How to tighten the chain

[Jpsalvador]

Hey guys i just bought my gz250 and its awesome, however i put 600 k's on her and the chain is loose any ideas on how to tighten the chain, Thanks


jp

[patrick_777]

If you just bought the bike, you really should download the Manual and read it over very carefully. This will explain the chain tightening process and everything involved.

http://www.gz250bike.com/viewtopic.php?t=29

The basic principle is to loosen the rear axle and adjust the push screws on the back of the frame/swingarms to pull the tire away from the engine, thus tightening the chain to spec (5-15mm slack). Then retighten the rear axle to the appropriate torque and replace the cotter pin with a new one (highly recommended).

Also, ONE post asking the question will usually get you the answer if the search feature doesn't come up with it first. Three posts spanning the forums is not the way to get any sort of respect around here.

[5th_bike]

Be careful and make sure that the chain is at its tightest before you tighten it. Move the bike slowly forward and test its slack with your foot, every say 15 cm/6 inches, or if you have it on a stand, roll the wheel by hand) because often, chain slack is different at different positions - the sprockets nor the chain are perfect. I also would not tighten it to the minimum 5 mm, rather to say 12 mm.

My bike has almost 2400 miles and the chain has not needed any tightening.

[patrick_777]

Mine needed it when I bought it used. It was, however, mentioned upfront that it needed tightening.

[Jpsalvador]

Thanks Guys really helped, however for anyone doing this, there are about 6 marks on the frame of the bike by the axle and when you are moving the wheel back make sure the marks of the axles bolt line up perfectly with the other side because then the sprocket willl not be positioned properly, Thanks again to everyone for the help

Jp

[Pete7874]

Can you buy a new cotter pin at any hardware store or Walmart? Or is it a dealer-only part?

[Easy Rider]

Can you buy a new cotter pin at any hardware store or Walmart? Or is it a dealer-only part?

Any place.
Truth be known, about any kind of wire will work; even the old pin, if it doesn't break when being re-installed.

[blaine]

Can you buy a new cotter pin at any hardware store or Walmart? Or is it a dealer-only part?

Any place.
Truth be known, about any kind of wire will work; even the old pin, if it doesn't break when being re-installed.


I use a clip pin,reusable,and much easier to remove & replace. :2tup:
http://www.postimage.org/templates/images/smiley/happy/8.gif (http://www.postimage.org/)

[Pete7874]

Thanks guys!

[93CutlassSupreme]

Can you buy a new cotter pin at any hardware store or Walmart? Or is it a dealer-only part?

Any place.
Truth be known, about any kind of wire will work; even the old pin, if it doesn't break when being re-installed.


Cotter pins should not be reused.

[Easy Rider]

Cotter pins should not be reused.

The key word is "should".
If you have a new one, by all means, use it.
If you've been using them for about 60 years, you can pretty much tell if they are good
for another use or not by the look and feel.
Re-using one would be much preferred to having none at all........if that is the choice.

[93CutlassSupreme]

Cotter pins should not be reused.

The key word is "should".
If you have a new one, by all means, use it.
If you've been using them for about 60 years, you can pretty much tell if they are good
for another use or not by the look and feel.
Re-using one would be much preferred to having none at all........if that is the choice.


Considering that a pack is only a couple dollars, and the fact that the tangs are only meant to be bent once, they should be replaced.


But you are right, if you don't have a choice you have to do what you have to do.

[dhgeyer]

I'm a b-a-a-a-a-a-d boy. I've been known to use just about anything at hand, including coat hanger wire. As long as it's thick enough to do its job, and you can bend it so it won't come off.........

Of course it's always best to have the correct part, and new is preferable. I'm just sayin'.

[music man]

I have used a nail for one before, just bent it over, it was actually better than the cotter pin was, guaranteed not to come out :2tup: . I didn't leave it though, because it didn't look very "professional", but it worked until I got a new cotter pin in there.

[Water Warrior 2]

Or you could just buy a self locking nut and throw the cotter pin away. Save spare cotter pins for riders in distress on the road.

[dentheman]

Or you could just buy a self locking nut and throw the cotter pin away. Save spare cotter pins for riders in distress on the road.
My experience with self-locking nuts on aircraft is that they are for one time use, once it has been loosened to make some adjustment it looses some of its locking ability and must be replaced. Is this 'overkill' for a motorcycle?

[Water Warrior 2]

There are actual reuseable nuts for motorcycle axles. Quite a few Vstrom riders use them to get away from cotter pins and the frustration of dealing with them. I have never heard about them being a one time use item from any riders but I will make an inquiry if you would like. I don't use one myself and can't post any personal experience with then. There are some bikes that do not come from the factory with cotter pins. They have a differently designed axle nut.

A little info for you. Dual-Star.com is a supplier of locking axle nuts. You could make an e-mail inquiry for one that might fit a GZ.

2009 and 2010 650 Vstroms do not come with cotter pins from the factory. Different style nut obviously. Also it was mentioned by others that cotter pins are only supplied on bikes where government legislation requires cotter pins. Who knew ??

[ruxpin76]

The "Nylocks" don't like heat, and have a finite lifespan... I seem to recall 12 uses, but I am not sure. I'll be "safety wiring" mine.