Chain slack

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Gazfirestormowner
Posts: 479
Joined: Wed Apr 10, 2013 10:11 am
Location: Rugby warickshire

Chain slack

Post by Gazfirestormowner »

How much slack do u guys leave on your chain and how do u measure it
Virt
Posts: 6793
Joined: Wed Dec 12, 2012 12:35 pm
Location: Leicestershire

Re: Chain slack

Post by Virt »

I think you're supposed to have about 25mm of slack, while you are sat on the bike upright (no sidestand) ?
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Redthunder
Posts: 411
Joined: Thu May 09, 2013 9:27 pm
Location: Derbyshire

Re: Chain slack

Post by Redthunder »

I use a metal rule
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8541Hawk
Posts: 2066
Joined: Sat Jul 21, 2012 5:21 am
Location: Bella Vista, AR

Re: Chain slack

Post by 8541Hawk »

And always remember it is better to run the chain a bit too loose than it is a bit too tight.....

With that, I never measure, I sit on the bike and then reach down and push on the lower run of the chain to take the slack out.

Does it hit the mid-pipe?
If so, it needs to be tightened a bit.

If it doesn't hit the pipe, you are good to go. (though it should be close to the pipe)

A chain that is run too tight not only wears your sprockets at a higher rate, it also puts extra load on the counter-shaft bearing and does not allow the rear suspension to function correctly.

Though as always YMMV :D
Loud pipes don't save lives, knowing how to ride your bike will save your life.
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darkember
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Joined: Wed Sep 08, 2010 10:48 pm
Location: South Wales Abergavenny

Re: Chain slack

Post by darkember »

I set mine on the side stand & take about 10 different measurements to find any tight spots. I then set the tension taking my lightweight frame into consideration.
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Saintsman27
Posts: 727
Joined: Wed Nov 07, 2012 9:28 pm
Location: St Helens , Merseyside

Re: Chain slack

Post by Saintsman27 »

Well I'm a fat boy and really too big... but if this is any use
if I am sat on the bike play is about half inch up and down . not too tight
I keep the chain well spray waxed .. never a problem bikes done 20K
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