Too much play in chain.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Sydney Australia
Too much play in chain.
Gooday all.
Just purchased a mint 84 FXST and was out riding today with a mate.
He said that it looked like I had too much bounce or play in the chain.
I've pulled it on the Cog and the links seem pretty firm.
But there is a inch and a half of play when I grab the chain halfway and pull it up.
Do you think it needs a link or two taken out or, I have noticed that there is some adjustment at the Axle drop out, so should I pull the rear wheel back a bit?
Thanks for any help.
Wimbo
Just purchased a mint 84 FXST and was out riding today with a mate.
He said that it looked like I had too much bounce or play in the chain.
I've pulled it on the Cog and the links seem pretty firm.
But there is a inch and a half of play when I grab the chain halfway and pull it up.
Do you think it needs a link or two taken out or, I have noticed that there is some adjustment at the Axle drop out, so should I pull the rear wheel back a bit?
Thanks for any help.
Wimbo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 9,332
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From: Upstate New York
Adjust the chain with the axle adjusters at the rear of the swingarm. If you don't have the manual, I'd advise that you get one. My bike has belt drive, so I don't remember the exact spec for chain slack, but someone else will chime in here soon.
1 1/2 inches sounds a tad loose to me. Just make sure that when you adjust the chain that you are checking the adjustment at the tightest point. Sprocket runout and normal chain wear will make a tight spot.
1 1/2 inches sounds a tad loose to me. Just make sure that when you adjust the chain that you are checking the adjustment at the tightest point. Sprocket runout and normal chain wear will make a tight spot.
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Joined: May 2008
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From: Picayune, Ms.
You could remove a link and reduce the chain total length. But first try removing the excess length with adjustment of the rear wheel.
Keep the wheel straight by counting the turns on the adjuster, or make-up a rod with tape on it and put a mark from a common point. I use the shock attachment points on the swing arm.
Remember chains come in standard length's. ie: 102,108, 110 etc. if you need an intermediate length then you have to shorten it yourself.
Have someone sit on the bike and adjust until there is 5/8ths of and inch free play. Measure at the chain guard below the swing arm, it should be a rod welded to the bottom. I usually go the width (not length) of a link, make sure the chain is in the tightest position on the sprockets. Do this by turning the rear wheel and watching the chain as it goes around. Loose is better than tight.
Keep the wheel straight by counting the turns on the adjuster, or make-up a rod with tape on it and put a mark from a common point. I use the shock attachment points on the swing arm.
Remember chains come in standard length's. ie: 102,108, 110 etc. if you need an intermediate length then you have to shorten it yourself.
Have someone sit on the bike and adjust until there is 5/8ths of and inch free play. Measure at the chain guard below the swing arm, it should be a rod welded to the bottom. I usually go the width (not length) of a link, make sure the chain is in the tightest position on the sprockets. Do this by turning the rear wheel and watching the chain as it goes around. Loose is better than tight.
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Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Farmington ,MS
If the chain is stretched enough that you can remove a link and get it back together, you have some seriously worn out parts. You should be able to adjust it with the axle adjusters...
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Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
You can only remove two links and rejoin the ends of the shortened chain. I don't think there is a bike made on which you can do that! If you can't adjust the slack out of the chain, at the tightest spot, you should check that you have the correct front and rear sprockets and study them closely for wear. The trans sprocket is likely to wear more than the rear. If the chain is worn replace it, but only if the sprockets are in good condition, otherwise replace them as well, as appropriate.
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From: Coromandel Peninsula New Zealand
5/8 slack is enough, maybe go to 1/2 inch if its a big ****-off O ring chain....1.5 inches is a sign that the PO was a slacker on maintenance so give it a major service just to be sure that everything has been done.
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Sydney Australia
Thanks for your help guys, I'll try the adjustment at the rear wheel and see if that helps.
Cheers
Cheers
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Joined: Sep 2012
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From: Sydney Australia
Spot on Spanners and a happy new year.
Rust in the tank which caused all types of problems.
This was erradicated.
Fuel system totally cleaned out.
Carbie cleaned out and rebuilt.
Clutch Rebuilt.
Front steering bearings and lower trees replaced
All oils replaced.
Timing adjusted and everything else checked.
This was all done by a mech that specialises in Evos and rebuilds V Twins for Drag Racing.
Found out a lot about the bike as well which the Dealer was supposed to supply.
To bad the Business is 700 miles away.
Anyway, all good now.
Cheers
Rust in the tank which caused all types of problems.
This was erradicated.
Fuel system totally cleaned out.
Carbie cleaned out and rebuilt.
Clutch Rebuilt.
Front steering bearings and lower trees replaced
All oils replaced.
Timing adjusted and everything else checked.
This was all done by a mech that specialises in Evos and rebuilds V Twins for Drag Racing.
Found out a lot about the bike as well which the Dealer was supposed to supply.
To bad the Business is 700 miles away.
Anyway, all good now.
Cheers