I have two questions about chain maintanence. First of all, does anyone know what size the nut for the right back wheel? That is the one with threads and Im guessing allows me to adjust my chain.

Is there a correct procedure to this? I was just going to loosen the axle nut, bring the chain to its tightest point, then start turning the adjusters at the end of the swingarm a quarter turn at a time?

 

If memory serves me right, I think it's 27mm, but don't quote me. As for the adjustment on the chain, yes there is a specific proceedure for doing this. If you just tighten it to the tightest point, you'll destroy your chain and sprockets. 2 things you need to do. Get the rear wheel aligned with the bike, then adjust the axle in equal amounts forward or back to get the proper tension on the chain.

 

When it comes to adjusting the chain, you want about an inch to an inch and a half of total play in the chain. Meaning, when you move it up and down with your finger, you want it to deflect 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch up or down from the resting position. Any tighter than this and you risk chewing up your sprockets. Also, make note of the little marks on the spacer inside the swingarm where the rear axle bolt goes through. You want the same amount of exposed marks on both sides of the axle. If not, your wheel will not be straight and you will destroy both the sprockets and the chain.

 

Just loosen the nut, and turn the adjuster nuts a half-turn each, until you have around 25mm
about 1 inch (how I hate imperial) slack in the chain. rotate the wheel to check for tight spots.
If you just tighten to zero slack you'll wreck the chain and sprockets in about 5 minutes, and possibly cause it to snap - not a good experience. Check the workshop manual for the procedure - if you don't have one, go to
http://members.iinet.net.au/~cbr/Hon...Manual.pdf>
OR
http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/midlife/i...ice_Manual.pdf
and for the Haynes Manual in GIF format for 87-96
http://blackbears.ru/index_en.php?get=manual

EARLY CBR600 & 1000f
http://www.carlsalter.com/motorcycle-manuals.asp

 

Thanks guys I adjusted my chain and made sure my rear wheel was aligned by counting the marks on the end of the swingarm.

The chain is a lot tighter now, but if I move it side to side I can touch the rear wheel with it. Is that supposed to be able to happen?

I've seriously neglected my chain and I'm going to get supplies to clean and lube it tomorrow

 

Yikes, I think your chain is done. Lateral movement shouldn't allow it to touch the tire.

 

+1 CBRClassic (G'Day !)To put it plainly, your chain is
Knackered
Stuffed
Worn out
Poked
Buggered
****ed[X(]
There should be little to no lateral movement in a chain.
Buy a new one - pref a X-link if you can, 114 links, AND new sprockets, and lube/clean them every 750-1000 miles at minimum. I do mine every 500 or so, x link's been on for 21/2 years, and hasn't needed any adjustment. Change it soon, dangerous to leave it too long - may snap, then you're in real trouble ! (they never break close to home)

 

Come on now, shadow, that'sjust not true. Mine broke about 1 mile from my house....
It was a nice walk. Very peaceful.

Not so peaceful when it snapped, though.I was coming up through 2nd, and it snapped at about 8k. Stock chain. I replaced it with an RK race chain. Big difference from stock.