[skyjumper88]

Hello you guys, I have got a 2008 ninja 500 with 4,600 miles on it and I recently changed the chain tension on it and noticed something about it. I noticed the chain was loose, my question is does a chain get tighter or looser as it wears? I have always thought the chain would get looser and you would have tighten the chain as it it wears but i am I wroung or does it just depend on the bike and chain?

the chain is stock on the bike.

 

[F4sSprintST]

the chain will always get looser as it wears

yes, you will need to retension it from time to time. see the owner's manual on procedure and proper tension

make sure you keep it lubricated with the proper motorcycle chain lubricant, NOTHING else. See your dealer or buy online

 

[skyjumper88]

cool thanks I have been relubeing at about every 400-500 miles

The owners manual says about 1.4 of chain tension but i have just been feeling it out with my hand and not useing a tap meassuer.

 

[F4sSprintST]

I don't honestly use a tape either.

Remember, too tight is worse that too loose.

afas relubing, vary that mileage based on time on dirt roads and time in the rain - increase frequency for both

 

[skyjumper88]

yeah I heard about that on you tube. The guy said that same thing it's always better to have a chain that is a little to loose Vs to tight because you could damage your teeth on the sprocket if the chain is to tight. So I aired on the side of a little to loose when I adjusted it.

I found out the reason why a chain needs to be a little loose also on youtube. So it would allow the suspension to move up and down when you go over bumps in the road without bidding the chain to munch.

 

[jetblack]

It's natural for it to get looser as you go. You'll have to tighten it more often as it gets older. If you have to tighten it more often than every 1,000 miles (which is nearing the end of its life), then it's time to replace the chain.

 

[BeeGee]

too loose will eat teeth too. Ask me how i know

 

[RayOSV]

One point not covered yet is to check the slack in the chain at a few points around the chain's revolution. Chains may not "stretch" evenly and should be adjusted to proper slack at the tightest point.

 

[skyjumper88]

One point not covered yet is to check the slack in the chain at a few points around the chain's revolution. Chains may not "stretch" evenly and should be adjusted to proper slack at the tightest point.

yeah I found that out on you tube and in the owners manual. I tried to find the tightest spot that I could.

Anyone live in Tulsa,Oklahoma? mybe someone could check my chain tension out to see if it is oky.

 

[jetblack]

One point not covered yet is to check the slack in the chain at a few points around the chain's revolution. Chains may not "stretch" evenly and should be adjusted to proper slack at the tightest point.

If you've a chain that is stretched in some points but not others, it's usually time to get a new one.

 

[RayOSV]

If you've a chain that is stretched in some points but not others, it's usually time to get a new one.

Agreed if the differences are large. If only slight and otherwise in good shape, keep riding. With proper care, chains and sprockets should last about 22-25K miles and should be changed as a set.

 

[Filip75]

Best way to check if the chain is too stretched and ready to be replaced: let go of the steering at a relatively slow speed (under 30mph) and the bike should roll forward normally. If it lunges and stumbles too much, then the chain needs to be replaced

 

[skyjumper88]

well should not have to worry about replaceing the chain any time soon the bike only has 4,600 miles on it