mossrider Posted November 10, 2019 Share Posted November 10, 2019 So I was messing around in the shop (surprise) and I took a quick vid. This gives a good idea how much the chain slack is affected by the vertical movement of the swingarm. For those that think that tighter is better watch closely. It is very easy to get it too tight. Tight can have a negative effect on suspension, shifting and rideability at least. And a disastrous effect on hard parts and safety at worst. I see many bikes with tight chains. Try this little tip; after checking your chain slack from the chain side in normal fashion, lay over the seat from the right side with the bike on its side stand. Reach down and grab the frame around the foot peg with one arm and with your chest weighting the seat compress the suspension some and check your chain slack. Or have a big friend hop on the bike and check it. You might be surprised. Note: vid is of an FZ07 race bike with raised suspension so it's somewhat exaggerated but the principle is the same. Be careful and follow the manual specifications closely. Be safe and have fun. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member fzar Posted November 10, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted November 10, 2019 I normally put my bike on the rear stand and check it. I usually let it just almost touch the swingarm. I might be completely wrong! But I got 25K mikes out of the OEM. I don’t want it slapping around, but a tight chain to me is dangerous. Thanks for the video @mossrider Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member bornagainbiker Posted November 10, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted November 10, 2019 Definitely err on the side of a bit loose--a tight chain is hard on parts. Give Respect To Get Respect https://jeff-galbraith.pixels.com/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Premium Member Evill_Ed Posted November 10, 2019 Premium Member Share Posted November 10, 2019 I checked it after my suspension upgrade just like you did Moss. I left the shock disconnected and ran the swing arm through the expected range of travel. On a modified bike with a longer shock and/or linkage, your chain will need a fair amount of slack. Ed "Do not let this bad example influence you, follow only what is good" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now