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How much chain tension?

4666 Views 9 Replies 3 Participants Last post by  robbie
Hi all

just a quick one, I'm getting a bit of vibration on the bike while riding. Not too much but enough for me to feel it. Also getting a knocking sound. I'm assuming it the chain?? Please correct me if I'm wrong as I'm new to bikes. The chain seems loose to me. If I push it together the bottom part of the chain touches the frame of the bike (I'm also assuming that's not good and seems a bit loose, but again plz correct me). I know how to loosen the wheel and tighten the chain tensioners on the back but how do I know how much slack to leave? Currently it is set on the second groove on the tensioners if that's any help. And both sides are set the same. Is there a certain measurement or rule of thumb about how much slack to leave on the chain?
The chain hasn't actually come off but don't want it to lead to that.
Thanks
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well it needs tightening thats for sure. have you checked for tight and loose spots yet? the chain might be stuffed and youve found a loose spot while a tight spot might still be in acceptable range.

im not sure on the exact measurement of slack you are meant to have on the chain, i think its about an inch or 2.5cm
have we got a link to the maintenance guide somewhere on this new forum? that would answer most questions like this one. maybe I (or someone else, I'm not at home at the moment) could copy the most important bits from it into a post and call it something like "things you should know about your cbr250"

If it hasn't been done byt the time I get home I'll do it though.
Ive stuck up a post in the maintenance section with the service manual and a short concise one i found. They should cover everything. was bloody hard trying to find a link for the high res version tho...
Freddy Kruger said:
Ive stuck up a post in the maintenance section with the service manual and a short concise one i found. They should cover everything. was bloody hard trying to find a link for the high res version tho...
your a good man Freddy......
i checked the chain tension today. i measured it just behind the foot peg and it was 2.5cm which seems right according to the service manual. im still getting a bit of vibration but had a close look at the chain and sprockets today. chain needs to be cleaned, its filthy and theres gunk build up on the sproket where the chain meets the rear sprocket. is there a way to prop the bike up using a car jack and the side stand?? i dont have a bike stand at the moment but will be getting one (next on my list of things to buy)

also kero and a old tooth brush and cloth to clean, but whats a good lube for the chain? any preffered brands??[hr]
robbie said:
i checked the chain tension today. i measured it just behind the foot peg and it was 2.5cm which seems right according to the service manual. im still getting a bit of vibration but had a close look at the chain and sprockets today. chain needs to be cleaned, its filthy and theres gunk build up on the sproket where the chain meets the rear sprocket. is there a way to prop the bike up using a car jack and the side stand?? i dont have a bike stand at the moment but will be getting one (next on my list of things to buy)

also kero and a old tooth brush and cloth to clean, but whats a good lube for the chain? any preffered brands??

also was i measuring it from the correct spot? i used a metal ruler and placed it just behind the foot peg
half way along the swingarm apparently is the place and also rotate the wheel and just check for tight/loose spots.

wait till you get a proper stand or borrow one. i tried to figure a way of doing it with a jack and the sidestand but gave up as the hieght and angle needed wouldnt work for me. plus itd be on a prick of a lean too.

And while youre there take the fairing off and the front sprocket cover and clean in there. i pulled a huge glob of shit out of mine when i cleaned mine a little while back before i replaced the chain.
Freddy Kruger said:
half way along the swingarm apparently is the place and also rotate the wheel and just check for tight/loose spots.

wait till you get a proper stand or borrow one. i tried to figure a way of doing it with a jack and the sidestand but gave up as the hieght and angle needed wouldnt work for me. plus itd be on a prick of a lean too.

And while youre there take the fairing off and the front sprocket cover and clean in there. i pulled a huge glob of shit out of mine when i cleaned mine a little while back before i replaced the chain.
Yeh I think Ill wait. Last thing I want is the bike tipping over while Im working on it. Does anyone know where I can get a cheap stand?
Freddy Kruger said:
Kaneg, and use the code CBR250VC for 15% off
Thanks Freddy. I'll use that. Now I have a couple of other issues to try figure out on the bike. I posted it in another thread but haven't had any replys. Hopefully someone can help me with it. I won't repost here as I'm sure Noone wants to read the same thing in different threads.

http://cbr250.com/forum/thread-377.html

that's the link though. I updated with a new post after I installed the new reg/rec.
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