 Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Ok it sounds silly but what is the absolute correct method for determining total play. Its measuring the total vertical up and down play right. (I have not owned a chain drive since high school all other bikes have been shaft drive)
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22 |
I have always used 1" total lift from the center of the chain.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I use a ruler and measure right behind the exhaust bracket. You push up on the chain at that point and measure max. lift. I also use 1" plus/minus an 1/8.
I learned a quick long trip check. If you run your finger up the forward edge of the exhaust bracket and can't push the chain up to the bar that's there, you are still under 1 1/8". If you push it up and it hits, time to adjust. Try it.
Last edited by RamSound; 03/14/2006 7:54 PM.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,216 |
Just a reminder, on these particular machines a bit loose is much better than just a bit too snug.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3
Old Hand
|
|
Old Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 8,639 Likes: 3 |
Another thing to be aware of, chains seldom wear evenly. It is really important to move the bike to find the tightest point in the chain before adjusting it.
Let's hope there's intelligent life somewhere in space 'cause it's buggar all down here. -- Monte Python
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527
Loquacious
|
|
OP
Loquacious
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,527 |
Well, I was misinterpreting the methodology to check chain play. (I was bein a dumbell) I now see my chain is a little too loose. I will make another adjustment tomorrow and see how that second gear thing cleans up. That may be the cause.
Thanks. This forum reeks of help for lost souls.
"Proud to be an Infidel" ... "100% pure American Jingoist"
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22
Monkey Butt
|
|
Monkey Butt
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,700 Likes: 22 |
"I was bein a dumbell"--- That was a very valid question my friend. A dumbell would not ask and lose a chain or worse.
I try to aggravate one person a day. Today may be your day.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 116
Adjunct
|
|
Adjunct
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 116 |
How often do you guys usually have to adjust your chains, just curious?
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018
Learned Hand
|
|
Learned Hand
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,018 |
I think only once in about 12,000 miles.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,968 Likes: 1 |
I check the play and if it's too loose I adjust (>20mm). I've only had to adjust 3 times in 5000 miles. I lube the chain about every 1000 miles.
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13
Should be Riding
|
|
Should be Riding
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 11,126 Likes: 13 |
Quote:
I check the play and if it's too loose I adjust (>20mm).
Ron,
Did you mean to write, "I check the play and if it's too loose I adjust (>30mm)? 
Quote:
I've only had to adjust 3 times in 5000 miles. I lube the chain about every 1000 miles.
Three times in only 5K? I installed my latest chain 7.5K ago. I have yet to adjust it...
1000 miles is a lot. I feel real bad when road tripping  , if I get round to waxing the chain after 1K! 500 is a better number. When at home 300 is better. Ya can't over lube, or lube too often, if diligent and conscientious.
I average 19K on a chain kit. Second kit in place.
PS: Sorry I missed you in Daytona. At Jack Snack's hurricane magnet, John said you left that am. And here I rode to Daytona a day early!
Blowing gravel off rural roads
|
|
|
Re: Measuring chain play
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726
Loquacious
|
|
Loquacious
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,726 |
I throughly clean (kerosine rag) and re-oil every 1000 miles. I'll oil (chain wax) sooner if I've been riding in rain. I check the chain adjustment about every 500 miles but only have adjusted twice in 3000 miles and one of those was because I changed a sprocket.
Bob
2005 America, 904cc - sold. 2014 Trophy SE.
|
|
|
|
|
