So i just picked up my first bike aboput 3 weeks ago, and im starting to notice things that i think arent right.. it seems that my chain may be loose but im not sure on how tight it should be.. I am pretty damn sure that its the original chain ( 91 F2, with 17000 miles).. the bike has never had any major service done to it as far as i can tell, i just replaced the OEM brake pads. So, how tight should the chain be , or does it need to be replaced?

thank you
Adam.

 

The chain should have 5/8 inch to 1 inch of slack measured half way between the front and rear sprockets and measured from the bottom I believe. There should be a sticker on the left side of the swingarm telling the chain tension and tire pressures. More tham 1 5/8 inches and the chain needs replacing.Also note the chain wear indicator on the left side of the swing arm. Look on both sides of the swing arm make sure your tire is straight and the chain is in the green zone, if not it is stretched and needs to be replaced. My chain has 35,000 miles on it and is just now getting to the point of needing replacing.

 

thanks.. the chain was definetly loose.. about 2 inches of slack.. all good now.. thanks again

 

wow can a chain last that long? 35000miles you say

 

If you chain is 35000 mls old it needs replacing if chains lasted that long chain manufacturers would go out of buisiness

 

not 35,000? So anybody have any ideas how long? or should I just get the damn chain and spocket?

 

well the chain i had was about 40,000 miles old! So it was really time for replacing so i bought the Quick Acelleration kit from RK which has the Vortex Aluminum rear sprocket stock size 43 and front sprocket size 14 (stock is 15) and the RK 520 chain. so its the 520 conversion also. I have had it on for about 2 weeks now and i love it! You can really feel the difference in accelration although i did loose a little top end it pulls a lot harder

 

39K on my factory chain...just getting to the point where it needs to be replaced. its all about maintenance.

 

Not really, because there are a lot more guys out there accelerating and bashing gears, putting stress on their chains. I've seen chains last as little as ten thousand miles.
Chain manufacturers will always have customers.

 

I find it hard to believe you got 40000mls off a chain . and have you had the bike from new??