Author Topic: Overtightened my chain (Read 3281 times)

salty · « **on:** March 27, 2007, 07:04:29 AM »

I fitted new dogbones to jack up the back end, adjusted my chain by the book, 30mm free slack on the side stand, took it for a 100 mile spin, including lots of wellie,sounded a bit noisey from the transmission, checked the chain with me sat on the bike (18 stone!) very tight and no slack. question is am i likley to have damaged anything?

aussiebandit · « **Reply #1 on:** March 27, 2007, 08:34:52 AM »

Short answer, yes.

Too much strain can damage the chain, cogs and gearbox.

Answer, re adjust your chain, and before you tighten everything back up, test it with you on the bike. Don't forget that the chain will get tighter as you tighten up the axle bolts etc.

Some where on the site are some suggestions on the best way of adjusting the chain.

salty · « **Reply #2 on:** March 27, 2007, 12:48:58 PM »

The Chain and sprokets are quite new, fitted when i bought the bike (1200y) less than 500 miles ago,motor has 7500miles on it, i havent been able to take her back out for a run since re-adjusting the chain,as you say i checked it with me on it this time, (really slack on the side stand now). How can i tell if i have damaged the box or output shaft bearing?or do you think i may have got away with it?

aussiebandit · « **Reply #3 on:** March 28, 2007, 08:42:59 AM »

I'd say that because you only did a relatively short distance you would have gotten away with it.

Hopefully someone with some more mechanical skills than I have will be able to help you more....

txbanditrydr · « **Reply #4 on:** March 28, 2007, 11:29:10 AM »

Quote

bikeb4cage

Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2007 7:14 pm Post subject: chain tension

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I had a similar problem with my B6 - I had installed a Hayabusa shock, which of course raised the rear of the bike. I set the chain tension (on side stand, no weight on bike) to 35MM and rode it for a bit - was too tight (could hear it and feel it over bumps) - rode it for maybe 5 miles, no damage. Definitely a good idea to check the tension with weight on it (you can sit on the bike and reach down and tug on the chain) - make sure there is still some slack when the chain goes through the maximum tension (as weight is applied) - I think I ended up setting it to more like 40 MM.
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2001 B12N, Micron pipe, HS stage II, Race Tech springs, Hayabusa shock, SS brake lines, Dual 5 3/4" headlights.

Mod Edit... moved from deleted chain tension thread

salty · « **Reply #5 on:** March 28, 2007, 11:49:15 AM »

Thanks guys, its good to have a bit of moral support,felt pig sick when i realised. I can live with the chain or sprockets stuffed, simple if not cheap to rectify, but the gearbox is a different ball game (though i do still have two months warrenty left

). I'm off on the weekend so i'll give her a run. is there anything you think i should be looking or listening for?
Thanks again for your help
Cheers
Karl

pmackie · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2007, 12:01:04 PM »

At best, you just put a little more wear on the new chain and sprockets. Likely not significant.

At worst, the output bearing on the counter shaft and/or the sprocket side rear wheel bearing can be damaged. This is NOT likely, as they are pretty durable.

Make sure you now have sufficient slack and keep a listen for any change in sounds as you ride. Rotate the rear wheel on the centre stand, in neutral, and check for any noise or roughness. Damage to the bearings will likely NOT show up for some time, so just keep it in mind.

Likely you're just fine.

salty · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2007, 04:47:35 PM »

Thanks,its true what they say, a problem shared is a problem halved. Thanks to all who have replied.
Cheers