see if it's what the manual says (I don't have my manual with me or I'd tell you)

the big mike · July 16th, 2011, 07:07 AM

So i had my chain tightened today. They said there was so much slack on it in only 400 miles because I didn't lube it enough, considering I only use my bike for 100 km rides twice a week. So from now on I'll lube it once a week and see where it gets me.

February 4th, 2011, 10:49 PM	#2
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Chain Adjustment / Wheel Alignment DIY Basically, push the bottom of the chain (in the middle) up pretty hard, then down pretty hard. If the distance is around 1 1/4 inches (give or take) you're good. Much more, tighten the chain. Much less, loosen the chain. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

February 4th, 2011, 11:58 PM	#4
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	The way you do lateral alignment is by adjusting the rear wheel forward and back / side to side. At the end, the wheel needs to be straight, and the slack needs to be appropriate. I'll look at the videos now. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

February 5th, 2011, 12:02 AM	#5
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	Way, way, way too much chain lube. But the chain doesn't look much too loose or too tight. Hard to tell when it's running like that with no load on it. Stop the engine, check the slack on the bottom chain run, and to make sure rotate the wheel a bit and check the slack at another point as well. __________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

February 8th, 2011, 06:57 PM	#15
headshrink ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Bob Location: CA Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): '08 Ninja 250r, '14 CBR500r Posts: A lot.	I think I'm going to have nightmares. __________________________________________________ Honda Interceptor VFR800 DLX (2014, 8th gen) Honda CBR500r (2014) - FOR SALE Kawi Ninja 250r (2008) - Restored and passed-down within family, only to be abandoned

February 8th, 2011, 07:30 PM	#16
wvninja ninjette.org sage Name: Nate Location: west virginia Join Date: Apr 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Honda CBR600RR Posts: 633	Yeah I'm not even going to look because I've seen that thread once and thats enough for me. I use chain wax: it doesn't fling like some of that other stuff. Also alex is 100% correct. Since your suspension has no load its not going to show if the chain is properly adjusted. __________________________________________________ "Riding a motorcycle is like playing sports, not everyone is cut out for it." - WVNinja

February 4th, 2011, 10:46 PM	#1
kobachi ninjette.org member Name: Craig Location: Seattle Join Date: Dec 2009 Motorcycle(s): Blue 2008 Ninja 250R Posts: 86	Does my chain slack need adjusting? I've never adjusted my chain slack and couldn't find a DIY on it in the DIY listing. I don't know anything about what chains should look like, but the fact that mine seems to be 'bouncing' sometimes makes me think maybe it needs to be tightened? Two videos, the first is when the chain has been WD-40 degreased but before re-lubing it, the second is after applying lube. Link to original page on YouTube. Link to original page on YouTube.

February 5th, 2011, 12:06 AM	#6
Cuongism ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Cuong Location: San Diego Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, 2007 Daytona 675 Posts: A lot.	Alex is right, rotate your wheel until you find the tightest spot and measure the distance from all the way up vs down. Service manual says .8-1.2 inches and I recommend erring towards the loose side. Also, let your lube soak a little or wipe it down before using the bike. It looks like it's flinging.

February 5th, 2011, 03:56 PM	#9
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	I hope you're not cleaning and lubing while the engine is running like that. Too much potential for something to go wrong, IMO. All cleaning and lubing should be done with the engine off and the tire being rotated by hand.

February 8th, 2011, 07:46 PM	#17
Animal78 ninjette.org member Name: Larry Location: Albemarle NC Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250(sold) 2000 Ninja 250 (sold) 2012 Ninja 250r 2020 Harley Sportster (rarely ridden) Posts: 104	I couldn't help it I looked at it. Wow, that's awful. I hope no one does that. If you do please don't post the pictures LOL.

February 11th, 2011, 03:18 PM	#21
kkim Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: Too much.	Maxima Chain Wax is great product, but lately I've been using this on the bikes (street and dirt) with even better results... less fling than I was getting with Chain Wax.

June 6th, 2011, 10:16 PM	#32
Cedilla ninjette.org sage Name: Chris Location: Huntsville, AL Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 (sold) Posts: 755	I think everyone should see those pictures from the gixxer forum. Just one look at that is a healthy reminder to never ever ever ever ever ever ever try to clean your chain with bike running. Much better than learning the hard way like that guy did. __________________________________________________ The Ninjette is not a disposable bike. You are not ever supposed to get rid of it. It is like a [friendly] herpes virus.... once you got it, you get keep it forever. Originally posted by-Headshrink

July 15th, 2011, 02:59 PM	#33
the big mike ninjette.org sage Name: Michael Location: Belgium Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580	chain question here: about 400 miles ago I had my chain tightened by the dealer. There was actually almost no slack. But right now, my chain is this loose that it even hits the swingarm when bouncing. How is this possible? Has it something to do with the fact that I ride 70 miles on highway twice a week?

July 16th, 2011, 07:07 AM	#35
the big mike ninjette.org sage Name: Michael Location: Belgium Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250r, Fazer8 Posts: 580	So i had my chain tightened today. They said there was so much slack on it in only 400 miles because I didn't lube it enough, considering I only use my bike for 100 km rides twice a week. So from now on I'll lube it once a week and see where it gets me.

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