The rule of the thumb says that the exact tightness of a chain will only let you move for about half an inch. Now, if the chain is too loose, then you need to tighten it. If you cannot even move the chain, then it is too tight, and it needs to be loosened.
There should be approximately one half inch of movement in the chain up and down at a point half way between the front and rear sprockets. To change the tension loosen one of the axle-nuts and move the wheel forward or backward slightly and snug it up again.
Chain being too tight can cause excessive wear of sprockets and can get cut during riding. Chain being too loose can come off the sprocket any time.
If your chain is too tight, it will cause excessive wear on the sprockets and chain and unnecessary strain on the engine. If your chain is too loose, it can jump off the sprockets, which can cause a crash.
Loose chains also make pedaling less efficient and waste your energy. A loose chain will only get worse over time, though, so you'll want to fix it to avoid further frustration.
The number most commonly agreed on for a worn chain is one per cent elongation between links. In reality though, you should replace the chain before this point. So, therefore, anything past 12 1/16in (0.5 per cent) would be the time to replace a chain.
No, as you already know, riding a motorcycle with a loose chain is never safe. A loosened chain can break or get off the sprocket, which can lead to an accident! Always make sure that your chain is tightened and maintained properly to avoid these issues.
A new chain usually feels sticky at first. These are residues of the high-performance grease used during assembly. Remove this grease with a thin-bodied oil or cleaner (no aggressive grease solvents!), lightly oil the rollers and remove excess oil with a cloth. We recommend never to degrease the chain completely.
When a motorcycle chain is too tight, it'll put stress on several components of the bike and cause the sprockets to wear faster, make the engine work harder, and cause the suspension to be tight and uncomfortable. Ultimately, a tight chain on a motorcycle may break leaving you with no power.
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1: KEEP IT CLEAN
As well as being damaging and expensive, a dirty chain will slow you down. A gritty, 'sticky' chain will generate more friction as you pedal and make your ride less efficient. We advise cleaning your chain at least once a week, or after every ride if you've been in very wet, muddy conditions.
If your bike is equipped with an adjustable primary chain and it is either too loose or too tight, this will cause vibration. Too loose, and the crank will rattle it as power transfers to the clutch; too tight, and uneven wear will produce an oscillating vibration.
Loose screws/bolts on drivetrain
This is a common reason for bike chains falling off. If any of the screws or bolts that secure your drivetrain are loose, the entire system can shift about while you're riding, which can easily cause the chain to come loose.
The thing that causes most stiff links is compressing the sideplates too tightly together, a natural result of using a chain tool that presses in the chain pin under great force to install the chain.
Yes, your bike chain will stretch
Depending on use, how well you look after, and the chain's quality will dictate how long it takes your chain to get worn (or stretch).
Believe it or not, bicycle chains actually stretch! A stretched chain will wear down the sprockets causing them to become sharp. The teeth then have less to grip the chain with and under load can lose the chain causing chain skipping. There is no way to repair a stretched chain you can only replace it.
Most mechanics agree that you should replace your chain about every 2,000 to 3,000 miles, depending on your riding style. Many Tour De France riders wear out two or even three chains on their primary bike over the course of the three-week race.
A tight chain will increase friction on the chain and sprockets, leading to greater power loss in the drive train and excessive wear. If your suspension bottoms over a bump and the chain was very tight, there is a great chance that the chain could snap, leading to damage and a stranded bike.