proper chain tension

TXtwowheeler · 08-23-2008, 07:50 AM

Guys, I apologize for the worn out question, but it seems that my owner's manual and my local bike mechanic disagree as to the amount of slack there should be in the chain of a GZ250. Unless my eyes are bad, or the type is bad, it says .2 to .5 inches of travel at the middle of the chain. Local guy says more like an inch. What do you say my two-wheeling bretheren?

Thank you in advance.

**jonathan180iq** · 08-23-2008, 11:47 AM

I always go with the manual.

Water Warrior 2 · 08-23-2008, 03:27 PM

It is better to go with a little more slack than have the chain too tight. Shoot for the 0.5 as a target when tightening your chain. Too tight a chain will stretch and wear prematurely. The sprockets will also suffer. And as I was told recently, the front counter shaft seal might suffer damage and start to leak. Not a cheap fix on most bikes.

5th_bike · 08-23-2008, 04:54 PM

...additionally, no chain nor the two sprockets are perfect. A chain that will have 0.6 inches slack at one point could have 0.3 inches slack after you move the bike two feet. If you adjust chain slack, always make sure that you do it when the chain is at its tightest position.
The manual says 5 to 15 mm and 0.2 to 0.6 inches in the picture on page 27.

TXtwowheeler · 08-23-2008, 11:02 PM

Thanks to everybody for the input. I'm off to read more of the manual, so I can know what maintenance to prepare to do next.

patrick_777 · 08-24-2008, 12:16 AM

I think even more important than chain tension (except for the extremes of loose/tight) is keeping a chain clean and lubed well. Bad tension can be forgiven to a point by a well lubed chain and sprockets. This, of course, is just my opinion, btw.

Water Warrior 2 · 08-24-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 5th_bike

...additionally, no chain nor the two sprockets are perfect. A chain that will have 0.6 inches slack at one point could have 0.3 inches slack after you move the bike two feet. If you adjust chain slack, always make sure that you do it when the chain is at its tightest position.
The manual says 5 to 15 mm and 0.2 to 0.6 inches in the picture on page 27.

Thanks for adding that info. I know it and always forget to do it. My bad.

08-23-2008, 07:50 AM	#1
TXtwowheeler Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16	proper chain tension Guys, I apologize for the worn out question, but it seems that my owner's manual and my local bike mechanic disagree as to the amount of slack there should be in the chain of a GZ250. Unless my eyes are bad, or the type is bad, it says .2 to .5 inches of travel at the middle of the chain. Local guy says more like an inch. What do you say my two-wheeling bretheren? Thank you in advance. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-23-2008, 03:27 PM	#3
Water Warrior 2 Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Squamish B.C Canada Posts: 11,409	It is better to go with a little more slack than have the chain too tight. Shoot for the 0.5 as a target when tightening your chain. Too tight a chain will stretch and wear prematurely. The sprockets will also suffer. And as I was told recently, the front counter shaft seal might suffer damage and start to leak. Not a cheap fix on most bikes. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-23-2008, 04:54 PM	#4
5th_bike Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: HoCo, Maryland Posts: 1,349	...additionally, no chain nor the two sprockets are perfect. A chain that will have 0.6 inches slack at one point could have 0.3 inches slack after you move the bike two feet. If you adjust chain slack, always make sure that you do it when the chain is at its tightest position. The manual says 5 to 15 mm and 0.2 to 0.6 inches in the picture on page 27. __________________ 2005 "Saturn Black", stock + tach
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08-23-2008, 11:02 PM	#5
TXtwowheeler Junior Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 16	Thanks to everybody for the input. I'm off to read more of the manual, so I can know what maintenance to prepare to do next. Login or Register to Remove Ads
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08-24-2008, 12:16 AM	#6
patrick_777 Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Tulsa, OK Posts: 1,763	I think even more important than chain tension (except for the extremes of loose/tight) is keeping a chain clean and lubed well. Bad tension can be forgiven to a point by a well lubed chain and sprockets. This, of course, is just my opinion, btw. __________________ ]I am hiding in Honduras. I am a desperate man. Send lawyers, guns and money. The shit has hit the fan.
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08-23-2008, 11:47 AM	#2
jonathan180iq Super Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Dalton, GA Posts: 3,996	I always go with the manual.
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