checking chain tension?

[Busa Jules]

It makes absolutely no difference whether it's on the side stand or on the rear stand.

Easy way to set the chain tension without a measuring devise is to push up on the chain with your index finger about half way between the front and rear sprocket. If you can touch the chain to the swingarm without much effort, the chain is just right. If the chain won't touch the swingarm, it's to tight. If it slaps the swingarm without any effort, it needs adjusting!

+1

And if it doesn't move at all, its too tight :blush:

 

[Acehole]

Alignment? hmmm Eyeball it. Run the highway about 60..let go of the bars..if you go straight..you're done. left or right..go back and adjust, run the highway again!

this thread is a hoot...informative, provocative and alot of fun!

 

[Tufbusa]

That's a pretty good indicator Ace but a poor means of alignment

 

[FloydV]

+1

And if it doesn't move at all, its too tight :blush:

And, if it's black and looks like a radiator belt with teeth, your too damn drunk, and have the wrong bike

 

[Wag]

(+100 is some serious sheeiate...lol)
Got it - thanks. (self on bike; off stands; check tension)
Hate to eat through this here "like new" ZZZ gold before its time.
Preciate ya!!

Make sure you keep it clean an lubed, too. Clean every 600 miles unless you're in dirty, dusty conditions, then do it more often.

I use a silicon lube which requires me to lube it after every ride. If it's a long ride, more often.

--Wag--

 

[Wag]

I have to ask; how does the tension change from being on a swing arm stand to just having the tire on the ground? I understand how it could change with somebody sitting on the bike but I don't see the difference between letting the tire sit on the ground and having the swing arm supported.

I just did my first service and I adjusted the chain with the swing arm stand under the bike. I then read this and went out and checked the tension again when the bike was on the side stand and there was no difference. When I get home tonight I will have to adjust the tension with me sitting on the bike though. I didn't read that in the manual so I checked the tension with no added weight on the bike.

You know what, you're pretty much right. I use a center stand and in that case, it makes a huge difference.

Thank you, sincerely, for pointing that out.

--Wag--

 

[Wag]

How do you guys sit on the bike AND check the chain tension at the same time? I'm not a contortionist. mirrors maybe????

If you put the bike on a rear stand and then the stand on a scale, will it weigh less than putting the rear tire on only?

so many questions...

I just sit on it, lean over, and check the tension. I'm not using a ruler, 'cause seeing the tension and feeling it is quite enough for me.

--Wag--

 

[Wag]

The trouble with that is that suzuki gives their recommendation of .8 to 1.2 inches with the factors they state, nobody on the bike and its on the sidestand. That gives the perfect LOADED tension (rider/passenger) according to suzuki. If you tension the chain with the bike already loaded, the .8 to 1.2 inch range won't apply. If you set it the side stand way first, then measure it with you on it, you'll know what the proper LOADED tension is according to suzuki, and use that for future reference.
Or you can just ignore suzuki's recommendations and do your own thing

I have to admit, I don't like the way Suzuki recommends. YMMV so do it however you see fit. I do know that my chains last longer if I check with my weight on it.

I should also add, that if you're a heavier rider, you may want to add just a smidge more slack. Barely enough to notice. Being too loose is dangerous, though, so don't overdo it.

The thing is, when you're riding, you're hitting bumps and every bump forces more tension onto the chain and that wears them very hard. If you're a heavier guy, it hits all that much harder.

--Wag--

 

[Wag]

From what I've read here over the past several months, I've learned to discount the information posted by a un-name few. Some of the shiz I see posted here, I'm talking about simple stuff like this, it just makes me wonder WHY? ??? Why would anyone ask someone on the internet how to do basic maintenance stuff that is covered in a shop or owner's manual?

I'm just saying ... if you can read and you have access to the manual (which you do, there posted right here), why would you ask some yahoo on the internet?

No manual is ever perfect for every situation. It's a guideline at best. Sure, follow it if you like and you'll probably be fine. For me, getting 10% to 20% more chain life matters so I do it the way I've described.

Do you use synthetic oil? The manual doesn't say a word about it? Iridium plugs? Bridgestone or Micheline tires? Again, nothing in the manual. Are you using adjustable links? The links themselves say, "Offroad use only." Are you still using them. I don't know about you, personally, on any of those items but let's just say, we hear about ALL kinds of deviation from the manual from a great many expert riders and mechanics and you know what? There's a lot that just ain't in the manual!

--Wag--

--Wag--

 

[coreywiley]

alot of good information

 

[RedFalco]

alot of good information

ty.ty.
+100
ty.ty.