Endlessly extendable chain.

[pdsquire]

I known nothing about how bikes work and over Easter rode from London to Antrim and back via Newcastle two up with full luggage. Approaching Anglesey (250 miles) I could feel something knocking and when we got to the ferry found the chain was waaaaaaay too slack, so I tightened it and greased it well.

Then at Antrim (about 250 miles) it needed tightening again, though not as much, and at Newcastle (250 miles) and now back home (300 miles) it is not looking too clever. This is an outrageous rate of wear. Normally I'd grease it every 500 miles or so but I've greased it every time I've tightened it this weekend. What the Hell am I doing wrong?! (and no, I am not over-tightening it)

[Sohoeasy]

I believe the maximum service length of your chain should be no more than 321mm over 20 links (measured over a straight length pin to pin),So far as the amount of stretch on your journey,well I'm not sure, but greasing can slacken a chain visibly and adjusting your chain can be inaccurate if not adjusted whilst in neutral too ?.

[AIRWOLF]

When a chain is at the end of it's life adjustment is needed frequently. . . . Do you know how many miles the chain has done?

May be time for new chain and sprocket's.

[ADE THE BLADE]

totally agree with airwolf. get that wallet out time !! another thing i found ( mentioned in another thread i think ) is when chain is adjusted and axle nut locked up, it moves slightly forward and hey presto....chain has tooooo much slack. so i now over adjust ( very slightly ) chain then when axle locked back up it has the right amount of slack. anyone agree ? hope that helps you for future chain twiddling !! cheers ade

[Snaphappy]

When they are knackered they stretch at an alarming rate till they snap, and that is the last thing you need, check for wear on the sprockets and get yourself a nice new set

[moon]

I agree with airwolf too, I find that once I need to adjust the chain, I then adjust it more & more frequently so i's on it's way out...

[pdsquire]

In the words of the Prophet: oh bugger.

[Austin]

another thing i found ( mentioned in another thread i think ) is when chain is adjusted and axle nut locked up, it moves slightly forward and hey presto....chain has tooooo much slack. so i now over adjust ( very slightly ) chain then when axle locked back up it has the right amount of slack. anyone agree ? hope that helps you for future chain twiddling !! cheers ade

I used to find that too. What I do is just nip up the axle nut first, then make the sure the wheel is still pushed against the adjusters (kick it), then lock up the adjuster lock nuts good and tight, then shove my foot against the back wheel to finally tighten the axle nut. Result is the chain has the same tension before and after.

Oh and PDS, like everyone else says, sounds like the chain is knackered to me too - is there any black goo dripping all over the place? This is caused by the chain's o-rings leaking and definitely a sign the chain needs changing. The other thing, you say "grease" the chain, I assume you mean oil or chain lube of some sort and not actual grease. I am not certain but I don't think grease would be a very effective chain lube.

Good luck - Hondas C&S kit at David Silver's for £89.99, or get a proper Honda front sprocket, a pattern rear sprocket and the best chain - DID X-Ring Gold. You need 118 links. I had this set up for +40,000 miles with barely an adjustment. The front sprocket wore first (very very noisy) and I decided to replace the lot on the assumption it would all be worn out. It wasn't. Rear sprocket barely worn and virtually no wear on the chain. They are in the cupboard to be refitted at a future date.

[Austin]

You need 118 links.

just thought that is for a 650. Not sure what bike you have got and I think its different for the 600's.

[btbloke]

I always adjust mine bike leant up against a wall so it is stood not on stand and in gear, i roll it back so the chain at the top is bow string tight then adjust so it has about 40mm of lift at the bottom. i check it as i tighten the wheel nut and again when it is tight.
i was taught this by one of the old fellers from the TRF last national on the laning session we had because I was constantly adjusting and un-adjusting. i now do it once and it lasts a fair while.