I have asked a few silly questions before so forgive me for this one. Can someone explain to me the correct way to measure the chain tension on a CBR600. The bike is a uk model with a centre stand. The handbook says to put it on the stand and push up on the chain, half way between the sprockets, slack should be 25 to 35 mm. But I have found that it hits the underside if the swinging arm at around 25 mm. I presume that it needs slackening off a little. But when sat on the bike with the stand up the chain has a reasonable amount on it. Am I missing something?

Apologises for a dumb question!

 

the 25 to 35 mm should be about right, you can whip out a ruler or you can do what everyone else does and get a 'feel' for it, to where you can grab the chain and know if its too loose or too tight.

 

Ah excellent I'll give it a go.

 

The 25-35mm should be the total slack when you grab the chain at the bottom, halfway between the sprockets, push down on it and then pull up, not just measured from its normal resting point and pulling up.

 

Ah.....ok I'll try that. It makes sense, shame the handbook isn't clearer.

Thanks for all your advice.

 

Also make sure the measurement of 25/35mm is where the chain is at it's tightest! The chain never wears evenly and a tight spot nearly always occurs, so measure at that point in the chain run. As you turn the wheel over you will find that the chain goes slack for a while then tightens slightly in certain places, this is where you set your recommended slack of 25/35mm. Hope this has made it clear to you? Didn't want to complicate things, but you will end up with a lot of unnecessary slack and be in danger of a broken chain if not done in this way.

 

Thanks again for your help. I intend to try check the tension tomorrow. I'll post any further problems. Your advice is always welcome.

 

I appretiate the time and effort all you members put into awnsering every question. Im in the states and i find every awnser in sae and metric numbers. This group is much better than any paysite or local shop. thankfully...........Nick E