drive chain problem
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 7
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From: new york
drive chain problem
ok went for a ride today and relized my drive chain was loose i have a 81 sportster xlh 1000 so when i got home i tried to adjust it. I loosen the axle nut and backed the sdjusters out an even amount when i spin the wheel with the bike jacked up it tightens at a certain spot any help will be great and asap cause this weekend is supposed to be nice
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,541
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From: Elyria, OH
How many miles are on the bike? It is normal to have a bit of chain tension variance as you rotate the chain, but if it is excessive or the chain wants to bind up in a certain spot, you may need to replace the chain and both sprokets because of wear. Can you post a close up pic of the rear sprocket teeth?
Check between the teeth on your sprockets. You may have something in there. It only takes a little chunk of something to jerk your chain loose. Also, you shouldn't tighten your chain with the rear wheel hanging.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 2,541
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From: Elyria, OH
I had a guy bring me his bike and wanted the chain tightened because it was trying to jump teeth on the rear sprocket. The sprocket was so worn the teeth were sharp as razor blades. I actually had to loosen the chain so he could ride it home. Both sprokets and chain needed to be replaced.
Club Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 45,429
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From: Bedford UK
ok went for a ride today and relized my drive chain was loose i have a 81 sportster xlh 1000 so when i got home i tried to adjust it. I loosen the axle nut and backed the sdjusters out an even amount when i spin the wheel with the bike jacked up it tightens at a certain spot any help will be great and asap cause this weekend is supposed to be nice
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3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2012
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From: new york
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Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
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From: New Jersey
There's a thread on the XL forums and I tried their strategy and wow it worked like a gem ... Start the bike let it get to operating temps then adjust the primary by sound ... Quick test ride and adjust as needed ( whining loosen clunking tighten ) also you could take the chain inspection cover off ( it will spit some oil ) but then you can visually adjust it ... Mike bikes never shifted and sounded so smooth haha
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 16,320
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From: Boynton Beach, FloriDuh
There's a thread on the XL forums and I tried their strategy and wow it worked like a gem ... Start the bike let it get to operating temps then adjust the primary by sound ... Quick test ride and adjust as needed ( whining loosen clunking tighten ) also you could take the chain inspection cover off ( it will spit some oil ) but then you can visually adjust it ... Mike bikes never shifted and sounded so smooth haha
